scope:

The purpose of this Publicly Available Specification is to establish the minimum requirements for airworthiness approval of air cargo pallets, nets and containers, generally designated as air cargo unit load devices.

NOTE In all countries, standing government regulations apply to air cargo unit load device airworthiness approval. This Publicly Available Specification is intended to provide a uniform technical reference for air cargo unit load device approval, but does not, under any circumstance, supersede the requirements of applicable regulations or the aircraft manufacturer's authority approved Weight and Balance Manual.

This Publicly Available Specification defines the minimum performance requirements and test parameters for air cargo unit load devices requiring approval of airworthiness for installation in an approved aircraft cargo compartment and restraint system that complies with the cargo restraint and occupant protection requirements of EASA CS-25 or of FAR Part 25, except for the 9,0g forward ultimate inertia force of § 25.561 (b) (3) (ii).

This Publicly Available Specification applies to airworthiness approved air cargo unit load devices intended for carriage on board civil transport category airplanes of the type certificated under EASA CS-25, Certification specifications for large aeroplanes, or FAR Part 25, Airworthiness standards - Transport category airplanes, or equivalent regulations.

This Publicly Available Specification applies exclusively to unit load device airworthiness approval and testing parameters. It does not apply to either aircraft design or aircraft operating requirements, which are provided by the approved Weight and Balance Manual for each aircraft type.

The following aspects do not directly pertain to air cargo unit load device airworthiness approval and testing, and are defined in other International Standards (see the Normative references and Bibliography):

- ULD design specifications;

- ULD in service damage limits;

- ULD restraint malfunction limitations;

- ULD test methods;

- ULD load distribution models;

- ULD maximum allowable contours;

- ULD C.G. location control means;

- ULD pressure equalization methods;

- ULD utilization guidelines.

Air cargo unit load devices qualified prior to publication of this Publicly Available Specification were TSO (Technical Standard Order) approved in accordance with the requirements of ISO 8097:2001. This Publicly Available Specification is intended as a TSO approval reference for all new models of unit load devices in the sizes or types it covers, in replacement of previously used ISO 8097.

NOTE ISO 8097 is based on USA National Aerospace Standard NAS 3610:1990, Specification for Cargo Unit Load Devices.

Air cargo unit load devices whose size or type is not covered in this Publicly Available Specification are intended to continue being airworthiness approved in accordance with the requirements of ISO 8097:2001, if their size or type is contained therein, or in accordance with other equivalent criteria if not.

NOTE The requirements for cargo covers are not defined in this Publicly Available Specification, except insofar as net restraint is incorporated therein.