UAM.OP.MVCA.205 Charging or swapping of VCA batteries while passengers embark, are on board, or disembark

RISK ASSESSMENT AND NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS

(a)The operator should assess as a minimum the following hazards, risks and mitigation measures related to charging or swapping of batteries while passengers are embarking, on board or disembarking, as applicable:

(1)fires;

(2)battery overcharging;

(3)battery short circuit;

(4)stability of electrical currents when charging batteries;

(5)ambient conditions under which battery charging will take place;

(6)available mitigation means, such as the safety features of the charging installation, RFF capability, fire extinguishers that are specifically designed to combat a battery fire, available personnel, ease of emergency VCA evacuation, etc.

(b)The operator should take the necessary precautions to avoid or mitigate the risks of overcharging, overheating, short circuit and fire when charging or swapping batteries with passengers embarking, on board, or disembarking.

(c)Qualified personnel should be ready to initiate and direct passenger evacuation from the VCA by using the most practical and expeditious means available, where necessary.

SWAPPING OF BATTERIES The removal of a battery from a VCA and/or the installation of a battery on a VCA (swapping of batteries), regardless of whether passengers are embarking, on board, or disembarking, should be certified by a person authorised as ‘certifying staff’ in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014.

(a)Charging or swapping of batteries — potential risks Battery overcharging may lead to heat generation and in some cases, to a so-called thermal runaway. In the case of batteries based on lithium ion technology, overcharging can lead to the cell opening and possibly to fire and explosion. Battery short circuit is a serious safety hazard that can be prevented with proper precautions. A short circuit may occur when the battery gets in touch with some metallic parts or when it is not properly installed. As a result, a large current flows through the short circuit, creating heat and possibly causing the battery to leak or explode. Unstable electrical currents when charging lithium ion batteries may lead to their cells becoming unstable and causing a fire.

(b)Charging or swapping of batteries — recommended precautions During VCA certification, manufacturers are responsible to demonstrate fire protection and containment of the thermal runaway within the propulsion batteries based on, e.g., MOC VTOL.2325 Fire Protection, MOC VTOL.2330 Fire Protection in designated fire zones, and MOC VTOL.2440 Lift/thrust system installation fire protection of SC-VTOL. In addition, the following precautions may be taken by the operator as necessary: training of the staff member or the contractor, who is tasked with charging or swapping batteries to understand and minimise the associated risks; provision of information to the staff member or the contractor regarding the maximum ambient temperatures at which charging may take place and the acceptable ambient conditions and voltage/ power ranges in order to avoid overcharging; to avoid overheating, batteries should not be exposed to or charged in direct sunlight or near any type of hot work (e.g. welding), heated surface, open flame or ignition source; the environment in which batteries are being charged should be free from extreme humidity, as any moisture in the air or the environment can also affect the stability of the battery; avoiding high charge and discharge currents when lithium ion batteries are being charged; and as battery fire can burn quickly and fiercely, using fire extinguishers that are specifically designed to contain a battery fire at the place of charging or swapping batteries to at least extend the time for passengers to evacuate the VCA.

CHARGING OF BATTERIES — ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURE Electromagnetic exposure during charging of battery packs mounted on VCA may, in certain situations, have a negative impact on people with pacemakers, implantable defibrillators or other implanted devices. Passengers known to bear such devices may be advised by the staff member or the contractor, who is tasked by the operator with charging or swapping batteries to keep distance from the charging cable or the charger.