Professional Documents
Culture Documents
STUDIES
DEPARTMENT: AVIATION
SEMESTER: V
TITLE OF THE PAPER: LOAD AND TRIM
SUBJECT CODE: 21DBAV55
TIME: 03 Hours Max. Marks: 100
SECTION – A (3 MARKS)
S. No Questions
1. Define centre of gravity.
The point through which the force of gravity is said to act on a mass (in
aircraft terms, the point on the aircraft through which the total mass is said to
act in a vertically downward manner). The centre of gravity is also the point of
balance and as such it affects the stability of the aircraft both on the ground
and in the air.
2. Define center of gravity limits.
A point along the longitudinal axis (centre line) of the aeroplane (or its
extension) designated by the manufacturer as the zero or reference point from
which all balance arms (distances) begin. By taking moments about the datum
the CG position of the aircraft can be determined. For the purposes of this
phase of study the lateral displacement of the CG from the longitudinal axis is
assumed to be zero.
4. Define moment.
The maximum weight is the maximum authorized weight of the aircraft and
its contents, and is indicated in the Aircraft Specifications or TCDS. For many
aircraft, there are variations to the maximum allowable weight depending on
the purpose and conditions under which the aircraft is to be flown.
7. What is empty weight of an aircraft?
Useful load is total usable fuel, cargo, passengers, and drainable fuel.
Equation: Maximum Ramp Weight - Basic Empty Weight = Useful Load
13. What is payload?
This one is simple. Think of payload as what's "paying" for the flight:
passengers, bags, and cargo. Its how much weight you can carry besides basic
empty weight and fuel.
14. Differentiate useful load and payload.
Useful load is total usable fuel, cargo, passengers, and drainable fuel.
Equation: Maximum Ramp Weight - Basic Empty Weight = Useful Load
This one is simple. Think of payload as what's "paying" for the flight:
passengers, bags, and cargo. Its how much weight you can carry besides basic
empty weight and fuel.
15. What is load and trim sheets?
The traditional method for ensuring load and trim compliance dates
from the days when all load and trim sheets were completed manually on
specific forms designed for use with each aircraft type, and is as follows:
The completed document is presented to the aircraft commander
The aircraft commander checks that it is internally consistent by
carrying out some simple cross checks of input and calculated output
data for gross errors and,
If the cross checks are satisfactory, the commander formally accepts the
load and trim sheet by means of a signature on at least two copies, one
being retained by the departure agent and the other by the flight crew.
16. What is an aircraft?
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air.
It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or the dynamic lift of
an airfoil,[1] or, in a few cases, direct downward thrust from its engines.
Common examples of aircraft include airplanes, helicopters, airships
(including blimps), gliders, paramotors, and hot air balloons.
17. Write the main components of an aircraft.
Fuselage
Wings
Engine
Landing gear
Empennage
18. Write the control surfaces of an aircraft.
Ailerons
Rudder
Elevator
Flaps
Trim taps
Slats
Spoilers
19. What are the forces acting on an aircraft?
Lift
Drag
Weight
Thrust
20. What is an airfoil?
The fuselage is the main section, or body, of the airplane. This is where
you’ll find passengers, cargo, and the flight crew. The fuselage is the
foundation for the structure of the aircraft. The tail number, which identifies
each plane, is often located at the rear of the fuselage near the tail.
23. Define ailerons.
The ailerons, which is French for 'little wings,' are used to tilt the plane
from one side to the other, moving it along its longitudinal axis, producing
roll. They are attached to the outward edges of the aircraft wings and move in
opposite directions from one another to adjust the position of the plane. When
the flight deck control device is moved or turned, one aileron deflects up and
the other one downward. This causes one wing to generate more lift than the
other, which makes the plane roll and facilitates a curve in the flight path, or
what is known as a 'banked turn.' The aircraft will continue to turn until an
opposite motion returns the plane to straight along the longitudinal axis.
24. Define propeller.
An aircraft engine, or aero engine, is the power source for a plane. Most
are either piston engines or gas turbines. Some drones, or unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV), have used electric motors. There are many manufacturers and
models of engines. Each is designed for specific aircraft, whether large or
small. Manufacturers recommend an engine overhaul at specified times after
an engine has flown a certain number of hours.
26. Define aircraft wing.
The wings of an aircraft serve the same purpose as the wings of a bird,
hence their name. Airplanes are considered fixed-wing aircraft. (Helicopters
are considered rotary-winged.) A plane is capable of flight because its wings
provide lift. Lift is created by the shape of the wings and the plane’s speed as
it moves forward. Wings include ailerons and flaps. “Aileron” is another
French word. It means “little wing” or “fin.” They are used in pairs to control
the airplane’s roll or bank.
27. Define spoilers.
Spoilers and air brakes are used to reduce the lift and slow down the
aircraft. They are used on approach and after landing. Spoilers are small panels
hinged on the upper surface of the wing and decrease lift by disrupting the
airflow. While spoilers may act as brakes, proper air brakes extend out from
the surface into the airstream in order to slow the aircraft down. Most often,
they are deployed symmetrically on each side.
28. Draw and mention the components of aircraft.
29. Draw and mention the control surfaces of an aircraft.
The angle of attack is the angle at which the oncoming airflow meets the
wing. It is measured using the wing’s ‘chord line’, a straight line drawn from
its leading edge to the trailing edge. The angle of attack is independent of pitch
attitude, and many factors affect it.
31. Define empty weight.
The empty weight of an aircraft plus those items of removable equipment and
disposable load which remain constant for the type of operation being
conducted.
34. What is loading system?
The system for ensuring that an aircraft is loaded within approved limits at all
times during flight.
35. Define center of gravity.
The point through which the force of gravity is said to act on a mass (in
aircraft terms, the point on the aircraft through which the total mass is said to
act in a vertically downward manner). The centre of gravity is also the point of
balance and as such it affects the stability of the aircraft both on the ground
and in the air.
36. Define center of pressure.
The items of equipment which are carried on some of the operations but which
are not included in the empty weight and which are not mandatory for the type
of operation being conducted.
44. What is the condition for reweighing the aircraft?
The DAW (Region) and DAW (Hqrs) will establish a system to maintain
records of all documents generated and received. It may be ensured that all
related records are maintained in chronological manner and all the pages are
appropriately numbered. Traceability of all records should be ensured for
future reference.
46. Write the importance of load and trim sheet.
1. An aircraft filled with passengers, baggage, cargo and fuel could be too
heavy for the engines to lift it off the ground.
2. The balance of the aircraft is crucial, and the location of the passengers,
baggage, cargo and fuel will affect the aircraft trim.
3. The undercarriage can only support a certain amount of weight on
landing.
4. Loading too much weight into a particular part of the aircraft could
cause damage to the structure. Whilst this might not be evident straight
away it could over a period of time shorten the working life of the
aircraft.
47. Define fixed equipment weight.
Block Fuel: All fuel uploaded onto the aircraft before it has moved anywhere.
Total Traffic Load: Total weight of all passengers, baggage, cargo and mail.
Deducting the total traffic load from the allowed traffic load provides an under
load, this indicates how much weight is still available to carry anything.
The fixed point on a numerical scale representing the balance point of the
empty aircraft, this includes crew and catering.
56. What is meant by NOTOC?
Live animals
Food stuffs
Human remains
Perishables
58. What is meant by LMC?
Senior cabin crew can assist operational safety by using their discretion
to report what they perceive to be abnormal seated passenger distribution prior
to take-off, especially if free seating is available. This is a particularly
important point in the case of flights which make an en route or ‘transit’ stop,
at which passengers either leave or join the flight, and where some through
passengers remain on board. This scenario has often led in the past to ground
staff preparing an incorrect load and trim sheet based on unchecked (and
undisclosed) assumptions about passenger seat occupancy when an aircraft
will be departing with only a part load. Either the seats occupied by passengers
remaining on board at the transit stop are not established, or the seats chosen
by the boarding passengers are not known, or both. Random assumptions are
then made for load and trim sheet purposes, which may not reflect the actual
longitudinal trim of the aircraft as actually loaded. This may result in a take-
off with the aircraft trim outside the envelope for permitted safe flight, or the
pitch trim setting made by the flight crew may be incorrect to a degree which
then affects normal aircraft control at and after the initiation of rotation.
69. What is meant by passenger weight and seat occupancy?
Standard Passenger weights are usually used for load and trim sheet
purposes and are often prescribed by the Regulatory Authority which has
issued the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) under which the flight is being
made. Longitudinal effects of passenger load may be allowed for by dividing
the cabin into sections and using standard loading index variations, pre-
calculated for each of these compartments. Departure control systems (DCS),
may, however, be programmed to use a different index correction for each seat
row. The accuracy of this calculation will rely on passengers sitting in the
seats assigned at check-in or, if free (unassigned) seating is used, the ground
crew or cabin crew will need to record the actual seating occupied, either by
cabin section, or, exceptionally, by seat row. In practice, low cost airlines,
which routinely offer free seating, also operate the majority of their flights
with a high load factor, so that identifying any unoccupied seats will be a
fairly simple matter. Where the load factor is medium or low, cabin crew may
sometimes be instructed to restrict free seating to the centre of the cabin in
order to keep the centre of gravity within limits.
70. Write short note on cabin baggage.
Many narrow body short haul aircraft are bulk loaded with loose
individual items of baggage and cargo. In this case, baggage loading will be by
item count, with prescribed assumptions about the average weight per bag
used to complete the load and trim sheet; precise figures will often vary
according to NAA regulations or be more restrictive to meet the aircraft
operator’s own checked baggage rules. Average checked baggage standard
weight assumptions usually vary depending on whether the flight is domestic,
international, charter (holiday flight) or scheduled. Standard baggage weights
must be applied with care. Incidents have occurred where standard weights
have seriously under-stated the actual mass of the loaded baggage causing
both an error in the total mass of the aircraft and a centre of gravity outside the
approved safe envelope.
72. Define unit load devices.
Most wide bodied aircraft, and increasingly some narrow bodies, are
able to use the much simpler system of aluminium containers called Unit Load
Devices (ULD). These can be used to consolidate baggage or cargo items
before being loaded into the aircraft hold by specialized hydraulic lift
equipment. The ULDs are then maneuvered manually to a final position on
board by use of a roller floor, before being finally secured in position.
73. List out the types of abnormal loads.
SECTION – B (8 MARKS)
S. No Questions
76. Explain the importance of load and trim sheets.
Performance is reduced:
Take-off and landing distances will increase. V1 decision speed, VR
rotation speed, V2 takeoff safety speed, and the stopping distance will
all increase. The climb gradient, rate of climb and ceiling height will
also reduce.
The rate of descent will increase.
The stalling speed will increase and maximum speed will reduce.
The safety margins and the effective speed range between low and high
speed buffet will reduce.
Drag and fuel consumption will increase.
Range and endurance will reduce.
Wing root stresses will increase.
Maneuverability will reduce. The aircraft will become less responsive to
control inputs and more difficult to fly.
Wing root stresses and undercarriage loads will increase as will tyre and
brake wear.
78. Explain the loading procedure of an aircraft.
Loading Procedures
It is essential that the Dispatcher, or other official assigned
responsibility for overseeing aircraft loading, specifies the loading requirement
correctly and has a reliable method by which he/she can be satisfied that
his/her instructions have been carried out as requested. Whilst modern
automated systems may determine the seating options for passengers and the
load disposition, effective procedures and compliance remain the only way of
ensuring that what has been specified and passed to the aircraft commander
has actually been achieved. Specification of the hold compartment loading is
usually achieved by the completion of a Loading Instruction Form (LIF). The
LIF is given to the loading supervisor who certifies that it has been complied
with and returns it to the issuer as evidence that the work has been completed.
The completed load and trim sheet are then given to the aircraft commander.
The human supervisor must also have a reliable means of confirming that if
dangerous goods are loaded the dangerous goods regulations are complied
with and a Notification to Captain (NOTOC) is issued and duly signed by the
aircraft commander. The original NOTOC is retained by the aircraft
commander onboard and a copy is held at the departure point. The human
supervisor must also confirm that any special requirements for securing
unusual items in the holds or in the passenger cabin have been complied with.
Fuel Loading and Distribution
Many swept wing jet transport aircraft use fuel distribution to optimize
the centre of gravity in cruise to reduce fuel burn. This is achieved by keeping
the C of G towards the aft limits of the envelope by utilizing outboard wing,
aft body or horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks. It is the aircraft commander’s
responsibility to ensure that the fuel load prior to takeoff is correctly
distributed and reflected on the load/trim sheet and maintained within the
prescribed limits for the remainder of the flight.
79. Write short note on manual load sheets.
The traditional method for ensuring load and trim compliance dates
from the days when all load and trim sheets were completed manually on
specific forms designed for use with each aircraft type, and is as follows:
The completed document is presented to the aircraft commander
The aircraft commander checks that it is internally consistent by
carrying out some simple cross checks of input and calculated output
data for gross errors and,
If the cross checks are satisfactory, the commander formally accepts the
load and trim sheet by means of a signature on at least two copies, one
being retained by the departure agent and the other by the flight crew.
81. Write short note on fuel loading and distribution.
For some flights, especially but not only cargo flights, the flight crew
have an electronic flight bag (EFB) which they use to calculate aircraft
performance data, which takes account of the completed load and trim sheet.
They also use the EFB to make the load and trim calculations themselves, so
that once it has been checked, all that is required is that a copy be left with the
agent at the point of departure. Clearly, it is vital that a rigorous process of
crosschecking is included in the preparation of such documentation to avoid
input errors. Crosschecking does not mean simply repeating the numbers
selected/presented but also confirming that they make sense in relation to the
actual situation.
83. Write the regulatory requirements of load and trim.
The aircraft commander must be given a copy of the completed load and
trim sheet for the flight and should check and sign it, leaving a copy at the
point of departure. The aircraft commander is obliged to accept that the
aircraft is loaded as stated in respect of the hold loading. However, in respect
of Passenger Cabin Loading the senior cabin crew member usually confirms
the number of passengers actually on board by means of a headcount after
boarding has been completed.
DCS and the communication facility afforded by ACARS (Aircraft
Communications Addressing and Reporting System) has allowed aircraft
commanders to be given substantially complete and correct loading documents
with ‘provisional’ status in plenty of time before STD; ‘final’ status
documents with highlighted minor amendments (also known as Last Minute
Changes - LMC) can be generated as the aircraft leaves the gate for acceptance
via ACARS at any time before take-off commences.
86. Write short note on DCS.
Cute-less
Cost effective
88. Explain the features of DCS.
Fast Weight and Balance and easy load planning and load distribution
1. Lift
2. Weight
3. Thrust
4. Drag
Lift and drag are considered as the aerodynamic forces because they exist due
2) Angle of attack
Weight: The weight acts vertically downward from the center of gravity of the
airplane.
Drag: Drag is the force which opposes the forward motion of an airplane.
Specifically, drag is retarding force acting upon a body in motion through a
fluid, parallel to the direction of motion of a body. It is the friction of the air as
it meets and passes over an airplane and its components. Drag is created by air
impact force, skin friction, and displacement of the air.
90. Explain the primary control surfaces of an aircraft with neat diagram.
Aileron
The ailerons, which is French for 'little wings,' are used to tilt the plane
from one side to the other, moving it along its longitudinal axis, producing
roll. They are attached to the outward edges of the aircraft wings and move in
opposite directions from one another to adjust the position of the plane. When
the flight deck control device is moved or turned, one aileron deflects up and
the other one downward. This causes one wing to generate more lift than the
other, which makes the plane roll and facilitates a curve in the flight path, or
what is known as a 'banked turn.' The aircraft will continue to turn until an
opposite motion returns the plane to straight along the longitudinal axis.
Elevators
The elevators raise and lower the aircraft, moving the plane in its
transverse axis, producing pitch. Most aircraft have two elevators. They are
placed on the trailing edge on each half of the fixed horizontal stabilizer.
Manual or autopilot input moves the elevators up or down as needed by a
forward or aft movement of the control column or control stick. If it is moved
forward, the elevator deflects downward, which generates an increase in lift
for the tail surface. This, in turn, causes the nose of the plane to pivot along
the vertical axis and turn downwards. The opposite is true when the control
panel is pulled back.
Rudder
The rudder moves the aircraft in its horizontal axis, producing yaw. It
sits on the vertical stabilizer or tail fin. It is not used to directly steer the
aircraft, as its name might have one believe. Rather it is used to counteract
adverse yaw produced by turning the aircraft or to counteract an engine failure
on quad jets. It is also used in order to 'slip' and direct the trajectory of the
plane before landing during a heavy crosswind approach. The rudder is usually
controlled by the left and right rudder pedals in the cockpit.
91. Explain the secondary control surfaces of an aircraft with neat diagram.
Flaps
The flaps resemble the ailerons, but they sit closer to the fuselage. They
change the shape of the aircraft's wing and are utilized to both generate more
lift and increase drag, depending on their angle. Their setting is usually
between five and fifteen degrees, depending on the aircraft. Trailing edge flaps
extend and move downwards on the back of the wing. Leading-edge flaps
move out and forward on the front of the wing. However, the leading-edge
flaps and slats are not individually controlled but respond to the movement of
the trailing edge flaps.
Slats
Leading-edge slats extend out from the surface of the front of the wing
using hydraulic pressure. Altogether, they can change the shape and size of the
wing quite significantly. This lets pilots adapt the amount of drag and lift
needed for takeoff and landing procedures.
Spoilers
Spoilers and air brakes are used to reduce the lift and slow down the
aircraft. They are used on approach and after landing. Spoilers are small
panels hinged on the upper surface of the wing and decrease lift by disrupting
the airflow. While spoilers may act as brakes, proper air brakes extend out
from the surface into the airstream in order to slow the aircraft down. Most
often, they are deployed symmetrically on each side.
Tabs
Tabs are small secondary flight control surfaces set into the trailing
edges of the primary surfaces. These are used to reduce the pilot’s work load
required to hold the aircraft in some constant attitude by “loading” the control
surface in a position to maintain the desired attitude. They may also be used to
aid the pilot in returning a control surface to a neutral or trimmed center
position.
92. Explain the following components with neat diagram:
1. Aircraft fuselage
2. Aircraft wings
Fuselage
The fuselage is the main section, or body, of the airplane. This is where
you’ll find passengers, cargo, and the flight crew. The fuselage is the
foundation for the structure of the aircraft. The tail number, which identifies
each plane, is often located at the rear of the fuselage near the tail.
Wings
The wings of an aircraft serve the same purpose as the wings of a bird,
hence their name. Airplanes are considered fixed-wing aircraft. (Helicopters
are considered rotary-winged.) A plane is capable of flight because its wings
provide lift. Lift is created by the shape of the wings and the plane’s speed as
it moves forward. Wings include ailerons and flaps. “Aileron” is another
French word. It means “little wing” or “fin.” They are used in pairs to control
the airplane’s roll or bank.
93. Explain the following components with neat diagram:
1. Aircraft propeller
2. Aircraft engine
Engine
An aircraft engine, or aero engine, is the power source for a plane. Most
are either piston engines or gas turbines. Some drones, or unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV), have used electric motors. There are many manufacturers and
models of engines. Each is designed for specific aircraft, whether large or
small. Manufacturers recommend an engine overhaul at specified times after
an engine has flown a certain number of hours.
Propeller
1. Vertical stabilizer
2. Horizontal stabilizer
Vertical Stabilizer
Horizontal Stabilizer
Landing Gear
The landing gear is the undercarriage of an airplane. It is used for both takeoff
and landing. The landing gear supports the plane when it is on the ground.
Landing gear allows the plane to take off, land, and taxi without damage. Most
landing gear has wheels. However, some aircraft use skis or floats to operate
on snow, ice, or water. Faster aircraft, such as many twin-engine or jet aircraft,
have retractable landing gear. Upon takeoff, the folding landing gear are
stowed away to reduce drag during flight.
Wings
The wings of an aircraft serve the same purpose as the wings of a bird, hence
their name. Airplanes are considered fixed-wing aircraft. (Helicopters are
considered rotary-winged.) A plane is capable of flight because its wings
provide lift. Lift is created by the shape of the wings and the plane’s speed as
it moves forward. Wings include ailerons and flaps. “Aileron” is another
French word. It means “little wing” or “fin.” They are used in pairs to control
the airplane’s roll or bank.
96. What are the contents to be included in weight schedule?
(vii) Maximum commercial weight with fuel and oil tanks full;
ii) The empty center of gravity position has changed by more than
½ per cent of the mean aerodynamic chord.
Height by width by depth: Most – but not all – airlines measure bags
by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth,
such as 22 x 14 x 9 inches. (Note: The dimensions in this article, which
are given according to that formula, may differ slightly from the way
each individual airline formats its size requirements.)
Linear inches: A few airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on
baggage, meaning the airline gives one number for the total of all three
dimensions. As long as the combined height, width and depth don't
exceed that number, you're in the clear.
Centre of Gravity
The point through which the force of gravity is said to act on a mass (in
aircraft terms, the point on the aircraft through which the total mass is said to
act in a vertically downward manner). The centre of gravity is also the point of
balance and as such it affects the stability of the aircraft both on the ground
and in the air.
Center of Pressure
The purpose of this document is for the load controller to allocate the
load, and the loader to confirm where the actual load is located on the aircraft.
The LIR/LP is prepared by the load controller detailing where the planned
load is to be located in the holds, the loader then records where the actual load
and weight is distributed in the holds. Sometimes it is necessary for the
LIR/LP to be changed by the loader i.e. a hold is bulked out before it contains
the entire planned load. The amended LIR/LP is communicated to the load
controller enabling them to produce a load sheet that accurately reflects the
actual weights and locations of the load.
Initial Training is the training required for L&T officer and dispatchers who
have not qualified and served in the same capacity on another airplane of the
same group at that carrier.
Transition Training is the training required for L&T officer and dispatchers
who have qualified and served in the same capacity on another airplane in the
same group at that carrier.
Upgrade Training is the training required for L&T officer who have qualified
and served as second-in-command or flight engineer on a particular airplane
type, before they serve as pilot in-command or second-in-command,
respectively, on that airplane at that carrier.
Differences Training is the training required for L&T officer and dispatchers
who have qualified and served on a particular type airplane, when the FAA
determines that additional training is necessary before a crewmember serves in
the same capacity on a particular variation of that airplane at that carrier.
Persons deputed by Operator for preparing load and trim sheet of aircraft shall
be:
OR
Standard Passenger weights are usually used for load and trim sheet
purposes and are often prescribed by the Regulatory Authority which has
issued the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) under which the flight is being
made. Longitudinal effects of passenger load may be allowed for by dividing
the cabin into sections and using standard loading index variations, pre-
calculated for each of these compartments. Departure control systems (DCS),
may, however, be programmed to use a different index correction for each seat
row. The accuracy of this calculation will rely on passengers sitting in the
seats assigned at check-in or, if free (unassigned) seating is used, the ground
crew or cabin crew will need to record the actual seating occupied, either by
cabin section, or, exceptionally, by seat row. In practice, low cost airlines,
which routinely offer free seating, also operate the majority of their flights
with a high load factor, so that identifying any unoccupied seats will be a
fairly simple matter. Where the load factor is medium or low, cabin crew may
sometimes be instructed to restrict free seating to the centre of the cabin in
order to keep the centre of gravity within limits.
119. Explain the procedure of loading and unloading of baggage in aircraft.
Many narrow body short haul aircraft are bulk loaded with loose
individual items of baggage and cargo. In this case, baggage loading will be
by item count, with prescribed assumptions about the average weight per bag
used to complete the load and trim sheet; precise figures will often vary
according to NAA regulations or be more restrictive to meet the aircraft
operator’s own checked baggage rules. Average checked baggage standard
weight assumptions usually vary depending on whether the flight is domestic,
international, charter (holiday flight) or scheduled. Standard baggage weights
must be applied with care. Incidents have occurred where standard weights
have seriously under-stated the actual mass of the loaded baggage causing
both an error in the total mass of the aircraft and a centre of gravity outside the
approved safe envelope.
Netting is used to restrain bulk loaded loose baggage items within holds
so that they do not move in flight. Any load that shifts in flight will move the
aircraft’s centre of gravity and can cause control difficulties (in extreme cases
causing loss of control) and prevent baggage door opening post flight. Cargo
netting may also be used to divide larger holds into sections.
Bulk loading is usually accomplished by delivery of items to the aircraft
in a baggage train of towed trailers. To help ensure each hold compartment is
loaded correctly, a particular trailer may only contain the baggage destined for
only one designated compartment. The trailer is unloaded into the aircraft hold
via conveyor belts and finally positioned in the hold by loaders working within
it. Usually, bulk loading of baggage items uses a system whereby loading
crews are informed that the last bag for loading on a particular flight has
arrived by use of an ‘End Bag’ identification tag - the tag is applied to the last
checked bag sent to the aircraft. A system of stickers and a reconciliation sheet
may also be used, where each printed baggage tag has a bar-coded sticker,
which is removed and stuck onto the re-conciliation sheet as the bag is loaded.
This helps ensure that all checked baggage for that flight has been loaded and
accounted for.
121. Write short note on mass and balance gross error checks.
As with the load and trim sheet, there are a number of key entries on the Load
Instruction/Report Form that must be checked for accuracy:
Airline/Operator
Flight details (Routing, Flight number and Date)
Aircraft type, variant and registration
Distribution of hold loads (including baggage, cargo, ballast, spares,
COMAT, and mail etc.)
Void/nil fit positions
Bags per ULD/hold
Weight allocation to each compartment does not exceed limits
Document edition number (if applicable)
122. Write short note on principal hold loading risk.
The principal risks associated with loading of aircraft holds are as follows:
Holds are not loaded by the loading crew in accordance with the
Loading Instructions provided - and the Load Instruction/Report Form
is not amended to reflect these changes.
Where the loading has been different to the original Loading/Report
Form and the Loading/Report form is updated, the last minute change
(LMC) has not been correctly applied to the original load sheet
calculations and checked for mass and balance limits.
The load is not secured or restrained appropriately
Unauthorized items are loaded (e.g. dangerous goods).
Aircraft structure (or propeller blades if applicable) is damaged by
unintended impact from mechanized loading equipment. Such impacts
may go unnoticed by the loading team or in some cases is noticed but
not reported. This may happen when the load team can see no apparent
damage so consider reporting the impact unnecessary. Where the
aircraft structure is formed using composite materials, all impacts must
be reported. While evidence of significant damage to a metal structure is
usually clearly visible, this is not necessarily true for composite
materials. Although the skin may appear to be undamaged, the core of a
composite structure may have deformed or have been significantly
weakened.
123. Write short note on passenger cabin loading risk.
1. Centre of gravity
2. Center of gravity limits
3. Datum
4. Arm
5. Moment
Centre of Gravity
The point through which the force of gravity is said to act on a mass (in
aircraft terms, the point on the aircraft through which the total mass is said to
act in a vertically downward manner). The centre of gravity is also the point of
balance and as such it affects the stability of the aircraft both on the ground
and in the air.
Datum
A point along the longitudinal axis (centre line) of the aeroplane (or its
extension) designated by the manufacturer as the zero or reference point from
which all balance arms (distances) begin. By taking moments about the datum
the CG position of the aircraft can be determined. For the purposes of this
phase of study the lateral displacement of the CG from the longitudinal axis is
assumed to be zero.
Balance Arm
Moment
1. Maximum weight
2. Empty weight
3. Maximum take-off weight
4. Maximum taxi weight
5. Maximum landing weight
Maximum weight
Empty Weight
The weight of an empty airplane including unusable fuel, full operating
fluids (hydraulic fluids) and full engine oil.
Maximum Taxi Weight
This is the maximum allowable weight mass for ground operations.
MRW assures acceptable ground maneuverability and includes fuel for taxi,
run-up and start.
Maximum Takeoff Weight
Maximum allowable mass for the initiation of a takeoff roll. Depending
on how big your airplane is, you may have a variety of MTOWs limited by:
structural limitations, runway distance, climb performance, or landing weight
limits.
Maximum Landing Weight
Maximum landing weight is usually a structural limit, but may include
calculations based on missed approach climb performance.
128. Write short note on overloading also explain the effects of overloading.
The four forces of lift, weight, thrust and drag acting on an aircraft all
induces stress into the airframe structural members in the form of tension,
compression, torsion, bending etc. The structure may, at the same time of
absorbing these stresses, be subject to extremes of temperature ranging from
minus 56°C to plus 40°C.
Fatigue is cumulative and non-reversible and the higher the fatigue level the
greater the risk of premature structural failure. Structure that is inadvertently
subject to additional fatigue may fail earlier than predicted or expected.
The aircraft designer must, for each individual part of the structure,
determine the frequency of application of the stress producing loads and,
together with the temperature factors, determine the types of stress involved.
Based on this data, a Design Limit Load (DLL) is calculated for each member
and for the complete structure. The DLL is the maximum load that can be
applied to the structure repeatedly during normal operations without inducing
excessive fatigue and the pilot must never deliberately exceed this value.
It is necessary at this point to note that, in Mass & Balance terms; mass and
weight are synonymous (used to express the same thing).
Performance is reduced:
Take-off and landing distances will increase. V1 decision speed, VR
rotation speed, V2 takeoff safety speed, and the stopping distance will
all increase. The climb gradient, rate of climb and ceiling height will
also reduce.
The rate of descent will increase.
The stalling speed will increase and maximum speed will reduce.
The safety margins and the effective speed range between low and high
speed buffet will reduce.
Drag and fuel consumption will increase.
Range and endurance will reduce.
Wing root stresses will increase.
Maneuverability will reduce. The aircraft will become less responsive to
control inputs and more difficult to fly.
Wing root stresses and undercarriage loads will increase as will tyre and
brake wear.
129. Write short note on load and trim sheets also explain the importance of
load and trim sheets.
The traditional method for ensuring load and trim compliance dates
from the days when all load and trim sheets were completed manually on
specific forms designed for use with each aircraft type, and is as follows:
The completed document is presented to the aircraft commander
The aircraft commander checks that it is internally consistent by
carrying out some simple cross checks of input and calculated output
data for gross errors and,
If the cross checks are satisfactory, the commander formally accepts the
load and trim sheet by means of a signature on at least two copies, one
being retained by the departure agent and the other by the flight crew.
Importance
Loading Procedures
It is essential that the Dispatcher, or other official assigned
responsibility for overseeing aircraft loading, specifies the loading requirement
correctly and has a reliable method by which he/she can be satisfied that
his/her instructions have been carried out as requested. Whilst modern
automated systems may determine the seating options for passengers and the
load disposition, effective procedures and compliance remain the only way of
ensuring that what has been specified and passed to the aircraft commander
has actually been achieved. Specification of the hold compartment loading is
usually achieved by the completion of a Loading Instruction Form (LIF). The
LIF is given to the loading supervisor who certifies that it has been complied
with and returns it to the issuer as evidence that the work has been completed.
The completed load and trim sheet are then given to the aircraft commander.
The human supervisor must also have a reliable means of confirming that if
dangerous goods are loaded the dangerous goods regulations are complied
with and a Notification to Captain (NOTOC) is issued and duly signed by the
aircraft commander. The original NOTOC is retained by the aircraft
commander onboard and a copy is held at the departure point. The human
supervisor must also confirm that any special requirements for securing
unusual items in the holds or in the passenger cabin have been complied with.
Fuel Loading and Distribution
Many swept wing jet transport aircraft use fuel distribution to optimize
the centre of gravity in cruise to reduce fuel burn. This is achieved by keeping
the C of G towards the aft limits of the envelope by utilizing outboard wing,
aft body or horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks. It is the aircraft commander’s
responsibility to ensure that the fuel load prior to takeoff is correctly
distributed and reflected on the load/trim sheet and maintained within the
prescribed limits for the remainder of the flight.
Regulatory Requirements
Fuselage
The fuselage is the main section, or body, of the airplane. This is where
you’ll find passengers, cargo, and the flight crew. The fuselage is the
foundation for the structure of the aircraft. The tail number, which identifies
each plane, is often located at the rear of the fuselage near the tail.
Wings
The wings of an aircraft serve the same purpose as the wings of a bird,
hence their name. Airplanes are considered fixed-wing aircraft. (Helicopters
are considered rotary-winged.) A plane is capable of flight because its wings
provide lift. Lift is created by the shape of the wings and the plane’s speed as
it moves forward. Wings include ailerons and flaps. “Aileron” is another
French word. It means “little wing” or “fin.” They are used in pairs to control
the airplane’s roll or bank.
Cockpit
The cockpit of an airplane is also called the flight deck. This is where
the pilot controls the aircraft. The cockpit includes a seating area for the flight
crew, flight instruments, avionics, audio/radio communications, and flight
controls. Electronic flight instruments include a multi-function display (MFD).
This is used to control heading, speed, altitude, altimeter, etc. The Primary
Flight Display (PFD) typically includes attitude indicator, airspeed, heading,
and vertical airspeed indicator. A navigation display (ND) provides route
information, such as waypoints, wind speed, and wind direction.
Engine
An aircraft engine, or aero engine, is the power source for a plane. Most
are either piston engines or gas turbines. Some drones, or unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV), have used electric motors. There are many manufacturers and
models of engines. Each is designed for specific aircraft, whether large or
small. Manufacturers recommend an engine overhaul at specified times after
an engine has flown a certain number of hours.
Propeller
Empennage
The empennage, also called the tail or tail assembly, is located at the
rear of an airplane. The tail provides stability during flight. This is very similar
to how feathers on an arrow provide stability. The tail assembly consists of the
vertical stabilizer, rudder, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, and static wicks.
Landing Gear
The landing gear is the undercarriage of an airplane. It is used for both takeoff
and landing. The landing gear supports the plane when it is on the ground.
Landing gear allows the plane to take off, land, and taxi without damage. Most
landing gear has wheels. However, some aircraft use skis or floats to operate
on snow, ice, or water. Faster aircraft, such as many twin-engine or jet aircraft,
have retractable landing gear. Upon takeoff, the folding landing gear are
stowed away to reduce drag during flight.
Aileron
The ailerons, which is French for 'little wings,' are used to tilt the plane
from one side to the other, moving it along its longitudinal axis, producing
roll. They are attached to the outward edges of the aircraft wings and move in
opposite directions from one another to adjust the position of the plane. When
the flight deck control device is moved or turned, one aileron deflects up and
the other one downward. This causes one wing to generate more lift than the
other, which makes the plane roll and facilitates a curve in the flight path, or
what is known as a 'banked turn.' The aircraft will continue to turn until an
opposite motion returns the plane to straight along the longitudinal axis.
Elevators
The elevators raise and lower the aircraft, moving the plane in its
transverse axis, producing pitch. Most aircraft have two elevators. They are
placed on the trailing edge on each half of the fixed horizontal stabilizer.
Manual or autopilot input moves the elevators up or down as needed by a
forward or aft movement of the control column or control stick. If it is moved
forward, the elevator deflects downward, which generates an increase in lift
for the tail surface. This, in turn, causes the nose of the plane to pivot along
the vertical axis and turn downwards. The opposite is true when the control
panel is pulled back.
Rudder
The rudder moves the aircraft in its horizontal axis, producing yaw. It
sits on the vertical stabilizer or tail fin. It is not used to directly steer the
aircraft, as its name might have one believe. Rather it is used to counteract
adverse yaw produced by turning the aircraft or to counteract an engine failure
on quad jets. It is also used in order to 'slip' and direct the trajectory of the
plane before landing during a heavy crosswind approach. The rudder is usually
controlled by the left and right rudder pedals in the cockpit.
Flaps
The flaps resemble the ailerons, but they sit closer to the fuselage. They
change the shape of the aircraft's wing and are utilized to both generate more
lift and increase drag, depending on their angle. Their setting is usually
between five and fifteen degrees, depending on the aircraft. Trailing edge flaps
extend and move downwards on the back of the wing. Leading-edge flaps
move out and forward on the front of the wing. However, the leading-edge
flaps and slats are not individually controlled but respond to the movement of
the trailing edge flaps.
Slats
Leading-edge slats extend out from the surface of the front of the wing
using hydraulic pressure. Altogether, they can change the shape and size of the
wing quite significantly. This lets pilots adapt the amount of drag and lift
needed for takeoff and landing procedures.
Spoilers
Spoilers and air brakes are used to reduce the lift and slow down the
aircraft. They are used on approach and after landing. Spoilers are small
panels hinged on the upper surface of the wing and decrease lift by disrupting
the airflow. While spoilers may act as brakes, proper air brakes extend out
from the surface into the airstream in order to slow the aircraft down. Most
often, they are deployed symmetrically on each side.
Tabs
Tabs are small secondary flight control surfaces set into the trailing
edges of the primary surfaces. These are used to reduce the pilot’s work load
required to hold the aircraft in some constant attitude by “loading” the control
surface in a position to maintain the desired attitude. They may also be used to
aid the pilot in returning a control surface to a neutral or trimmed center
position.
1. Fuselage
2. Engine
3. Wings
4. Landing gear
5. Empennage
Fuselage
The fuselage is the main section, or body, of the airplane. This is where
you’ll find passengers, cargo, and the flight crew. The fuselage is the
foundation for the structure of the aircraft. The tail number, which identifies
each plane, is often located at the rear of the fuselage near the tail.
Wings
The wings of an aircraft serve the same purpose as the wings of a bird,
hence their name. Airplanes are considered fixed-wing aircraft. (Helicopters
are considered rotary-winged.) A plane is capable of flight because its wings
provide lift. Lift is created by the shape of the wings and the plane’s speed as
it moves forward. Wings include ailerons and flaps. “Aileron” is another
French word. It means “little wing” or “fin.” They are used in pairs to control
the airplane’s roll or bank.
Engine
An aircraft engine, or aero engine, is the power source for a plane. Most
are either piston engines or gas turbines. Some drones, or unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV), have used electric motors. There are many manufacturers and
models of engines. Each is designed for specific aircraft, whether large or
small. Manufacturers recommend an engine overhaul at specified times after
an engine has flown a certain number of hours.
Empennage
The empennage, also called the tail or tail assembly, is located at the
rear of an airplane. The tail provides stability during flight. This is very similar
to how feathers on an arrow provide stability. The tail assembly consists of the
vertical stabilizer, rudder, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, and static wicks.
Landing Gear
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Initial Weighing
iv) The empty center of gravity position has changed by more than
½ per cent of the mean aerodynamic chord.
General Weighing
(xx) Maximum commercial weight with fuel and oil tanks full;
Record Keeping
Carry-on Luggage
Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a
carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand
baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller
purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc. which can go under
the seat in front of your).
While measurement restrictions vary by airline, several major airlines use
the following size requirements:
Height by width by depth: Most – but not all – airlines measure bags
by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth,
such as 22 x 14 x 9 inches. (Note: The dimensions in this article, which
are given according to that formula, may differ slightly from the way
each individual airline formats its size requirements.)
Linear inches: A few airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on
baggage, meaning the airline gives one number for the total of all three
dimensions. As long as the combined height, width and depth don't
exceed that number, you're in the clear.
Centre of Gravity
The point through which the force of gravity is said to act on a mass (in
aircraft terms, the point on the aircraft through which the total mass is said to
act in a vertically downward manner). The centre of gravity is also the point of
balance and as such it affects the stability of the aircraft both on the ground
and in the air.
Before starting operation the operator shall prepare a load/trim sheet and
get the same approved from the DGCA (Directorate of Airworthiness).
The operator shall compute the trim either manually or by use of a
computer system (e.g. ACARS) in accordance with a procedure
approved by the DGCA. A brief description of the ACARS is given in
Appendix – A.
The operator shall ensure that the loading and distribution is in
accordance with the requirement of the Aircraft Rules and any special
direction issued by the DGCA in conformity with the Rules.
It will be the responsibility of the operator to ensure that the weight of
the aircraft at the time of take-off does not exceed the RTOW.
Each operator is responsible for the preparation and accuracy of the
load/ trim sheet.
The load/ trim sheet must be prepared in duplicate and signed for each
flight by Personnel of the operator who have the duty of supervising the
loading of aircraft and preparing the load and trim sheet except that the
same is not required for each subsequent shuttle/ leg of a helicopter
flight provided:
1. Only passengers and their personal baggage are carried in
each such shuttle/ leg;
2. The pilot-in-command calculates and ensures that the
maximum AUW for the prevailing density altitude is not
exceeded;
3. The sequence of loading and passenger seating is specified
in the Flight and Operations Manual and is being followed
for the flight.
The load and trim sheet must be signed by the pilot-in-command unless
the load and trim sheet is sent to the aircraft by electronic data transfer.
When the load and trim sheet is sent to the aircraft by electronic data
transfer, a copy of the final load and trim sheet, as accepted by the pilot-
in-command, must be available on the ground. A load and trim sheet
sent by electronic data transfer shall be annotated as “final” to indicate
the version to be accepted by the PIC.
The load and trim sheet should normally contain the following
information:
1. The aircraft registration and type;
2. The flight identification number and date;
3. The identity of the pilot-in-command;
4. The identity of the person who prepared the document;
5. The dry operating mass and the corresponding CG of the
aircraft;
6. The mass of the fuel at take-off and the mass of trip fuel;
7. The mass of consumables other than fuel;
8. The components of the load including passengers, baggage,
freight and ballast;
9. The take-off mass, landing mass and zero fuel mass;
10.The load distribution; he applicable aircraft CG positions;
11.The limiting mass and CG values.
The load/trim sheet and passenger manifest must at least contain the
following information concerning the loading of the aircraft at take-off
time:
1. The weight of the aircraft, fuel and oil, cargo and baggage,
passengers and crew members.
2. The maximum allowable weight for that flight that must not
exceed the least of the following weights:
Maximum allowable take-off weight for the runway
intended to be used (including corrections for altitude,
gradient, wind, and runway surface condition and
temperature conditions existing at the take-off time.
Maximum take-off weight considering anticipated fuel
and oil consumption that allows compliance with
applicable en route performance limitations.
Maximum take-off weight considering anticipated fuel
and oil consumption that allows compliance with the
maximum authorized design landing weight limitations
on arrival at the destination airport.
Maximum take-off weight considering anticipated fuel
and oil consumption that allows compliance with
landing distance limitation on arrival at the destination
and alternate airports.
3. The total weight computed under approved procedures.
4. Evidence that the aircraft is loaded according to an approved
schedule that ensures that the centre of gravity is within approved
limits, during the flight.
5. Names of passenger including breakup of male, female,
child/infant.
If after take-off, any discrepancy is observed in the load calculation by
the concerned personnel on the ground, the same should be intimated to
the Pilot-in-Command immediately using ACARS (if applicable)
The load and trim sheet needs to be updated when:
1. A modification which changes the aircraft certified limits is
included or
2. A modification (cabin layout, cargo arrangement.) which
influences the operational limits is made.
The form "Special Load – Notification to Captain” (NOTOC) is to be
used whenever it is necessary to inform the Captain of the presence of
specific nature load on board of the aircraft:
1. Dangerous goods,
2. Live animals,
3. Human remains,
4. Perishable cargo,
5. Valuable cargo,
6. Other special load.
Minimum of two copies of NOTOC are required; one for the Captain, and one
for the loading station’s file.
General Requirements
Persons deputed by Operator for preparing load and trim sheet of aircraft shall
be:
OR
Training Programme
1. The training programme for the persons engaged in preparing load and
trim sheet and supervising loading shall comprise of:
Basic / Initial ground training,
Conversion/Transition training,
Refresher/Recurrent training,
Differences training.
2. Each training shall include practical demonstration as applicable.
3. Each training should cover the differences between aircraft of the same
type operated by the operator to ensure that such personnel are
adequately trained to perform their assigned duties on different aircraft
being operated.
4. Upgrade training programme as required from time to time.
5. In addition to initial, transition, upgrade, recurrent and differences
training, each training programme must also provide specific ground
training, instruction and practice as necessary to ensure that each
personnel :-
Remains adequately trained and currently proficient with respect
to each aircraft and type of operation in which the personnel is
involved.
Qualifies in new equipment, facilities, procedures and techniques,
including change in loading / weight procedures as applicable to
personnel.
Initial Training is the training required for L&T officer and dispatchers who
have not qualified and served in the same capacity on another airplane of the
same group at that carrier.
Transition Training is the training required for L&T officer and dispatchers
who have qualified and served in the same capacity on another airplane in the
same group at that carrier.
Upgrade Training is the training required for L&T officer who have qualified
and served as second-in-command or flight engineer on a particular airplane
type, before they serve as pilot in-command or second-in-command,
respectively, on that airplane at that carrier.
Differences Training is the training required for L&T officer and dispatchers
who have qualified and served on a particular type airplane, when the FAA
determines that additional training is necessary before a crewmember serves in
the same capacity on a particular variation of that airplane at that carrier.
1. General subjects
2. Specific on type of aircraft.
Oral and Practical test:
Operating Experience
The personnel must perform the assigned duties of preparing load and
trim sheet on at least two flights under the supervision of an authorized
instructor, who shall personally observe the performance of these duties.
However, such check is not required for personnel who have previously
acquired experience on any large passenger carrying aircraft of the same
group.
144. Explain the loading procedure of an aircraft.
Loading Procedures
It is essential that the Dispatcher, or other official assigned
responsibility for overseeing aircraft loading, specifies the loading requirement
correctly and has a reliable method by which he/she can be satisfied that
his/her instructions have been carried out as requested. Whilst modern
automated systems may determine the seating options for passengers and the
load disposition, effective procedures and compliance remain the only way of
ensuring that what has been specified and passed to the aircraft commander
has actually been achieved. Specification of the hold compartment loading is
usually achieved by the completion of a Loading Instruction Form (LIF). The
LIF is given to the loading supervisor who certifies that it has been complied
with and returns it to the issuer as evidence that the work has been completed.
The completed load and trim sheet are then given to the aircraft commander.
The human supervisor must also have a reliable means of confirming that if
dangerous goods are loaded the dangerous goods regulations are complied
with and a Notification to Captain (NOTOC) is issued and duly signed by the
aircraft commander. The original NOTOC is retained by the aircraft
commander onboard and a copy is held at the departure point. The human
supervisor must also confirm that any special requirements for securing
unusual items in the holds or in the passenger cabin have been complied with.
Fuel Loading and Distribution
Many swept wing jet transport aircraft use fuel distribution to optimize
the centre of gravity in cruise to reduce fuel burn. This is achieved by keeping
the C of G towards the aft limits of the envelope by utilizing outboard wing,
aft body or horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks. It is the aircraft commander’s
responsibility to ensure that the fuel load prior to takeoff is correctly
distributed and reflected on the load/trim sheet and maintained within the
prescribed limits for the remainder of the flight.
Load and Trim Sheets
The traditional method for ensuring load and trim compliance dates
from the days when all load and trim sheets were completed manually on
specific forms designed for use with each aircraft type, and is as follows:
The completed document is presented to the aircraft commander
The aircraft commander checks that it is internally consistent by
carrying out some simple cross checks of input and calculated output
data for gross errors and,
If the cross checks are satisfactory, the commander formally accepts the
load and trim sheet by means of a signature on at least two copies, one
being retained by the departure agent and the other by the flight crew.
Safety Precautions
Onsite bio-safety principles
1. Physical distance should be kept at all times when
operational safety is not compromised or appropriate PPE
should be worn.
2. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be placed on entry into
common areas.
3. Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces (e.g. handles,
mobile devices, kiosks) should be established.
4. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be made available for
users of kiosks, shared mobile devices, etc.
5. Close proximity of staff for loading should be minimized or
appropriate PPE should be used particularly for passenger
cabin loading.
6. Ground personnel rotations should take into account the need
to avoid cross team infection.
Physical Loading of goods
1. Physical distance should be kept when operational safety is
not compromised (encourage single person operations).
2. Close contact of personnel should be limited, and
appropriate PPE should be worn where necessary.
3. For "human chain" loading, appropriate PPE should be used
(non-medical or medical masks and disposable gloves) and
hygiene principles should be applied between operations.
Material handling equipment (MHE) / ground support equipment
(GSE) usage
1. To avoid cross contamination, MHE/GSE should be cleaned
and disinfected between users.
2. All employees should be educated and should practice
personal hygiene principles.
3. Appropriate PPE should be worn where necessary.
149. Write short notes on bulk loading and unit load devices.
Bulk Loading
Many narrow body short haul aircraft are bulk loaded with loose
individual items of baggage and cargo. In this case, baggage loading will be
by item count, with prescribed assumptions about the average weight per bag
used to complete the load and trim sheet; precise figures will often vary
according to NAA regulations or be more restrictive to meet the aircraft
operator’s own checked baggage rules. Average checked baggage standard
weight assumptions usually vary depending on whether the flight is domestic,
international, charter (holiday flight) or scheduled. Standard baggage weights
must be applied with care. Incidents have occurred where standard weights
have seriously under-stated the actual mass of the loaded baggage causing
both an error in the total mass of the aircraft and a centre of gravity outside the
approved safe envelope.
Netting is used to restrain bulk loaded loose baggage items within holds
so that they do not move in flight. Any load that shifts in flight will move the
aircraft’s centre of gravity and can cause control difficulties (in extreme cases
causing loss of control) and prevent baggage door opening post flight. Cargo
netting may also be used to divide larger holds into sections.
Bulk loading is usually accomplished by delivery of items to the aircraft
in a baggage train of towed trailers. To help ensure each hold compartment is
loaded correctly, a particular trailer may only contain the baggage destined for
only one designated compartment. The trailer is unloaded into the aircraft hold
via conveyor belts and finally positioned in the hold by loaders working within
it. Usually, bulk loading of baggage items uses a system whereby loading
crews are informed that the last bag for loading on a particular flight has
arrived by use of an ‘End Bag’ identification tag - the tag is applied to the last
checked bag sent to the aircraft. A system of stickers and a reconciliation sheet
may also be used, where each printed baggage tag has a bar-coded sticker,
which is removed and stuck onto the re-conciliation sheet as the bag is loaded.
This helps ensure that all checked baggage for that flight has been loaded and
accounted for.
Unit Load Devices
Most wide bodied aircraft, and increasingly some narrow bodies, are
able to use the much simpler system of aluminium containers called Unit Load
Devices (ULD). These can be used to consolidate baggage or cargo items
before being loaded into the aircraft hold by specialized hydraulic lift
equipment. The ULDs are then maneuvered manually to a final position on
board by use of a roller floor, before being finally secured in position.
ULDs must either be weighed, or the number of baggage items per
container must be within a specified range and standard baggage unit weights
applied.
150. Write short notes on mass and balance gross error checks and principal
hold loading risk.