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FAA

Aviation Safety

EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS 

DIRECTIVE

www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/

DATE: January 16, 2013

AD #: 2013-02-51

Emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-02-51 is sent to owners and operators of The 

Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. 

Background

This emergency AD was prompted by recent incidents involving lithium ion battery failures 

that resulted in release of flammable electrolytes, heat damage, and smoke on two Model 787-8 

airplanes. The cause of these failures is currently under investigation. These conditions, if not 

corrected, could result in damage to critical systems 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 information and determined the 

unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type 

design.

AD Requirements

This AD requires modification of the battery system, or other actions, in accordance with a 

method approved by 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 of 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 authority.

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 by prescribing 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 products 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.
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2013-02-51 The Boeing Company: Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-016-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 System 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 electrolytes, heat damage, and smoke on two Model 787-8 airplanes. The 

cause of these failures is currently under investigation. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to 

critical systems 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 system, or take other actions, in accordance with a 

method approved by 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 directly 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 emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACOAMOC-Requests@faa.gov.

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking 

a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 

district office.
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(i) Related Information

For further information about this AD, contact: Robert Duffer, Manager, Systems and 

Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 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 by:

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,

Aircraft Certification Service.