Engr. Abdul Razzaque Memon
B.A - B.E (NED) - P.E - M.C.S (IT)
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Do You Believe in TEAM WORK & PLANNING ...?   This is Memon's ULD Awareness Program   Update Version: 14 September 2005.
INTRODUCTION:
Unit Load Devices (ULD) play a vital part in ensuring that as air cargo volume increase, they are moved safely, quickly and cost-effetively.
Aircraft pallets, pallet nets, non-structural containers and aircraft containers which lock into the aircraft cargo restraint system are included in the term "Aircraft Unit Load Device". The parameters for the use of aircraft unit load devices are firmly established by marketing considerations, shippers interests, customs requirements and the like, but they are bound in the first instance by the design of the many different types of aircraft currently in operation.
ULD Types & Designs
Horse Stalls
Cool Containers
Heavy Duty Pallets
Cargo Containers
Hybrid Containers
Composite Containers
Car Trasporters
Special Projects
Military
Repair & Maintenance
Currency Exchange Functions
Dimension Conversion Table
Airport Codes
World Time
PURPOSE:
The purpose of these notes and instructions is to guide airline staff in the proper use of ULDs, so that safe & proper handling of consignments and equipment is achieved.
It isof utmost importance that the very stringent conditions for aircraft equipment safety are satisfied at all times. To this end, it is necessary that all staff involved in the preparation of containerised loads be properly instructed & trained.
GENERAL:
Aircraft ULDs, i-e pallets, nets, igloos and containers are an integral part of the aircraft and have been designed and manufactured to very exacting standards. Strict aderence to the following instructions is mandatory and will enable airlines to make the best use of the volume and weight capabilities of the ULDs and at the same time, to maximise their useable life.
Loading and handling of ULDs should be carried out with the utmost care to ensure in-flight safety, reliability and maximum equipment life.
PALLETS:
Loaded pallets must always be fully supported from underneath with roller sections, ball mats or inverted casters. If insufficient support is provided, the pallet will break or bow to an extent of permanent deflection so that it will not fit into the aircraft.
The recommended minimum acceptable support criteria during ground handling of fully loaded pallets is defined in IATA Airport Handling Manual AHM 911.
Ground Equipment Requirements for Compatibility with Aircraft Unit Load devices (ISO 4116 is equivalent).
NETS:
The net is an integral part of the aircraft restraint system; the pallet and net(s) are approved by the airworthness authority as one unit, therefore only those nets approved with specified pallets shall be used together.
Each fitting for attaching the net to the pallet is to take certain loads. Therefore, all fittings must be secured to their corresponding place on the pallet.
It is important that each package comprising the load is secured by the net(s) and prevented from breaking loose in any way. After the net(s) has been placed over the load and fitted to the pallet edge member, it must be tensioned firmly in all directions. Special consideration should be given to securing low profile loads.
A load built-up on a pallet that exceeds the envelope dimentions of the pallet or standard contour for a specific pallet size or prevents all the net attachment fittings from being attached to the pallet, must be restrained by additional approved tie-down equipment. Straps, rope or other approved restraint devices may be used to prevent the load from shifting under normal taxi and flight conditions.  Loaded pallets are often exposed to the weather, awaiting loading or in transit. It is recommended that water-proof sheeting be placed over the whole load top and sides underneath the net(s) to prevent the damage.

CAUTION:
Live animal consignments may require specialised handling. refer to iata Live Animals Regulations for specific requirements.
IATA APPROVED LOADING PRINCIPLES,
USE OF EQUIPMENT, LOADING INSTRUCTIONS
&
SECURING CARGO IN ULDs
IGLOOS:
Igloos are intended to protect the interior of aircraft from damage and to provide a framework container into which cargo can be loaded. When not in use they should be kept on a pallet on a properly supported surface.
A net must always be used to secure a non-structural igloo to the pallet.
The contents in the igloo shall be properly secured to prevent load shifting. High density items should be individually secured with tie-downs, stowage or dunnage.
CONTAINERS (Aircraft Type):
Containers require proper underneath support and the same standard as under pallets should be used.
Maximum gross weight per container is inscribed on the container marking plate. This must not be exceeded and the maximum shelf weight limit should als be observed. Maximum loading densities for the floor must not be exceeded.(see Loading Preparation).
Maximum Acceptable Gross Weight of ULDs:
All aircraft have structural limitations which determine the maximum gross weights acceptable. In addition, each ULD has a floor loading limitations (see Loading Preparation).
Serviceability Limits:
Aircraft Unit Load Devices must conform to the Serviceability Limits (as described in ULD Specification Manual 50/0).
If there is any doubt regarding the serviceability of a unit, a licenced aircraft engineer must be consulted on its acceptance for service. all damaged equipment/parts must be repaired or replaced.
LOADING PREPARATION
When stacking cargo, spread load evenly over the entire floor of the unit load device and ensure that the heavy items are at the bottom and lighter items above, to prevent crushing.Delicate or exposed extremities of machinery should be protected from other cargo. Because of the requirement to secure net fittings into the pallet edge rail track, cargo should not be placed within 50mm (2 inch) of the outside edge of the pallet.
Barrels, drums or non aircraft containers that contains liquid should be positioned on a pallet far enough away from the pallet edge rail or secured by positioning other hard freight around the barrel, drum or container to prevent shifting against raised  pallet end locks or other in-plane loading system hardware that could puncture the barrel, drum or container and cause leaking of the liquid contents.
Hoofed animals should not be allowed to stand directly on metal pallet surface. Plywood, heavy duty cardboard or celotex type material should be placed on the pallet to aid in preventing animals from slipping on the metal pallet.
Absorbent material should always be put down under other sub-flooring material or on top of sub-flooring as well as plastic sheeting to retain liquids.
Pallet loads must conform to the contour of the aircraft fuselage. The load should, therefore, be either built-up within a loading gauge or passed through it before netting down. The gauge will allow only the narrowest clearance of the aircraft structure, therefore, no tolerance on the contour can be permitted.
Consignments for interline transfer will have to conform to the weight and contour restrictions of each carrier concerned. This will be conditioned by the aircraft type used in transportation.
Container/Pallet tags identifying the Unit Load Device should be completed and securely fastened.
TOOLS
The floor loading limitations of pallets and container bases vary considerably.
When the established maximum floor loading is exceeded, the items of cargo concerned must be loaded onto wooden boards (spreaders) to distribute the weight over a greater area. If spreaders are used, ensure that they satisfactorily distribute the weight within the established limits. Floor loading must be checked as follows:
DIVDE WEIGHT OF ARTICLE BY TOTAL AREA OF CONTACT BETWEEN ARTICLE AND FLOOR (PALLET OR CONTAINER BASE)
Pan Fittings
Seat Tracks
Straps
ULD Manufacturers &  Suppliers
ULD's & Pallets Index
Airline Container Leasing

TelAir International
Alcan Singen Aviation Products
Bridport Aviation Products
AirGo Industries
Nordisk Aviation Products
Aero Net
Airbase Servuces inc.
PalNet Air Cargo Products
Saeplast America (Plastic LD3)
ScanPak INC
Van Riemsdijk Rotterdam B.V.
Memon's ULD Awareness Program
Holding Higher Qualification/Recorded performance but yet in same pay scale since joined ASD-(1986/1989) My juniors & Less me whom I make learn are my bosses now!
01.Joined PIA as OE- in Engineering Department   1986
02.Harware Maintenance Engineer in DPC   
1987-1989
03.Shift Incharge Ramp Operation in TGS . 
1989-1991
04.Assistan Manager ASD Planning H.O      
1991-1993
05.Assistant Manager PS UET                    
1993
06.Assistant Manager ASD Planning H.O     
1993-1995
07.DSM Ramp KHI  Airport                       
1995-2005
08.Operation Controller KHI Airport
09. Incharge ULD KHI Airport
10. Assistant Manager MRO Head office
11.Terminal Manager (INT)
12.SSM Shift A JIAP KHI
13.Attachment GM ASD H.O
14.Incharge INAD Central Cell H.O
15.Incharge ULD Control Section.               
May 2005
Professional Service/Capability Before Joining PIA
01.National Motors Ltd Karachi (Apprentice) 1972-1974
02.Pakistan Air Force Lahore (SAC)            
1974-1976
03.Technical Training Center (Instructor)    
1976-1978
04.Govt. Polytechnic Institute (Sr.Instructor)
1978-1980
05.Hyderabad Technical Institute (Principal) 
1980-1984
06.Pakistan Naval Engg. College (Lecturar)  
1985-1986
    PNS Jauhar Karachi