1 **F AA**  **Aviation Safety** 

## EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety /alerts/ **DATE: January 16, 2013**  **AD #: 20 13**  **- 02**  **- 51**  Emergency

airworthiness directive (AD) 20 13 - 02 - 51 is sent to owners and operators of The Boeing Company Model 787 - 8 airplan es. **Background** This emergency

AD was prompted by recent incidents involving lithium ion battery failures that resulted in release of flammable electroly tes , heat damage, and smoke on two Model 787 - 8 airplanes . The cause of these failures is currently un der investigation. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in damage to critical sy stems and structures, and the potential for fire in the electrical compartment. **FAA’s Determination** We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant in formation and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likel y to exist or develop in other products of the same typ e design . **AD Requirements** This AD requires modification of the battery sy stem, or other action s , in accordance with a method a pproved b y the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. **Interim Action** We consider this AD interim action. As the investigation progresses, we might determine that additional action is necessary . **Authority for this Rulemaking** Title 49 o f the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency ’s authori ty . We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce b y presc ribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on pro ducts identified in this rulemaking action. **Presentation of the Actual AD** We are issuing this AD under 49 U.S.C. Section 44701 according to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator.2

**2013 -**  **02 -**  **51 The Boeing Company**  : D irectorate Identifier 2013 -NM - 0 16 - AD . **(a) Effective Date**  This Emergency

AD is effective upon receipt. **(b) Affected ADs**  None. **(c) Applicability**  This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787 - 8 airplanes, certificated in any category . **(d) Subject**  Joint Aircraft S ys tem Component (JASC ) /Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical power. **(e) Unsafe Condition**  This AD was prompted by recent incidents involving lithium ion battery failures that resulted in release of flammable electroly tes, heat damage, and smoke on two M odel 787 - 8 airplanes. The cause of these failures is currentl y under investigation. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to critical s ys tems and structures, and the potential for fire in the electrical compartment. **(f) Compliance**  Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. **(g )**  **Modification or Other Action** Before further flight, modify the battery s ys tem , or take other action s , in accordance with a method approved b y the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. **( h**  **) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)**  (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO , FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directl y to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be email ed to: 9 - ANM - Seattle - ACO AMOC - Requests@faa.gov . (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate p rincipal i nspector, or lacking a principal inspector , the manager of the loc al f light s tandards district o ffice/certificate holding district office .3

**( i** **) Related Information**  For further information about this AD, contact: Robert Duffer , Manager, Sy stems and Equipment Branch, ANM - 130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 16 01 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057 - 3356 ; phone: 425 - 917 - 6493 ; fax: 425 - 917 - 6590 ; email : Robert.Duffer@faa.gov . Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 16, 2013. Original signed b y: Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate , Airc raft Certification Service .