This standard defines the minimum performance and test requirements for air cargo lashing line. Air cargo lashing line may be used for repair, replacement, or tensioning on an air cargo net approved in accordance with NAS3610 or AS36100 (TSO-C90) where approved by the net manufacturer in the net's Component Maintenance Manual or equivalent document. Air cargo lashing line may be used on cargo to stabilize or prevent the shift of the cargo when the air cargo lashing line is used underneath a net or inside of a container that meets the requirements of TSO-C90. Air cargo lashing line may be used within an aircraft’s bulk cargo compartment for cargo stabilization and shift prevention when that use is not limited by the aircraft’s Weight and Balance Manual. Air cargo lashing line must not be as a replacement for an air cargo strap that provides primary restraint of cargo to an aircraft or pallet.
Rationale: An air cargo lashing line standard would help mitigate the risk of having a Unit Load Device installed in an aircraft with an improperly replaced corner lashing line. Corner lashing lines for nets often need replacement in locations where nets from multiple net manufacturers are used. Nets from different net manufacturers currently specify different part numbers for corner lashing line replacement. It is unlikely that corner lashing line replacement parts are readily available for all the different nets. By having a standard which net manufacturers may reference as the same approved corner lashing line replacement, cargo personnel can have one air cargo lashing line part stocked that would be an approved lashing line replacement for multiple nets. Also, air cargo lashing line can help stabilize cargo and prevent cargo shift, but there is no existing standard for air cargo lashing line. Expanding the approved uses for air cargo lashing line makes it more likely that it will be stocked and made readily available to cargo personnel.
