Description / Abstract: This standard applies to non-rechargeable lithium cells, batteries, and battery systems that are permanently installed on aircraft.

For the purposes of this standard, a non-rechargeable lithium battery and battery system is considered permanently installed equipment when it is included as part of the type design of the aircraft (or a supplemental/amended type design). This standard also applies to nonrechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems contained within Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) that are part of the type design.

Non-rechargeable lithium batteries within PEDs that are not part of the type design are outside the scope of this document; these PEDs fall under the purview of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards division and are regulated by operational rules under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). PEDs that are not part of the type design, especially those located on the flight deck, can pose similar hazards as permanently installed equipment.

This standard does not apply to secondary (rechargeable) lithium batteries or to passengercarried items regardless of their battery type.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to establish a Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) for non-rechargeable lithium cells and batteries installed as or in End Items on aircraft. This MOPS contains a set of requirements, tests, and evaluation criteria to establish and assure the safe operation of End Items which are powered by nonrechargeable lithium batteries containing lithium metal or lithium alloys. This MOPS applies to batteries used as the main power source or that are used for back-up or stand-by power. Guidance is also provided on design, safety, handling, and storage of these items.

Lithium batteries with a number of chemistries, sizes, and construction details are widely used today, and due to a variety of factors can present hazards if improperly designed, manufactured, tested, handled, used, or stored.

Compliance with the requirements contained within this document is recommended as a means of assuring that the cell or battery will perform its intended function(s) safely under conditions encountered in routine aviation operations. To ensure safe operation on the aircraft, it is imperative that users of this standard thoroughly understand the aircraft performance requirements (which establish the operating environments for End Items) and the capabilities and limitations of the batteries and battery systems which power those End Items. It is the equipment installers’ responsibility to ensure that the batteries and battery systems meet the certification and installation requirements of the aircraft. Any regulatory application of this document is the sole responsibility of the certifying civil aviation authority.