Overview
ISO 4171:1993 - "Air cargo equipment - Interline pallets" defines the dimensional, structural and environmental requirements for interline cargo pallets used in aircraft. The standard covers pallet construction (core and edge rails), five basic pallet sizes and the compatibility of pallets with nets meeting ISO 4170. It specifies design loads, operational performance criteria, tests for local indentation, bridging/cresting, impact and abrasion, and mandatory markings (ULD identification, gross weight, tare), with optional bar‑code provisions.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Pallet sizes & configuration: Five basic pallet sizes and a two-component design (core + edge rails) intended for handling on aircraft conveyor and ground equipment.
- Structural performance:
- Minimum core stiffness requirements (specified by size code).
- Edge rail geometry and continuous seat track dimensions to match ISO 7166 rail/stud configurations.
- Core/edge rail and corner connections designed to resist impact and bridging loads.
- Load and test requirements:
- Design loads and operational load cases (maximum gross weights by size code).
- Local indentation tests (roller and ball tests) to limit permanent set.
- Bridging/cresting test across stepped conveyors and horizontal/upward operational load tests.
- Impact test for pallets striking locks at defined speed.
- Environmental & durability:
- Temperature performance range specified (‑54 °C to +71 °C).
- Protection against corrosion, abrasion and weathering; special abrasion resistance for plastic‑coated or magnesium‑base materials.
- Markings and identification:
- Mandatory engraved markings: ULD identification code, maximum gross weight and actual tare (kg and lb optional).
- Optional permanent bar‑code labels and dedicated cutouts in the edge rail for barcode placement and readout.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO 4171 is intended for:
- Pallet manufacturers - to design and certify interline pallets that meet aviation handling and safety criteria.
- Airlines and ground handlers - for procurement, operational compatibility with aircraft conveyors and nets, and safe cargo restraint.
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies - to perform the standardized performance and durability tests.
- Maintenance and repair organizations - to assess structural integrity after service and to ensure markings and bar‑codes remain compliant.
Practical uses include design verification, acceptance testing during manufacture, procurement specifications in airline supply chains, and ensuring interoperability with ULD systems and nets.
Related Standards
- ISO 4170 - Interline pallet nets (compatibility with pallets)
- ISO 8097 - Airworthiness & test conditions for certified air cargo unit load devices
- ISO 7166 - Rail and stud configuration for cargo restraint
- ISO 4116 - Ground equipment requirements (compatibility)
- IATA ULD Technical Manual - operational guidance and ULD handling practices
Keywords: ISO 4171:1993, interline pallets, air cargo equipment, pallet dimensions, pallet tests, ULD markings, ISO 4170, ISO 8097.
