Lithium-ion Battery Regulations and Certifications

Lithium-ion batteries play an increasingly important role in aviation, powering everything from avionics to engine starts. To ensure safety and reliability, batteries designed for aircraft must meet the strictest industry requirements. In this article, we’ll explore RTCA DO-311A certification and cover some of the important shipping requirements for lithium-ion batteries.

RTCA DO-311A is the highest standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in aviation, setting the minimum requirements for performance, design, and safety.

Aircraft manufacturers require RTCA DO-311A certification to ensure batteries meet necessary criteria for new aircraft design and regulatory requirements, while installers rely on RTCA DO-311A to ensure batteries provide expected performance and maintain safety and reliability.

To earn RTCA DO-311A certification, lithium-ion batteries must pass rigorous testing. This includes:

• Short Circuit Protection
  Verifies the battery can handle short circuits safely and recover without failure
• Overcurrent and Temperature Protection
  Confirms that the battery is protected from damage caused by excessive current or high temperatures
• Thermal Containment
  Demonstrates the battery’s ability to contain and manage thermal events without affecting surrounding systems

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) places a significant focus on RTCA DO-311A compliance. For those seeking a Technical Standard Order (TSO), Type Certificate (TC), or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for lithium-ion batteries, RTCA DO-311A certification is required.

AC 21-84 is an important checklist provided by the FAA that complements RTCA DO-311A by offering aircraft manufacturers, installers, and maintenance professionals guidance on the procedure and process for installation of lithium-ion batteries into aircraft systems. It is not a requirement or regulation.

Together, RTCA DO-311A and AC 21-84 form a framework that promotes safety, reliability, and compliance in aviation-grade lithium-ion battery applications.

Important Note: AC 20-184 is not accepted by the FAA. The FAA requires 20-184A, which is only available as an unpublished draft. As an alternative, installers can use Certification Position Papers (CPP), specifically CPP-23.2525-2, -3.

All lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous materials by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and require special processes for shipping. This classification covers a wide range of battery types, sizes, and different chemistries — from lithium batteries found in consumer electronics to aircraft batteries.

Discharge Levels

• For air transport, lithium batteries must be discharged to 30% State of Charge.
• For ground transport, lithium batteries can remain at 100% State of Charge.

Training and Certification

• Companies shipping lithium-ion batteries may require hazardous material training.
• Additional certification may be required to meet international shipping requirements.

Shipping Assistance

• True Blue Power offers a Prepackaged Return Process (PRP) to assist our customers. The PRP is a kit that includes all packing materials and documents necessary to ship a battery to True Blue Power for service.

True Blue Power’s lithium-ion batteries are designed to exceed RTCA DO-311A to deliver more power, safety, life and reliability. Other True Blue Power battery certifications include FAA TSO-C179b (Class A-4B), RTCA DO-160G, RTCA DO-178C DAL A, and UNDOT/IATA.

If you have questions about lithium-ion battery regulations, certifications, or shipping, contact us.