Airbus All Operators Transmission A24L007-20

CUSTOMER SERVICES DIRECTORATE 2 ROND POINT EMILE DEWOITINE 31700 BLAGNAC FRANCE TELEPHONE + 33 (0)5 61 93 33 33

ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 1 of 6 Date: 23-SEP-2020 © AIRBUS S.A.S. 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT SUBJECT: ATA 24 – Ni-Cd Batteries - Risk of capacity reduction during aircraft parking & storage AIRCRAFT TYPE: A330,A340 OUR REF.: A24L007-20 Rev 00 dated 23-SEP-2020 EFFECTIVITY DATE: 23-SEP-2020

1. AIRCRAFT AFFECTED

All Aircraft

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTATION

2.1 APPENDIX Appendix 1: Short term action Appendix 2: On-wing battery preservation procedure

2.2 REFERENCES Ref 1: ISI 24.00.00046 (ATA 24 - Recommendations for parking & storage during COVID19 period) Ref 2: Task in AMM PB 10-10-00 (Parking and storage procedure) Ref 3: Task in AMM PB 10-11-00 (Parking periodic ground checks) Ref 4: Task in AMM PB 10-12-00 (Storage periodic ground checks) Ref 5: Task in AMM PB 10-30-00 (Return to service) Ref 6: Task in AMM PB 24-38-51 & 24-38 -52 (Removal of the battery) Ref 7: Task in AMM PB 31-21-00 (Adjustment of the Clock) Ref 8: Task in AMM PB 24-41-00 (Energize the aircraft electrical circuits) Ref 9: Task in AMM PB 24-41-00 (De-energize the aircraft electrical circuits) Ref 10: Task in AMM PB 24-42-00 (Energize the ground service network from the external power) Ref 11: Task in AMM PB 24-42-00 (De-energize the ground service network from the external power) Ref 12: SAFT Battery CMM 24-38-52 (Battery PN 4059) Ref 13: SAFT Battery CMM 24-38-53 (Battery PN 405CH) Ref 14: SAFT Battery CMM 24-38-54 (Battery PN 505CH)

ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 2 of 6 Date: 23-SEP-2020 © AIRBUS S.A.S. 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT

3. REASON The purpose of this AOT is to inform the operators:

that the capacity of the batteries (FINs 2PB1, 2PB2 and 2PB3) may be reduced due to repetitive disconnections and connections during an aircraft parking or storage period, as detailed in § 3.1 and § 4.2.1 of this AOT.

and of the need of restoring the capacity of these batteries per ref 12 (or ref 13 or ref 14), within a defined time frame.

3.1 FACTS In the frame of massive aircraft grounding due to COVID-19 pandemic, several engineering reviews have been organised between Airbus and the battery supplier SAFT. During these reviews, it was highlighted that the current AMM aircraft parking and storage procedures (per ref 2, ref 3 & ref 4) requiring physical disconnection and periodic reconnection of batteries may induce a reduction in capacity for Ni-Cd batteries, when repetitively done.

The current AMM aircraft parking and storage procedures require:

to disconnect the batteries when the aircraft is parked or stored and de-energized for more than 2 days (per ref 2).

to reconnect the batteries when aircraft is energized during aircraft periodic ground checks (per ref 3 or ref 4).

to disconnect the batteries again at the end of the aircraft periodic ground checks (per ref 3 or ref 4).

When a Ni-Cd battery is physically disconnected from the aircraft loads, it self-discharges, due to an electrochemical phenomenon, thus, inducing a permanent reduction of battery capacity.

After each cycle of battery self-discharge, the available battery capacity will decrease progressively and will not be recovered to 100% of its initial capacity even when the battery is charged again from the aircraft electrical network during the periodic ground checks per ref 3 or ref 4.

In order to restore the battery capacity, the battery must be sent to an approved battery shop for a periodical check or a battery regular check or a battery general overhaul per ref 12 (or ref 13 or ref 14).

Note 1: This action in shop includes a battery charge at constant current which allows to restore the battery capacity.

Note 2: On aircraft, it is not possible to:

restore the battery capacity as the battery is charged at constant voltage.

check the battery capacity.

3.2 CONSEQUENCES As the battery capacity may be significantly reduced, the battery performance may be affected and hence, the battery functions may be not fully guaranteed.

ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 3 of 6 Date: 23-SEP-2020 © AIRBUS S.A.S. 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT

4. SHORT TERM ACTION NOTE: This AOT is classified mandatory or expected to be classified mandatory by an Airworthiness Directive (AD). The accomplishment instructions marked as Required for Compliance (RC) must be done to comply with the AD. “RC” is indicating these paragraphs accordingly. If an AD is issued, reference should be made to the AD for the mandated accomplishment timescale.

NOTE: The accomplishment instructions of this AOT include procedures given in other documents or in other sections of the AOT. When the words ’refer to’ are used and the operator has a procedure accepted by the local authority he belongs to, the accepted alternative procedure can be used. When the words ’in accordance with’ are used then the given procedure must be followed.

NOTE: The access and close-up instructions, not comprising return to service tests, in this AOT do not constitute or affect the technical intent of the AOT. Operators can therefore, as deemed necessary, omit or add access and/or close-up steps to add flexibility to their maintenance operations as long as the technical intent of the AOT is met within the set parameters.

4.1 PLANNING AND MANPOWER

4.1.1 ACCOMPLISHMENT TIMESCALE (RC) The compliance time for this AOT is defined as follows:

Within 6 months after the AOT effective date or prior to next flight, whichever occurs latest.

For additional information, refer to appendix 1 of this AOT.

4.1.2 MANPOWER N/A

4.2 DESCRIPTION

4.2.1 APPLICABILITY Group A This AOT is applicable to Ni-Cd batteries (PN 4059 or PN 405CH or PN 505CH) which have been disconnected, kept (on aircraft) and reconnected on aircraft per ref 2 and ref 3 or ref 4 more than 4 times during an aircraft parking or storage period since last battery periodical check, battery regular check or battery general overhaul per ref 12 (or ref 13 or ref 14) and which are still installed on aircraft, at the effectivity date of this AOT.

Refer to § 4.2.2 and § 4 .2.3.1 of this AOT for the accomplishment of the required actions.

Group B This AOT is also applicable to all other Ni-Cd batteries (PN 4059 or PN 405CH or PN 505CH) not identified in group A.

Refer to § 4.2.3.2 of this AOT for the accomplishment of the required actions.

ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 4 of 6 Date: 23-SEP-2020 © AIRBUS S.A.S. 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT

4.2.2 TERMINATING ACTIONS (RC) The restoration of the capacity of the batteries, identified in group A in § 4.2.1 of this AOT, is the terminating action for this AOT and is defined as follows:

- Do a battery periodical check or a battery regular check or a battery general overhaul per ref 12 (or ref 13 or ref 14) in an approved battery shop.

Note: This action in shop includes a battery charge at constant current allowing to restore the battery capacity.

4.2.3 APPLICATION OF NEW AMM PROCEDURES (RC) In order to preserve the capacity of the batteries, the AMM will be revised to introduce, as detailed in § 5.2 of this AOT:

the off-wing battery preservation or the on-wing battery preservation, when the aircraft is parked and de-energized for more than 2 days.

the off-wing battery preservation when the aircraft is stored and de-energized for more than 2 days.

4.2.3.1 For Batteries identified in group A in § 4.2.1 of this AOT and installed on aircraft After the terminating action, as detailed in § 4.2.2 of this AOT, is completed, the off-wing battery preservation or the on-wing battery preservation must be applied when the aircraft is parked and de-energized for more than 2 days.

the off-wing battery preservation must be applied when the aircraft is stored and de-energized for more than 2 days From the effectivity date of this AOT, operators can start applying:

the off-wing battery preservation or the on-wing battery preservation when the aircraft is parked and de-energized more than 2 days. However, it is recommended that the battery capacity restoration, as detailed in § 4.2.2 of this AOT, is performed before the application of the onwing battery preservation.

Note 1: A battery, affected by the issue detailed in § 3.1 of this AOT, cannot be restored through the application of the on-wing battery preservation.

Note 2: If the on-wing preservation procedure is applied for batteries with a reduced capacity, there is a risk that these batteries are over discharged before the aircraft is energised again per ref 3 or ref 4. This situation may prevent the battery from being recharged on aircraft.

the off-wing battery preservation when the aircraft is stored and de-energized for more than 2 days.

ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 5 of 6 Date: 23-SEP-2020 © AIRBUS S.A.S. 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT

4.2.3.2 For batteries identified in group B in § 4.2.1 of this AOT and installed on aircraft After the effectivity date of this AOT, the off-wing battery preservation or the on-wing battery preservation must be applied when the aircraft is parked and de-energized more than 2 days.

the off-wing battery preservation must be applied when the aircraft is stored and de-energized for more than 2 days.

4.2.4 ACCESS N/A

4.2.5 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS N/A

4.2.6 FINDINGS N/A

4.3 SPARES AND TOOLING N/A

5. FURTHER INFORMATION

5.1 FOLLOW-UP PLAN A webinar will be organized within two weeks after the publication of this AOT to answer all questions pertaining to this AOT.

Additional information related to this AOT (for instance, frequently asked questions, complementary recommendations if any) will be provided through ref 1.

5.2 IMPACTED DOCUMENTATION The AMM will be revised (currently planned for JAN 2021) to introduce, as detailed below, the off-wing battery preservation or the on-wing battery preservation. The availability of the AMM advance copies is currently planned for 19-NOV-2020.

A - Off Wing Battery Preservation If the aircraft is parked or stored and de-energized more than 2 days, the batteries have to be disconnected and removed from aircraft per ref 6.

Note 1: To allow ground periodic checks during an aircraft parking per ref 3 or a storage period per ref 4, batteries must be re-installed on aircraft and re-connected to the aircraft electrical network.

Note 2: Batteries removed from aircraft in parking or storage have to be stored per ref 12 (or ref 13 or ref 14).

ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 6 of 6 Date: 23-SEP-2020 © AIRBUS S.A.S. 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT B - On-Wing Battery Preservation The on-wing battery preservation is a new procedure consisting in leaving the battery physically connected to the aircraft electrical network and keeping a minimum battery hot bus consumption, when the aircraft is parked and de-energized more than 2 days. This is achieved by pulling the circuit breakers of some loads supplied by the battery hot buses, as detailed in the appendix 2 of this AOT. In this configuration, there is no battery self-discharge and hence, the battery progressive and permanent reduction of the capacity of the batteries is avoided.

When the on-wing preservation procedure is applied, batteries must be sent to an approved battery shop for a battery regular check per ref 12 (or ref 13 or ref 14), every six months during the aircraft parking period.

6. AOT APPROVAL The technical content of this document is approved under the authority of the DOA ref.EASA.21J.031.

7. REPORTING Questions about this AOT are to be addressed to Airbus Customer Services through TechRequest on Airbus World, selecting Maintenance Engineering Domain, Engineering Support Section and ATA 24-38.

As per latest reporting policy (Ref to OIT 999.0018/16), inspection results (with or without findings) are to be addressed to Airbus Customer Services through the generic e-mail address:

inspection.results@airbus.com.

Best Regards, Christian FREMONT

VICE PRESIDENT ENGINEERING SUPPORT

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Stéphane GOSSELIN VICE PRESIDENT A330/340 PROGRAMME

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Appendix 1 : Short Term Action TcT = To + 6 months [AOT effectivity date] [Compliance Time] [Example 1] [Example 2] [Example 3]

• Aircraft in parking Aircraft returns to service Aircraft in service Figure 1 Examples as per Figure 1 Applicability AOT Terminating action needed? When? needed, if aircraft is parked again or remain Application of new AMM procedures in parking?

Example 1 Group A Tcr, at the latest Yes Recommended before AOT terminating action Required after AOT terminating action Yes Example 2 Group A Tcr, at the latest Recommended before AOT terminating action Required after AOT terminating action Example 3 Group A Prior to next flight Yes Recommended before AOT terminating action Required after AOT terminating action Example 1 Group B No Required after AOT effectivity date Example 2 Group B No Required after AOT effectivity date Example 3 Group B No Required after AOT effectivity date AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 1 of 1 Date: 23-SEP-2020

Appendix 2: On-wing battery preservation procedure The procedures per ref 2, ref 3 and ref 5 are modified to include the instructions for the on-wing battery preservation, as detailed below:

A/ The parking and storage procedure (ref 2) is modified as follows:

• Perform all steps from step 3.A. (1) to step 4.T.(2) of ref 2.

• If the parking period is more than 2 days, perform the following steps instead of step 4.T.(3) of ref 2 :

(1) In the cockpit, on overhead panel 235VU, release the pushbutton switches of BAT 1(2) (APU).

(2) In the cockpit, on the overhead panel 235VU, check the voltage of the BAT 1(2) (APU):

(a) If one of the battery voltages is less than 26V, perform a cycle of battery charge as follows:

• On the ECAM control panel:

- Push the ELEC DC key to get the ELEC DC system page.

On the control panel 235VU:

- Push the related BAT 1(2) (APU) pushbutton switch (OFF and FAULT legends off) to start the charging cycle of the battery 1(2)(APU), On the lower ECAM DU:

The green line between the BAT 1(2)(APU) indication and the DC BAT busbar indication comes into view. The arrow points to the BAT 1(2)(APU) indication.

The related parameter indications (voltage and current) come into view green.

• Wait until the battery contactor opens.

The green line between the BAT 1(2) (APU) indication and the DC BAT busbar indication:

- Goes out of view if the battery is correctly charged

- Stays in view if a battery charging is necessary.

Note: The time for the battery to charge can be 30 minutes.

• On the lower ECAM DU, on the ELEC page, make sure that the battery voltage is more than 26VDC and the battery discharge current is equal to or less than 1A.

(b) Otherwise, push the BAT 1(2)(APU) pushbutton switch (OFF and FAULT legends off).

• Perform step 4.T. (4) of ref 2

• If the parking period is more than 2 days, perform the following steps after step 4.T.(4) of ref 2.

(1) Energize the ground service network from the external power per ref 10 AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 1 of 7 Date: 23-SEP- 2020

Note: This step is necessary only to have light in the avionic bay and in the cockpit. If a torch is used to perform steps (2) to (4) below, step (1) above can be disregarded.

(2) In the cockpit, on overhead panel 235VU, put the WARNING NOTICE(S) in position "Do not to operate the batteries".

(3) Get access to the avionics compartment:

- Put the ACCESS PLATFORM 3М (10 FT) - ADJUSTABLE in position at the avionics compartment door 811.

- Open access door 811.

- Open emergency circuit-breaker panels 740VU and 742VU.

(4) Immediately open, safety and tag these circuit breakers after the aircraft is de-energized. :

Panel Designation Location 740VU C/B 470PP BAT1 SPLY 24PB1 T64 740VU C/B 470PP BAT2 SPLY 24PB2 T65 742VU C/B CLOCK TBU 4FS K73 742VU C/B ECMU 2 ESS 3XM2 H77 742VU C/B REFUEL BAT/GND SW 10PR G73 742VU C/B ADIRU 2 BAT 7FP2 G75 742VU C/B ADIRU 3 BAT 7FP3 G76 742VU C/B AUTOEXTING 31WF G78 Note: C/Bs 24PB1 and 24PB2 could be installed depending on aircraft configuration. If these C/Bs are not installed, disregard the step (4) for these two C/Bs

(5) Put the ELEC/BAT/1/2/APU switch (1PV) on the overhead panel (235VU) in the APU BAT position.

(6) De-energize the ground service network from the external power per ref 11 Note: If a torch has been used to perform steps (2) to (4) above, step (6) above can be disregarded.

• Perform all steps from step 5.A.(1) to step 5.B.(3) of ref 2.

AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 2 of 7 Date: 23-SEP- 2020

B/ The parking periodic ground checks procedure (ref 3) is modified as follows:

• Perform all steps from step 3.A. (1) to step 3.B.(2) of ref 3.

• If the parking period is more than 2 days, perform the following steps after step 3.B. (2) of ref 3 :

(1) Energize the ground service network from the external power per ref 10 Note: This step is necessary only to have light in the avionic bay and in the cockpit. If a torch is used to perform steps (2) to (4) below, step (1) above can be disregarded.

(2) Get access to the avionics compartment.

- Put the ACCESS PLATFORM 3M (10 FT) - ADJUSTABLE in position at the avionics compartment door 811.

- Open access door 811.

- Open emergency circuit-breaker panels 740VU and 742VU.

(3) Remove safety clips and tags and close these circuit breakers:

Panel Designation FIN Location 740VU C/B 470PP BAT1 SPLY 24PB1 T64 740VU C/B 470PP BAT2 SPLY 24PB2 T65 742VU C/B CLOCK TBU 4FS K73 742VU C/B ECMU 2 ESS 3XM2 H77 742VU C/B REFUEL BAT/GND SW 10PR G73 742VU C/B ADIRU 2 BAT 7FP2 G75 742VU C/B ADIRU 3 BAT 7FP3 G76 142V0 C/B AUTOEXTING 31WF G78 Note: C/Bs 24PB1 and 24PB2 could be installed depending on aircraft configuration. If these C/Bs are not installed, disregard the step (3) for these two C/Bs

(4) In the cockpit, on overhead panel 235VU, remove the WARNING NOTICE(S) in position "Do not to operate the batteries".

(5) De-energize the ground service network from the external power per ref 11.

Note: If a torch has been used to perform steps (2) to (4) above, step (5) can be disregarded.

AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 3 of 7 Date: 23-SEP- 2020

• Perform step 3.B.(3) but without performing step "Connect batteries 2PB1, 2PB2 and 2PB3 and make sure that the charge is correct Ref. AMM TASK 24-38-51-400-801 and Ref. AMM TASK 24-38-52-400-801" per ref 3.

Note: Batteries are already connected at this step.

• If the parking period is more than 2 days, After step 3.B. (3) per ref 3, adjust the clock per ref 7

• Perform all steps from step 3.C. (1) to step 4.P.(2) per ref 3.

• If the parking period is more than 2 days, Perform the following steps instead of step 4.P.(3) per ref 3:

(1) In the cockpit, on overhead panel 235VU, release the pushbutton switches of BAT 1(2) (APU).

(2) In the cockpit, on the overhead panel 235VU, check the voltage of the BAT 1(2) (APU):

(a) If one of the battery voltages is less than 26V, perform a cycle of battery charge as follows:

• On the ECAM control panel:

- Push the ELEC DC key to get the ELEC DC system page.

• On the control panel 235VU:

- Push the related BAT 1(2)(APU) pushbutton switch (OFF and FAULT legends off) to start the charging cycle of the battery 1(2)(APU),

• On the lower ECAM DU:

The green line between the BAT 1(2)(APU) indication and the DC BAT busbar indication comes into view. The arrow points to the BAT 1(2) (APU) indication.

The related parameter indications (voltage and current) come into view green.

• Wait until the battery contactor opens.

The green line between the BAT 1(2) (APU) indication and the DC BAT busbar indication:

Goes out of view if the battery is correctly charged Stays in view if a battery charging is necessary.

Note: The time for the battery to charge can be 30 minutes.

• On the lower ECAM DU, on the ELEC page, make sure that the battery voltage is more than 26VDC and the battery discharge current is equal to or less than 1A.

(b) Otherwise, push the BAT 1(2)(APU) pushbutton switch (OFF and FAULT legends off).

• Perform step 4.P. (4) of ref 3.

• If the parking period is more than 2 days, perform the following steps after step 4.P. (4) of ref 3 :

(1) Energize the ground service network from the external power per ref 10 Note: This step is necessary only to have light in the avionic bay and in the cockpit. If a torch is used to perform steps (2) to (4) below, step (1) above can be disregarded.

AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 4 of 7 Date: 23-SEP- 2020

(2) In the cockpit, on overhead panel 235VU, put the WARNING NOTICE(S) in position "Do not to operate the batteries".

(3) Get access to the avionics compartment:

- Put the ACCESS PLATFORM 3M (10 FT) - ADJUSTABLE in position at the avionics compartment door 811.

- Open access door 811.

- Open emergency circuit-breaker panels 740VU and 742VU.

(4) Immediately open, safety and tag these circuit breakers after the aircraft is de-energized.:

Panel Designation FIN Location 740VU C/B 470PP BAT1 SPLY 24PB1 T64 740VU C/B 470PP BAT2 SPLY 24PB2 T65 742VU C/B CLOCK TBU 4FS K73 742VU C/B ECMU 2 ESS 3XM2 H77 742VU C/B REFUEL BAT/GND SW 10PR G73 742VU C/B ADIRU 2 BAT 7FP2 G75 742VU C/B ADIRU 3 BAT 7FP3 G76 742VU C/B AUTOEXTING 31WF G78 Note: C/Bs 24PB1 and 24PB2 could be installed depending on aircraft configuration. If these C/Bs are not installed, disregard the step (4) for these two C/Bs

(5) Put the ELEC/BAT/1/2/APU switch (1PV) on the overhead panel (235VU) in the APU BAT position.

(6) De-energize the ground service network from the external power per ref 11 Note: If a torch has been used to perform steps (2) to (4) above, step (6) above can be disregarded.

• Perform all steps from step 4.P.(5) to step 5.A. (5) per ref 3.

AOT ref: A24L007-20 Rev 00 Page 5 of 7 Date: 23-SEP- 2020