Federal Register #FAA-2026-3506

FAA Issues Special Conditions for Honeywell Lithium Battery Installations on Boeing 757 Aircraft

This notice from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addresses new safety requirements for aircraft modifications: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - Honeywell International Inc. (modification designer and installer) - The Boeing Company (original aircraft manufacturer) - Products/Services: - Installation of non-rechargeable lithium batteries in underwater locator beacons (ULBs) on Boeing 757-200, 757-200PF, 757-200CB, and 757-300 series airplanes - No specific part numbers or quantities are listed; the notice is regulatory, not a procurement - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Special safety conditions for lithium battery installations, including: - Safe cell temperature management - Prevention of thermal runaway - Avoidance of toxic or explosive gas emissions - Failure warning systems - These requirements address risks not covered by existing airworthiness standards - The FAA is requesting public comments on these special conditions - No procurement or solicitation for products or services is included in this notice - Key Locations: - FAA offices in Washington, DC; Des Moines, WA; and Oklahoma City, OK

Description

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing 757 series airplanes as modified by Honeywell International, Inc. The modification involves the installation of non-rechargeable lithium batteries in an underwater locator beacon (ULB), a novel design feature not adequately covered by existing airworthiness standards. The special conditions establish additional safety standards to ensure a level of safety equivalent to current regulations, addressing issues such as safe cell temperatures, prevention of thermal runaway, toxic gas emissions, and failure warning systems. Comments on these conditions are requested by June 1, 2026.

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