How is Aircraft Cargo Transferred?

Whether boarding cargo onto a passenger or cargo plane, all pilots must follow strict regulations and limitations regarding the security and weight of payload placed within an aircraft's empennage. Following applicable regulations and limitations based on specific aircraft structures, operator loading instructions are given to those responsible for loading and unloading cargo from aircraft. The operator loading instructions must match limitations and requirements as indicated on an aircraft trim and load sheet. It is important that all personnel follow any procedures and specified limitations to mitigate operational safety issues, bulk loading issues, and other regulations for abnormal loads. 

As aircraft are prone to operational safety issues when conducting flight over their specified weight limit, any aircraft ready to depart is subjected to rigorous baggage rules and reconciliation. In passenger-centric aircraft, unless an item or bag is a part of an accompanied possession, all unaccompanied baggage must be validated for cargo storage. Upon takeoff and landing, items within an aircraft are known to shift if left unsecured. As an aircraft's center of gravity (CG) is impacted by loose cargo, Load Instruction Forms (LIF) will always be supplied within the hold area of a vehicle for specified load distribution procedures. To ensure all cargo is properly secured, some airlines may choose to utilize removable aircraft parts like Unit Load Devices (ULD) for easy cargo storage and restraint

Typically transported through narrow-bodied aircraft, bulk loading is often considered for large and oversized cargo. As cargo of this specification is loosely loaded, it must be stowed based on item count, then calculated based on the average assumed weight per item. Once a load and trim sheet has been completed, though figures may differ depending on specific NAA regulations, all items must be handled with care. Due to the average permissible bulk weight varying on whether a flight is national or international, it becomes even more imperative that all items stowed on an aircraft be as accurately tracked as possible. By miscalculating the wrong total mass of an aircraft after takeoff, the vehicle becomes at risk for disrupting its center of balance, leading to a potentially hazardous situation. To further avoid complications, bulk loading is also often done through the use of LUDs. Delivered to an aircraft after undergoing various security checks for potential hazards and threats, LUDs are often towed to an aircraft along a baggage train. Depending on the items being transported, its destination, and the aircraft being used, items being transferred on an LUD can either be maneuvered and individually loaded into a cargo holding area, or the container itself can be lifted and loaded inside. 

Though loading cargo may seem relatively simple, there is a considerable amount of information that needs to be checked and accounted for. Seeing as how extra weight can cause severe damage to an aircraft, proper management and secure placement of all items can draw a fine line between a safe flight, and one with total loss of control. Consequences of disregarding principal protocols and checks include: loss of control during flight, runway excursion, aircraft hold damage, and more.

At Aviation Axis, we are your first-stop shop for all of your aircraft needs. When your cargo components require replacement or are in need of an upgrade, rest assured knowing that we can easily help you obtain the parts you need, when you need them. As a dependable distributor of various aircraft baggage components, aircraft cargo parts, aircraft interior parts, and more, we invite you to browse our inventory for numerous aircraft parts and their applicable aparatusses. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.


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