This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides instructions for intended proper use of Aerospace Standard AS36100A, published 2006-04 [TSO pending], as the technical reference for airworthiness approval of air cargo unit load devices (pallets, nets and containers) to be loaded on board civil transport aircraft. For consistency and cross-checking purposes, it also includes instructions for proper use of previous NAS 3610 [Revision 10, 1990, referenced in TSO C90c], as commonly understood by the industry.

This AIR does not provide detailed background or rationale for the technical contents of AS36100A, which are separately provided in AIR36108, AS36100A background and development record.

AS36100A exclusively defines the general geometric parameters (insofar as they affect restraint on board aircraft), minimum performance requirements and testing parameters of unit load devices. Additional areas as per AS36100A paragraph 1.1, such as continued airworthiness and maintenance requirements, design and testing methods, unit load devices design specifications and accessories, and rules for proper operation/utilization and operating staff training also need to be considered for designing unit load devices, and are covered by other documents, listed in AIR36105A.