Table of Contents

PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................................ xi
Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................................... xi
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ xiii
1.
General ................................................................................................................................................ xiii
2.
Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................................................. xiii
Purpose of the Regulations .................................................................................................... xiii
General Philosophy ................................................................................................................ xiv
Warnings................................................................................................................................. xiv
3.
General Description of Contents ......................................................................................................... xiv
HOW TO USE THE REGULATIONS................................................................................................................ xvii
Symbols .............................................................................................................................................. xvii
Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... xvii
Measurements .................................................................................................................................... xvii
Accuracy ............................................................................................................................................. xvii
Tolerances .......................................................................................................................................... xvii
Base Plate Tolerances........................................................................................................................ xvii
Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... xvii
SECTION 1APPLICABILITY ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1
Definition of Aircraft Unit Load Device ................................................................................................... 1
1.2
Basis of these Regulations .................................................................................................................... 1
1.3
Application of these Regulations ........................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Applicability ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2 Relationship to ICAO and National Legislations .......................................................................3
1.3.3 Exceptions................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.4 Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.3.5 Deviations ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4
Operator's Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.1 Compliance ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.2 Specific Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 4
1.4.3 Delegation of Responsibilities................................................................................................... 5
1.4.4 Operator's Instructions .............................................................................................................. 5
1.4.5 Reporting................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4.6 Quality Control and Safety Management System.....................................................................6
1.4.7 Interlining/Transfer .................................................................................................................... 6
1.4.8 Cargo Operations Engineering Function...................................................................................6
1.5
Other Parties' Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 7
1.5.1 Civil Aviation Authorities ........................................................................................................... 7
1.5.2 Aircraft/Cargo Loading System Manufacturers .........................................................................7
1.5.3 Cargo Terminal Operators ........................................................................................................ 8
1.5.4 Ground Service Providers......................................................................................................... 8
1.5.5 Freight Forwarders/Customs Brokers ....................................................................................... 8
1.5.6 Cargo Sales Agents .................................................................................................................. 8

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1.6

1.7

1.8
1.9
1.10

1.5.7 Post Offices............................................................................................................................... 8

1.5.8 Shippers .................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.9 Consignees ............................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.10 Ground Transportation Service Providers.................................................................................9
1.5.11 Unit Load Devices Manufacturers.............................................................................................9
1.5.12 Unit Load Devices Repair Stations ........................................................................................... 9
1.5.13 Unit Load Devices Owners/Providers .....................................................................................10
1.5.14 Airports.................................................................................................................................... 10
1.5.15 Customs Clearance ................................................................................................................ 11
Training Requirements......................................................................................................................... 11
1.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 11
1.6.2 Training Programs .................................................................................................................. 13
1.6.3 Training Curricula.................................................................................................................... 13
1.6.4 Approval .................................................................................................................................. 13
1.6.5 Training Record ...................................................................................................................... 14
1.6.6 Instructor Qualification ............................................................................................................ 14
1.6.7 Loadmaster Qualification ........................................................................................................ 15
1.6.8 Competency Based Training and Assessment.......................................................................15
Unit Load Devices Security.................................................................................................................. 15
1.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 15
1.7.2 General Security Provisions.................................................................................................... 15
1.7.3 Security Training ..................................................................................................................... 15
1.7.4 Security Plans ......................................................................................................................... 16
1.7.5 Hardened Containers.............................................................................................................. 16
Unit Load Devices Weighing................................................................................................................ 16
Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................ 16
Environmental Requirements............................................................................................................... 17

SECTION 2LIMITATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 19

2.1
General ................................................................................................................................................ 19
2.2
Aircraft Structural Limitations ............................................................................................................... 19
2.2.1 Maximum Gross Weight Limitation .........................................................................................19
2.2.2 Area Load Limitation ............................................................................................................... 20
2.2.3 Linear Load Limitation............................................................................................................. 20
2.2.4 Centre of Gravity (C.G.) Limitations........................................................................................21
2.3
Aircraft Contour Limitations.................................................................................................................. 21
2.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.2 Aircraft Contours (Cross-Section) ...........................................................................................22
2.4
Compatibility Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 79
2.5
Restricted Use Limitations ................................................................................................................... 79
2.6
Continuing Airworthiness Limitations ................................................................................................... 79
2.6.1 Performance Degradation ....................................................................................................... 79
2.6.2 Allowable Damage .................................................................................................................. 79
2.6.3 Repaired Units ........................................................................................................................ 79
2.6.4 Verification .............................................................................................................................. 80

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2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10

2.11
2.12

Non-Certified Unit Load Devices Limitations ....................................................................................... 80

2.7.1 Aircraft Limitations .................................................................................................................. 80
2.7.2 Continuing Safety.................................................................................................................... 80
2.7.3 Repaired Units ........................................................................................................................ 80
2.7.4 Verification .............................................................................................................................. 80
2.7.5 Accessories............................................................................................................................. 80
Unit Load Devices Inspection .............................................................................................................. 81
2.8.1 Airworthiness Limitations ........................................................................................................ 81
2.8.2 Operator Limitations................................................................................................................ 81
Unit Load Devices Repairs .................................................................................................................. 81
2.9.1 Performance of Repairs .......................................................................................................... 81
2.9.2 Release Certificate.................................................................................................................. 81
2.9.3 Non-Certified Units.................................................................................................................. 82
Rigid Cargo Limitation.......................................................................................................................... 82
2.10.1 Rigid Cargo ............................................................................................................................. 82
2.10.2 Frangible Cargo ...................................................................................................................... 82
2.10.3 Implementation........................................................................................................................ 82
Active Containers Limitations............................................................................................................... 83
State or Operator Variations ................................................................................................................ 83
2.12.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 83
2.12.2 State Variations....................................................................................................................... 83
2.12.3 Operator Variations ................................................................................................................. 83

SECTION 3CLASSIFICATION ....................................................................................................................... 85

3.1
Principles ............................................................................................................................................. 85
3.1.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 85
3.1.2 Compartments Classification .................................................................................................. 85
3.2
Certified Unit Load Devices Approval .................................................................................................. 86
3.2.1 TSO Approval ......................................................................................................................... 86
3.2.2 STC Approval.......................................................................................................................... 86
3.2.3 Other Approval Procedures .................................................................................................... 87
3.2.4 Certification Invalidations ........................................................................................................ 87
3.3
TSO C90 Certified ULD ....................................................................................................................... 87
3.3.1 Types ...................................................................................................................................... 87
3.3.2 Classification Identifier ............................................................................................................ 87
3.3.3 Base Size Code ...................................................................................................................... 88
3.3.4 ULD Configuration .................................................................................................................. 88
3.3.5 Dual Certification..................................................................................................................... 88
3.3.6 Pallets and Nets Compatibility ................................................................................................ 88
3.3.7 IATA ULD ID Code.................................................................................................................. 89
3.4
Non-Certified Containers ..................................................................................................................... 90
3.5
Unit Load Devices Accessories ........................................................................................................... 90
3.5.1 Certified ULD Accessories ...................................................................................................... 90
3.5.2 Non-Certified ULD Accessories .............................................................................................. 90

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SECTION 4ULD IDENTIFICATION................................................................................................................ 93

Standard Specification 40/1IATA Identification Code for Unit Load Devices .............................................93
Attachment ATable Showing the Allocated Compatibility Codes (Position 3) ............................96
1 Aircraft Pallets
Base Size A ................................................................................................................................... 97
Base Size B ................................................................................................................................... 98
Base Size E ................................................................................................................................... 99
Base Size G................................................................................................................................. 100
Base Size K ................................................................................................................................. 101
Base Size L ................................................................................................................................. 102
Base Size M ................................................................................................................................ 103
Base Size N................................................................................................................................. 104
Base Size R................................................................................................................................. 105
Base Size S ................................................................................................................................. 106
2 Certified & Non-Certified Containers (Standard Contours)
Base Size A ................................................................................................................................ 107
Standard Contour A ................................................................................................................. 107
Standard Contour D................................................................................................................. 108
Standard Contour F ................................................................................................................. 108
Standard Contour J.................................................................................................................. 109
Standard Contour K ................................................................................................................. 110
Standard Contour M ................................................................................................................ 111
Standard Contour P ................................................................................................................. 111
Standard Contour U................................................................................................................. 112
Standard Contour Y ................................................................................................................. 112
Standard Contour Z ................................................................................................................. 113
Base Size F ................................................................................................................................. 113
Standard Contour A ................................................................................................................. 114
Base Size G................................................................................................................................. 114
Standard Contour A ................................................................................................................. 115
Standard Contour B ................................................................................................................. 115
Base Size K ................................................................................................................................. 116
Standard Contour C................................................................................................................. 116
Standard Contour E ................................................................................................................. 117
Standard Contour N................................................................................................................. 118
Standard Contour G................................................................................................................. 119
Standard Contour H................................................................................................................. 120
Standard Contour P ................................................................................................................. 121
Base Size L ................................................................................................................................. 122
Standard Contour F ................................................................................................................. 122
Standard Contour K ................................................................................................................. 123
Standard Contour N................................................................................................................. 123
Standard Contour P ................................................................................................................. 124
Standard Contour U................................................................................................................. 124
Base Size M ................................................................................................................................ 125
Standard Contour A ................................................................................................................. 125
Standard Contour D................................................................................................................. 126
Standard Contour F ................................................................................................................. 126
Standard Contour J.................................................................................................................. 127
Standard Contour L ................................................................................................................. 128
Standard Contour P ................................................................................................................. 129
Standard Contour U................................................................................................................. 129
Standard Contour V ................................................................................................................. 130
Standard Contour X ................................................................................................................. 131
Base Size P ................................................................................................................................. 132
Standard Contour E ................................................................................................................. 132
Standard Contour N................................................................................................................. 133
Standard Contour P ................................................................................................................. 134
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Base Size Q................................................................................................................................. 135

Standard Contour F ................................................................................................................. 135
Standard Contour N................................................................................................................. 136
Standard Contour P ................................................................................................................. 137
3 NonStructural Contoured ShellsIgloos (Standard Contours)
Base Size A ................................................................................................................................. 138
Standard Contour K ................................................................................................................. 138
Standard Contour P ................................................................................................................. 139
Standard Contour Y ................................................................................................................. 139
Base Size B ................................................................................................................................. 140
Standard Contour K ................................................................................................................. 140
Base Size M ................................................................................................................................ 140
Standard Contour A ................................................................................................................. 140
Attachment B Airline and Non-Airline Designators (Owners Codes) ............................................141
Attachment C ULD Type Code Conversion ..................................................................................146
Attachment D Pallet/Net Compatibility Chart by Pallet Type Code...............................................148
Attachment E Net/Pallet Compatibility Chart by Net Type Code ..................................................148
Attachment F List of ULD Manufacturers ......................................................................................149
SECTION 5TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................... 151
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 151
Technical SpecificationsULD .................................................................................................................... 153
Standard Specification 50/0ULD General Technical Requirements .........................................................153
Standard Specification 50/1Aircraft Pallet................................................................................................. 185
Standard Specification 50/2Aircraft Pallet Net ..........................................................................................191
Standard Specification 50/3Non-Structural Igloo ......................................................................................197
Standard Specification 50/4Certified Aircraft Container............................................................................199
Standard Specification 50/5Pallets and Nets Compatibility ......................................................................211
Standard Specification 50/6Air/Surface (Intermodal) Container ...............................................................217
Standard Specification 50/7Non-Certified Aircraft Container....................................................................249
Standard Specification 50/8.......................................................................................................................... 269
Standard Specification 50/916 ft or 20 ft Pallet......................................................................................... 271
Technical SpecificationsAccessories ........................................................................................................ 283
Standard Specification 60/1Pallet Extensions ..........................................................................................283
Standard Specification 60/2Air Cargo Restraint Strap..............................................................................291
Standard Specification 60/3Cargo Stopper Device...................................................................................297
Standard Specification 60/4Tie-Down Fittings ..........................................................................................301
Standard Specification 70/1Pallet Fire Containment Cover......................................................................307
Technical SpecificationsULD Special Features ........................................................................................321
Standard Specification 80/1Thermal Container ........................................................................................321
Standard Specification 80/2Container Pressure Equalization Requirements ...........................................333
Technical SpecificationsSpecial Purpose ULD .........................................................................................341
Standard Specification 90/1Aircraft Engine Transport ULD......................................................................341
Standard Specification 90/2Aircraft Horse Transport ULD .......................................................................347
Standard Specification 90/3Aircraft Automobile Transport ULD ...............................................................351

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SECTION 6ULD OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................355

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 355
Operating Specification 6/00ULD Acceptance Standards ........................................................................357
Operating Specification 6/01Aircraft Pallets Operation.............................................................................363
Operating Specification 6/02Aircraft Pallet Nets Operation ......................................................................377
Operating Specification 6/03Pallet Accessories Operation.......................................................................383
Operating Specification 6/04Aircraft Containers Operation ......................................................................387
Operating Specification 6/05ULD Weighing.............................................................................................. 397
Operating Specification 6/06ULD Centre of Gravity Control.....................................................................401
Operating Specification 6/07Restraint Straps Utilization and Tie-Down Calculations ..............................407
Operating Specification 6/08ULD Protection Wrapping ............................................................................413
Operating Specification 6/09Concentrated Loads Shoring .......................................................................417
Operating Specification 6/10Fire Containment Covers Operation ............................................................423
Operating Specification 6/11Vehicles Carriage ........................................................................................ 429
Operating Specification 6/12Aircraft Engines Carriage.............................................................................439
Operating Specification 6/13Overhanging Cargo .....................................................................................447
Operating Specification 6/14Rigid Cargo.................................................................................................. 457
SECTION 7ULD MARKING ......................................................................................................................... 459
Standard Specification 40/0Marking of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) ..........................................................459
Standard Specification 40/2Marking of Air/Surface (Intermodal) Container .............................................469
Standard Specification 40/3Operational Damage Limits Notice for Certified ULDs .................................473
Standard Specification 40/4Operational Damage Limits Notice for Non-Certified Containers .................479
SECTION 8DOCUMENTATION AND MESSAGING SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................481
8.1
General .............................................................................................................................................. 481
8.2
Operational Documentation ............................................................................................................... 481
8.2.1 Movement and Stock Control of ULD ...................................................................................481
8.2.2 Control of Transferred ULDs................................................................................................. 483
8.3
Ownership Documentation................................................................................................................. 487
8.3.1 Documentation Supplied with New ULD and Spare Parts....................................................487
8.3.2 ULD Manufacturer Documentation ......................................................................................487
8.4
ULD Repair Station Documentation................................................................................................... 487
8.5
Operating Instructions in CMM .......................................................................................................... 488
8.6
Non-Certified Containers ................................................................................................................... 488
8.7
Others ................................................................................................................................................ 488
SECTION 9HANDLING ................................................................................................................................ 489
9.1
General .............................................................................................................................................. 489
9.2
Continuing Airworthiness ................................................................................................................... 489
9.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 489
9.2.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 489
9.2.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 490
9.2.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 490
9.3
Storage .............................................................................................................................................. 492
9.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 492
9.3.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 493
9.3.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 493
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9.4

9.5

9.6

9.7

9.8

9.9

9.3.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 494

9.3.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 495
Transport and Movement in ULD Operations Area ...........................................................................496
9.4.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 496
9.4.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 496
9.4.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 496
9.4.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 496
9.4.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 497
Transport and Movement of ULD-On Airport.....................................................................................497
9.5.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 497
9.5.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 497
9.5.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 497
9.5.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 497
9.5.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 498
Transport and Movement of ULD-Off Airport.....................................................................................498
9.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 498
9.6.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 498
9.6.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 498
9.6.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 499
9.6.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 499
Transfer of ULD ................................................................................................................................. 499
9.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 499
9.7.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 500
9.7.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 500
9.7.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 500
Buildup and Breakdown ..................................................................................................................... 500
9.8.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 500
9.8.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 501
9.8.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 501
9.8.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 501
9.8.5 Buildup of a Container .......................................................................................................... 502
9.8.6 Buildup of a Pallet/Net Assembly..........................................................................................503
9.8.7 Handling of Special Cargo ................................................................................................... 504
9.8.8 Breakdown of ULD................................................................................................................ 506
9.8.9 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 506
Special Purpose ULD......................................................................................................................... 507
9.9.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 507
9.9.2 Temperature Controlled Aircraft Container (TCAC)..............................................................507
9.9.3 Aircraft Horse Transport ULD ............................................................................................... 507
9.9.4 Automobile Transport ULD ................................................................................................... 508
9.9.5 Fire Containment Covers (FCC) ..........................................................................................508
9.9.6 Any other Special Purpose ULD ........................................................................................... 509

SECTION 10TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................................511

Non-Aircraft Modular Load Units
1.
Purpose.............................................................................................................................................. 511
2.
References......................................................................................................................................... 511

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3.

4.

5.
6.
7.

8.

9.

Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 511

3.1
Modular Load Unit................................................................................................................. 511
3.2
Size (Plan-View) ................................................................................................................... 512
3.3
Size (Height) ......................................................................................................................... 512
3.4
Non-Aircraft ........................................................................................................................... 512
Recommended Sizes......................................................................................................................... 512
4.1
Intermodal Modules (for Size M ULDs).................................................................................512
4.2
Recommended Sizes for Size A ULDs .................................................................................513
4.3
Comparison Summary .......................................................................................................... 514
Other Sizes ........................................................................................................................................ 515
Modular Packaging Sizes .................................................................................................................. 515
Modular Load Units Construction ...................................................................................................... 515
7.1
Materials................................................................................................................................ 515
7.2
Arrangement ......................................................................................................................... 516
7.3
Forklift Capability .................................................................................................................. 516
7.4
Base Footprint....................................................................................................................... 516
Test Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 517
8.1
Compression Test................................................................................................................. 517
8.2
Puncture Test........................................................................................................................ 517
Markings ............................................................................................................................................ 517

GLOSSARY...................................................................................................................................................... 519
Terms and Definitions................................................................................................................................... 519
APPENDIX AUNITS, ABBREVIATIONS, CONVERSIONS.........................................................................527
1.
Conversion Factors............................................................................................................................ 527
2.
System International (SI) Units .......................................................................................................... 528
3.
Recommended Abbreviations and Symbols ......................................................................................529
APPENDIX BCORRESPONDENCE TABLE BETWEEN IATA/SAE/ISO/CEN STANDARDS ...................531
APPENDIX CGROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTSIATA AHM 911 ..............................533
APPENDIX DUNITIZATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................537
1.
Application for ULD Contour Code and Registration of ULD Type Code ..........................................537
1.1
Authority ................................................................................................................................ 537
1.2
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 537
1.3
Purpose................................................................................................................................. 537
1.4
Application for New ULD Contour Code ...............................................................................537
1.5
Registration of ULD Type Code............................................................................................539
2.
Identification and Descriptions of ULD............................................................................................... 539
APPENDIX EALPHABETICAL INDEX ........................................................................................................ 543
IATA STRATEGIC PARTNERS..................................................................................................................... SP-1

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