This document specifies the minimum requirements for airworthiness approval of air cargo pallets, nets and containers, generally designated as air cargo unit load devices (ULD).

This document is intended to provide a uniform technical reference for air cargo unit load devices approval. As a prerequisite, it is presupposed that the applicable general civil aviation requirements and the aircraft manufacturer’s approved Weight and Balance Manual are followed.

This document 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 CCAR 25, EASA CS-25 or 14 CFR Part 25, except for the 9,0 g forward ultimate inertia force of § 25.561 (b) (3) (ii).

This document applies to airworthiness approved air cargo unit load devices intended for carriage on board civil transport category airplanes type certificated under CCAR 25, EASA CS-25 or 14 CFR Part 25, or equivalent.

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

Other aspects that do not directly pertain to air cargo unit load devices airworthiness approval and testing are not covered by this document, e.g.:

—     ULD design specifications;

—     ULD in service damage limits;

—     ULD restraint malfunction limitations;

—     ULD test methods;

—     ULD load distribution models;

—     ULD maximum allowable contours;

—     ULD CG (centre for gravity) location control means;

—     ULD pressure equalization methods;

—     ULD utilization guidelines.

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