The Safe Transport of Cargo by Air ACC-MD-001

APPENDIX E. AIR CARGO DOCUMENT EVALUATION JOB AID

The following job aid is provided as a guide for evaluating an operator’s cargo-related manuals and documents. It
is not all-inclusive and should be modified to fit the type of operation and the complexity of the operator. Some
suggested items may not be applicable to all operators.

Air Cargo Document Evaluation Job Aid

File reference_____________________________________ Date of review __________________________________

Operator’s name ___________________________________________________________________________________
CAA inspector ________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Accountable Manager ______________________________ Phone No. _____________________________________

1.0 Cargo-Related Required Manuals and Documents

Does the operator have draft OpSpecs for air cargo operations?
Are the flight manuals provided and do they contain the information required by ICAO Annex 8?
Is the OM provided for review, along with any user manuals or other items included in the OM?
Does the OM describe the means by which the operator intends to control all aspects of the intended cargo
operation?
Is the Security Programme Manual provided for review?
Is the MCM provided for review?
Are the maintenance programmes provided for review?
Are demonstration plans provided for review?
Are cargo-related checklists and job aids provided for review?
Is the operator’s MEL/CDL provided for review?
2.0 M&B Data Control System
Do the operator’s M&B Data Control System contents include:
Loading limitations?
Information on aircraft cargo restraint systems?
Requirements for special cargo loads?
A list of all ULDs as defined by the manufacturer’s AFM/MBM and/or an approved STC?
Aircraft operating weights?
Information for determining an aircraft’s CG?
Weight limitations for each compartment and zone, when applicable?
Procedures for incorporating fuel loading and usage into the aircraft's M&B calculations

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Instructions for and samples of load documents and manifests to include special cargo loading documents?
Aircraft loading schedules?
Policies and procedures to monitor the M&B Data Control System?
3.0 Operator’s MBCM
Is the MBCM based on the manufacturer’s AFM/MBM and TC or STC?
Do the MBCM limitations not exceed the limitations specified in the AFM/MBM?
4.0 Weigh Scales and Tare Weight
Does the manual include policies and procedures for:
Weigh scale accuracy?
Weigh scale calibration?
Weigh scale calibration records?
Weigh scale inspections?
Tare weight determination?
Tare weight determination after maintenance, repair, or modification?
5.0 Quality System
Has the operator documented cargo-related Quality System elements including:
Policies and procedures for surveillance, root cause analysis, corrective action, and follow-up?
Defining how and when the operator audits the M&B Data Control System?
Monitoring such items as load plans, load manifests, aircraft configuration changes, the performance of CLS
components and cargo restraints (e.g., broken straps identified after use and the shift of cargo in flight), and human
factors issues with loaders, load supervisors, and vendors?
Monitoring the effectiveness of the system to identify the reliability of overall performance for cargo operations?
Quality Assurance Programme procedures designed to monitor compliance with the required aircraft and aircraft
component standards and the adequacy of procedures to ensure that such procedures invoke good maintenance
practices and airworthy aircraft and aircraft components?
Defining the lines of safety accountability throughout the organisation, including direct accountability for safety on
the part of senior management?
6.0 Safety Management System (SMS)
Has the operator documented cargo-related SMS elements, including:
The elements indicated in IS 1.6.1.2 for safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance,
and safety promotion?
7.0 Cargo Handling and Aircraft Loading
Does the operator have the documentation of policies and procedures required for ULDs, cargo requiring unique or
special handling, special cargo, cargo buildup, cargo loading and unloading, and cargo restraint using the
operator’s MBCM, the aircraft MBM, STC, or other approved data?
Does the operator have specific procedures for the cargo restraint devices it is authorised to use and a process to
follow if failed restraints are identified while in use?

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7.1 Recommended Procedures

Does the operator have documented cargo-related policies and procedures for:
Controlling M&B for both aircraft and cargo?
Studying and evaluating the capability of any aircraft the operator may use to transport any type of cargo, including
dangerous goods?
Controlling cargo-related manuals and manual revisions, including procedures that ensure the operator has current
versions of the manuals and provides authorised concerned personnel and vendors with current manuals and
manual revisions?
Controlling the use, calibration, or verification of weigh scales for operators, AMOs, and vendors?
Loading and unloading all types of cargo, including COMAT?
Restraining cargo in aircraft compartments, including main deck, lower deck, and fore and aft compartments, in
accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer’s MBM or aircraft TC/STC for certificated ULDs, non-
certificated ULDs, bulk loaded cargo, and special cargo?
Using, storing, and evaluating the condition of cargo restraints and procedures for routine serviceability checks and
the identification and removal of any unserviceable restraints, as well as the process to follow if failed restraints are
identified while in use?
Controlling the maintenance and repair of CLS components, ULDs, and other restraints?
Reconfiguring CLS components and restraint devices and procedures for notifying operational and maintenance
personnel that CG limits may have changed for current and future flights?
Determining the carriage of special cargo and dangerous goods?
Using freight forwarding, interlining, and freight staging?
Incorporating a Quality System that verifies the performance and effectiveness of the operator’s M&B Data Control
System, CLS components, and cargo restraints in accordance with the operator’s maintenance programmes and
monitors the elements of surveillance, analysis, corrective action, and follow-up?
Ensuring that all personnel are properly trained, qualified, and authorised to perform their assigned duties and
responsibilities?
7.2 ULD Buildup and Cargo Restraint Procedures
Does the operator’s manual system contain documented cargo-related policies and procedures for ULD buildup and
restraint based on information from the manufacturer and the approved STC, if applicable, that address:
Maintaining the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical CG limits of a built-up ULD, including:
Placing sturdier, heavier, and larger cargo pieces on the bottom of the load and evenly distributing them over
the length and width of the pallet base?
Placing smaller, lighter, and fragile cargo pieces on top and evenly distributing them from the centre over the
length and width of the ULD?
Levelling off the cargo in the ULD when less than full?
Interlocking or overlapping small pieces when practical?
Minimising voided space within a ULD and between cargo pieces, including:
Using supplemental restraint devices to restrain cargo within a container when less than full?

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Filling voided spaces with materials used to support and protect cargo in an aircraft cargo compartment or
with padding used to protect the container’s contents?
Contouring cargo loads for the aircraft’s interior dimensions when using a pallet and net combination, pallet and strap
combination, or other restraint methods/devices, including:
Using techniques such as contour templates or charts?
Considering operational conditions in which variance in contouring might occur?
Accounting for height restrictions?
Tagging and identifying ULDs loaded on board aircraft, especially when using pallet and net or pallet and strap
combinations?
Ensuring cargo does not exceed the ULD gross weight or area load limits if stated by the ULD manufacturer?
Checking the condition of ULDs and other restraint devices for damage prior to use, conducting serviceability
inspections to ensure noted damage does not exceed the damage limits, and establishing a process to follow if failed
restraints are identified while in use?
As appropriate, positively closing, locking, or securing containers, nets, liners, and rigid or flexible doors after
buildup?
Properly fastening a cargo net to a pallet after buildup?
7.3 Aircraft Loading and Unloading Procedures
Does the operator have documented procedures based on the manufacturer’s MBM, aircraft STC, or supplements for the
adequate loading and unloading of aircraft that address:
Using, attaching, detaching, and stowing still guards, if applicable?
Using, attaching, detaching, and stowing tail posts for measuring the distance between the aircraft tail section and
the ground during loading and unloading?
Using, attaching, and detaching tail stands, if applicable, to prevent the aircraft from settling on its tail during loading
and unloading?
Preventing the aircraft from tail tipping during aircraft loading and unloading?
Using cargo compartment and bulkhead doors, installed nets, and smoke barriers?
Ensuring aircraft floor load limits, if the operator loads cargo directly onto the aircraft’s floor, that may be expressed
as area load or linear/running load limits and load limits for a ULD base if the ULD manufacturer has a limit?
Do these load limit procedures address how to distribute, or shore, cargo weight greater than a floor load
limit?
Verifying aircraft weight limits for aircraft cargo positions, floors, zones, and compartments and measuring to ensure
the operator does not exceed the limits?
Determining aircraft CG range limits; longitudinal, lateral, and vertical CG limits for cargo positions; and procedures
preventing the operator from exceeding these limits?
Creating a flight crew access aisle to cargo requiring access during flight?
Preventing damage during aircraft loading and unloading to the CLS components, restraints, liners, smoke detectors,
light fixtures, fire retardant flow nozzles, etc.?

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Notifying operational and maintenance personnel of damaged compartments and/or damaged, missing, or
inoperative CLS components, cargo restraints, and fire suppression and detection systems?
Do these procedures include a general guideline or list of what specific items cargo loaders should report to
flight crew members or authorised maintenance personnel?
Detailing the minimum clearance, or distance, requirements between cargo and aircraft systems and structure?
Using the CLS components and cargo restraints to secure ULDs?
Does this include policies and procedures for engaging all cargo restraints for loading ULDs and in voided
positions?
If not contained in the manufacturer’s MBM or aircraft STC, are there documented policies and procedures for loading bulk
cargo in cargo compartments certificated for bulk cargo and the following:
Meeting the minimum clearance, or distance, requirements between cargo and aircraft systems and structure?
Evenly distributing, or spreading, the cargo over the length, width, and height of the compartments?
Using installed nets?
Installing smoke barriers between cargo and flight crew members and passengers?
Reviewing cargo loading procedures for bulk and non-bulk cargo, such as cargo contained in a ULD, to ensure the
aircraft CG is within the assumed envelope to avoid safety issues with the cargo restraints and the affected aircraft
structure?
Using special handling procedures for cargo requiring additional or unique procedures to protect cargo or the aircraft
during handling, acceptance, or loading or in flight?
7.4 ULD Inspection Procedures
Does the operator have documented procedures for performing inspections for damage before using ULDs and other
cargo restraints for movement or buildup?
Does the operator have documented procedures to perform final inspections prior to loading cargo on board the
aircraft?
Do the documented ULD inspection procedures include ensuring that the:
ULDs and other restraints do not have obvious damage greater than their damage limits?
ULDs or other restraints with damage greater than the specified damage limits are not used?
Operator trains, qualifies, and authorises personnel to perform these serviceability inspections and identifies who
performs these inspections and when the inspections must be performed?
Operator clearly marks or identifies the ULDs and other restraints that fail inspections to distinguish these devices
from serviceable devices so the operator or cargo loading vendor does not inadvertently place failed devices into
service?
Operator reports damage to persons responsible for maintaining the ULDs?
7.5 Other Primary Restraint Inspection Procedures
If the operator uses cargo straps and/or restraint devices other than ULDs as the primary restraint:
Does the authorising document include serviceability limits and operational and maintenance procedures and meet
specified flammability requirements?

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Do the documented procedures address:

Installing straps or other restraints to the aircraft structure, including floor tracks, rings, hardware, or similar
components?
Meeting the minimum tie-down separation requirements for pallets so the aircraft floor attachments are not
overstressed?
Calculating the number of restraint devices required for a given cargo load based on the restraint criteria and
limiting factors specified in the manufacturer’s MBM?
Properly arranging restraint devices around the cargo or attaching them to the cargo, to include correctly
cinching adjacent net panels together with a net corner lashing rope and securing the end of the rope to the
net panel to prevent disengagement?
Restraining cargo using the aircraft’s ultimate load conditions described by the manufacturer’s MBM?
7.6 Supplemental Restraint Procedures
If the operator intends to use supplemental cargo restraints, does the operator have documented procedures for their
use based on the information provided by the manufacturer or the approved STC holder?
Do these documented procedures include:
Using and attaching the restraint to the aircraft’s installed seat track, tie-down track, and/or tie-down rings?
Using and attaching the restraint to the pallet base tie-down track of commercial pallets according to the ULD
manufacturer requirements?
Properly arranging the restraint around the cargo or attaching it to the cargo?
7.7 Smoke Barrier Control Procedures
Does the operator have documented procedures to control the airworthiness and subsequent operational
serviceability of smoke barriers?
Does the operator have aircraft-specific training on the description, operation, function, and pre-flight
inspection of smoke barriers?
7.8 Load Supervision, Load Verification, and Audit Procedures
Has the operator designated in its manual system a trained, qualified, and authorised person or persons to supervise
the loading of the aircraft?
Are there job aids for the load supervisor to use during the execution of his or her duties that include verifying that:
All cargo is properly built up and weighed?
The vendor’s cargo scales have current calibration certificates?
Cargo and passenger placement is planned and calculated to maintain the aircraft within permissible CG and
structural load limits?
Cargo is properly secured with the appropriate type(s), quantity, and placement of cargo restraint and all pallet locks
are engaged when used?
The aircraft is correctly loaded and unloaded using the operator’s procedures?
Cargo is placed on the aircraft in such a way as to prevent overloading sensitive sections of the airframe and cargo
floor?
CLS components, ULDs, and other restraint devices are in serviceable condition and properly used?

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The standard average weight or actual baggage weights are confirmed?

Flight crew members or authorised maintenance personnel are notified of damaged or inoperative cargo
compartments; damaged, missing, or inoperative CLS components; installed cargo nets; or smoke barrier
components?
All cargo-related documents are accurate and properly completed before submission to flight crew members?
The load manifest is signed by a trained, qualified, and authorised person, indicating that the aircraft is loaded
correctly?
Has the operator designated personnel to provide information to the PIC or the operator’s trained, qualified, and
authorised loading personnel about how the aircraft was loaded?
Are there checklists or job aids for these individuals to use during the execution of their duties that include verifying
that the cargo is properly loaded and includes the required following information:
The flight date?
The flight number?
The aircraft registration number?
The origin of the flight leg?
The destination of the flight leg?
ULD numbers?
The weight of each ULD loaded on board the aircraft?
The weight of the bulk cargo by compartment or position, as applicable?
The load schematic for special cargo?
A certification statement verifying that:
All ULD locks are up?
Installed nets or smoke barriers are properly attached?
All ULDs loaded are in operational condition?
All cargo was loaded using operator cargo loading procedures?
The tail stand or post was removed (as applicable)?
All cargo was loaded on board the aircraft as depicted on the load plan form, verification form, or similar
document?
The signature, or electronic equivalent, of the load supervisor or other trained, qualified, and authorised
loading personnel?
Does the operator have procedures to retain with the load manifest a completed and signed copy, or electronic
equivalent, of the document(s) containing the information listed above, as applicable?
Does the operator have documented policies and procedures for scheduled and unscheduled Quality System audits
of cargo planning, building, loading, handling, and restraint of sufficient scope and frequency to ensure that all cargo
handling personnel are following the operator’s cargo procedures?

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7.9 Combi-Configured Aircraft Loading Procedures

Does the operator have special procedures to load combi-configured aircraft, and are these special procedures
based on requirements established by the manufacturer or STC holder?
7. 10 Use of Multiple Entities
If interlining, does the operator have documented procedures to ensure that all cargo being transferred is acceptable
and capable of transportation on the receiving operator’s aircraft?
Do these documented interlining procedures include:
A cargo check (visual examination), including serviceability of ULDs?
ULD compatibility with the aircraft?
Special cargo verification and validation, if applicable?
If using vendors, does the operator have documented policies and procedures to:
Perform audits of the vendors at regular time intervals?
Ensure the vendors perform cargo buildup and loading using the operator’s procedures including:
Training a vendor employee to train other vendor employees (train-the-trainer method) or accept the
vendor’s training programme and procedures, provided they meet or exceed the standards established
in the operator’s training programme and procedures?
Designating a trained, qualified, and authorised person to oversee the vendors’ services to ensure the
vendors perform the services in accordance with the operator’s procedures?
Auditing the vendors for compliance with the operator’s procedures and training programmes?
Keeping records to track all trained individuals, including vendors, in cargo operations that are trained,
qualified, and authorised by the operator?
If freight forwarding, does the operator have documented Quality System procedures regarding the performance of
audits of a freight forwarder at regular time intervals?
7.11 Freight Staging
If freight staging, does the operator have documented policies and procedures to ensure that:
Proper security of all cargo is maintained?
Proper special handling of cargo is provided?
Proper storage of cargo that is also safe from natural elements is maintained?
Appropriate climate control for cargo (e.g., refrigeration) is provided, if applicable?
Proper documentation of all cargo is maintained?
If transporting stored or staged cargo, does the operator have documented procedures to ensure an acceptance
check is performed to verify that:
The documentation and cargo weights are accurate?
The cargo is clear of debris?
The cargo meets security and customs clearance requirements?

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8.0 Special Cargo Analysis

Does the operator have documented policies and procedures for special cargo analysis?
Do these policies and procedures document how to:
Determine if the cargo is indeed special cargo?
Evaluate the associated risks of transporting the cargo?
Develop a plan to ensure a safe flight using manufacturer AFM/MBM data?
Does the operator have documented policies and procedures for the identification, acceptance, and carriage of
special cargo?
Does the operator have documented policies and procedures to identify and ensure personnel are trained, qualified,
and authorised to perform their duties and responsibilities as they relate to special cargo operations?
Does the operator have documentation that requires the load schematic and any necessary instructions be
made available to the load supervisor, ground personnel, and flight crew, as appropriate?
Does the operator have documented policies and procedures to ensure the load schematic is filed with the load
manifest?
9.0 Dangerous Goods Management
If the operator is certificated in the transport of dangerous goods, does it have the required manuals, documents, job
aids, and forms required by Annex 18?

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