Overview
ISO 43:2016 - Aircraft - Jacking pads specifies the required profiles, dimensions and minimum clearances for aircraft jacking pads (also called adapters). The standard defines seven standardized adapter types for attachment to the primary flight structure (PFS) or to axles, covering jacking loads from light aircraft up to very large transport airplanes. ISO 43:2016 updates the 1976 edition by adding a seventh size for heavier aircraft and provides both imperial and metric tables and conversion factors.
Key topics and requirements
- Adapter types: Seven defined types (I–VII) that correspond to different load capacity ranges and use cases (PFS or axle attachment).
- Shape and profile: A mandatory shape is shown in the standard (Figure 1); manufacturers and designers must match this profile.
- Dimensional parameters: Specified dimensions (symbols such as Øa, b, c, r) and tolerances are given in Table 1 (pounds/inches) and Table 2 (kilonewtons/mm).
- Load ranges: Each type includes minimum and maximum jacking loads; Type coverage extends from small (0 lbf / 0 kN) up to very large loads (max ~359 700 lbf / ~1 600 kN).
- Minimum clearances: Required clearances around pads - including wheel/brake/tire spaces - are specified to prevent interference and ensure safe jacking operations.
- Units and conversions: The document provides imperial/metric tables and conversion factors (1 lbf = 4.45 N; 1 in = 25.4 mm).
- Normative content: ISO 43:2016 contains no external normative references and lists no separate terms and definitions.
Practical applications
- Design and manufacture of jacking adapters and jack saddle interfaces to meet consistent shape and dimensional requirements.
- Structural design and placement of aircraft jacking pads on fuselage, wing or axle interfaces to ensure safe load transfer during lifting.
- Development of maintenance and rigging procedures for MROs, ground-handling teams and airports to ensure compatible equipment and safe clearances.
- Certification evidence for manufacturers and operators demonstrating compliance with standardized jacking-pad dimensions for interoperability across ground support equipment.
Who should use this standard
- Aircraft structural designers and OEMs
- Jack and ground support equipment manufacturers
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organizations
- Aerodrome and ground-handling engineers
- Aviation regulators and certification authorities
Related standards
ISO 43:2016 was prepared by ISO/TC 20/SC 9 and is typically used alongside other aircraft design, ground support and maintenance standards and national aviation authority guidance for lifting and jacking procedures.