Overview
ISO 6517:2013 - "Air cargo - Certified lower deck containers - Design and testing" defines minimum design and operational testing requirements for general-purpose, base-restrained containers intended exclusively for the lower deck compartments of mainline civil transport aircraft. It specifies container sizes, construction and material expectations, testing types (ultimate load and operational), markings, sealing and manufacturer documentation. ISO 6517:2013 supplements - but does not replace - airworthiness performance and ultimate load parameters covered by ISO 21100 (or ISO 8097:2001 for pre‑2012 approvals).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and intended use: Applies to certified containers used by airlines or shippers in lower deck compartments and requiring airworthiness approval.
- Container sizes and contours: Defines two base sizes - Size K (1 562 × 1 534 mm) and Size L (3 175 × 1 534 mm) - and seven contours (C, E, F, G, H, P, U) with nominal overall widths. Type codes (e.g., ALP) follow ISO 21100 configuration rules and must be visibly marked.
- Design and construction: Requires aircraft‑quality materials and construction, corrosion protection, sealed non‑absorbent non‑metallic materials, fire resistance and maintainability to minimize tare weight and simplify repairs. Design shall maximize usable internal cross‑section while allowing necessary latching and restraint features.
- Airworthiness approval: Manufacturers must obtain approval (e.g., TSO/CTSO/ETSO C90d or equivalent) and follow national/regional certification procedures (EASA, FAA, CAAC, etc.). ISO 6517:2013 complements regulatory performance standards.
- Testing: Includes ultimate load tests and operation tests as part of operational qualification. The standard details testing scope but defers specific certification load parameters to ISO 21100/ISO 8097.
- Operational documentation: Mandates manufacturer instructions for installation, operation, servicing, maintenance/repair and centre‑of‑gravity/load distribution guidance.
- Markings, sealing and quality control: Specifies identification marking, customs/security sealing provisions and design/production quality control procedures.
Applications and users
ISO 6517:2013 is used by:
- Container manufacturers designing certified lower deck ULDs (unit load devices)
- Airlines and cargo handlers procuring and operating certified lower deck containers
- Airworthiness authorities and certification engineers assessing compliance
- Maintenance organizations and MROs ensuring continuing airworthiness
- Shippers and freight forwarders specifying certified lower deck ULDs
Implementing ISO 6517:2013 helps ensure safe, maintainable, lightweight lower deck cargo containers that meet regulatory approval pathways and operational needs.
Related standards
- ISO 21100 - Air cargo unit load devices (performance & test parameters)
- ISO 8097:2001 - Pre‑2012 certified ULD performance requirements
- ISO 10327, ISO 11242 and other ISO references cited for compatibility, pressure equalization and contour definitions
- Regional certification frameworks: FAA 14 CFR Part 21/25, EASA CS‑25, CAAC regulations, TSO/ETSO/CTSO C90d
Keywords: ISO 6517:2013, air cargo, lower deck containers, certified containers, design and testing, airworthiness approval, unit load device, ULD.
