FAA AC 20-184A — Advisory Circular: Testing and Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems on Aircraft is the FAA’s primary guidance document for certifying lithium battery installations. Note: the original AC 20-184 was not accepted by the FAA — AC 20-184A (the revision) is required, though it has been available only as an unpublished draft. As an interim alternative, installers may use Certification Position Papers CPP-23.2525-2 and CPP-23.2525-3, which have been accepted by FAA Aircraft Certification Offices.
Scope
The circular provides acceptable means of compliance for demonstrating that rechargeable lithium battery systems meet applicable airworthiness standards under 14 CFR Part 25.1353 (and Part 23 for smaller aircraft). It addresses battery system qualification testing (referencing RTCA DO-311A and ASTM F3653), installation design (venting, thermal management, fire containment), electrical protection, BMS requirements, and maintenance provisions.
Relationship to other standards
AC 20-184A works alongside RTCA DO-311A (test standard) and FAA TSO-179b (article qualification) to form the core FAA compliance framework for aircraft lithium battery installations.
References
- FAA Advisory Circular AC 20-184 — official FAA record (the AC 20-184A revision described on this page remains in draft), Federal Aviation Administration