ISO 16049-2:2020

Overview

ISO 16049-2:2020 - "Air cargo equipment - Restraint straps - Part 2" provides utilization requirements, recommendations and lashing calculation methods to ensure effective and reliable tie-down/lashing arrangements for cargo carried on civil transport aircraft. It covers cargo secured on certified air cargo pallets, additional tie-downs to aircraft structure, non‑unitized items (including floating pallets) and bulk-loaded pieces. The standard specifies how to use air cargo restraint straps (used in accordance with ISO 16049-1) and provides industry-recognized methods to help meet airworthiness authority load-securing requirements (e.g., 14 CFR Part 25, EASA CS‑25).

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope of application: Tie-down arrangements for pallets, floating pallets, non-unitized cargo and bulk-loaded compartments; excludes rigid devices (chains/rods) that can overstress aircraft structure.
• Restraint strap use: Applies to straps conforming to ISO 16049-1; offers recommendations that may be adapted for other lashing means at the user's responsibility.
• Tie-down methods: Geometric layouts, directions of restraint (fore, aft, side, upward) and basic tie-down practices.
• Lashing calculations: Load factors from the aircraft Weight and Balance Manual, calculation principles, practical calculation procedures and a provided calculation sheet (Clause 6.4) to document design/verification.
• Load definitions: Clarifies limit load and ultimate load (ultimate = limit × 1.5) and use of ultimate load factors for strength verification.
• Specific considerations: Risk of slippage, tilting, long/narrow items, maximum number of tie-down locations and pallet edge-rail constraints.
• Operator responsibilities: Requirement for documented operating instructions, compliance with the applicable Weight and Balance Manual, and use of competent, trained personnel (see ISO 9001 example).

Practical Applications

• Designing and validating cargo tie-down/lashing arrangements for commercial and freighter aircraft.
• Preparing load‑securing procedures, checklists and operating instructions for airline operations and ground handling.
• Performing lashing strength calculations for unusual loads, floating pallets or additional structure tie-downs.
• Training loadmasters, cargo handlers, safety engineers and auditors in compliant strap use and calculation methods.

Who Should Use This Standard

• Airline operations and cargo divisions
• Freight forwarders and ground-handling companies
• Aircraft loadmasters and cargo planners
• Aircraft manufacturers and structural engineers (for tie-down interface)
• Aviation safety regulators and auditors
• Training providers for cargo handling and load securing

Related Standards

• ISO 16049-1 (restraint strap design & testing)
• ISO 8097, ISO 21100 (air cargo pallet/unit load devices)
• ISO 7166, ISO 9788, ISO 10254
• Airworthiness regulations: 14 CFR Part 25, EASA CS‑25, CCAR‑25, JAS Part 3

Keywords: ISO 16049-2:2020, air cargo restraint straps, lashing calculations, tie-down, air cargo pallets, Weight and Balance Manual, aircraft load securing.