Packaged products transported via the feeder aircraft network are liable to experience altitudes as high as 5 791 m [19 000 ft]. When exposed to these high altitude conditions, products or packaging systems, or a combination thereof, may be affected negatively by the resultant pressure differential.

These test methods are suitable for evaluating the effect of high altitude on packaging systems.

These test methods are suitable for package or product, or both, development and engineering.

Other test methods, such as Test Methods D3078, D4991 and D5094, test for leakage of packaging systems by vacuum method and are applicable for testing the effects of high altitude.

1.1 These test methods determine the effects of pressure differential when packaged products are transported via certain modes of transport, such as feeder aircraft or ground over high mountain passes. The results of these tests are intended to be used for qualitative purposes.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.