ISO DIS 21100

Description / Abstract: The purpose of this International Standard is tospecify 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 devices airworthiness approval. This International Standard is intended to provide a uniform technical reference for air cargo unit load devices 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 International Standard 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 14 CFR Part 25, except for the 9,0 g forward ultimate inertia force of § 25.561(b) (3) (ii).

This International Standard applies to airworthiness approved air cargo unit load devices intended for carriage on board civil transport category airplanes type certificated under EASA CS-25, "Certification Specifications for Large Aeroplanes" or 14 CFR Part 25, "Airworthiness Standards - Transport Category Airplanes", or equivalent regulations.

It exclusively applies to unit load devices 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.

Other aspects that do not directly pertain to air cargo unit load devices airworthiness approval and testing, 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 C.G. location control means,

— ULD pressure equalization methods,

— ULD utilization guidelines,

are defined in other International Standards (see 2.2, Normative References and Bibliography).

Air cargo unit load devices qualified prior to publication of this specification were TSO (Technical Standard Order) approved in accordance with the requirements of International Standard ISO 8097:2001. This International Standard 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 revision 10:1990, Specification for Cargo Unit Load Devices.

Air cargo unit load devices the size or type of which is not covered in this specification are to keep being airworthiness approved in accordance with the requirements of ISO 8097: 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 International Standard, except insofar as net restraint is incorporated therein.