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Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

A recent event in Abu Dhabi has highlighted the dangers Ground Handling Staff face when completing the Load / Unload procedures on freighter aircraft.

Needless to say the consequences of such an incident are dire, with serious damage to aircraft and GSE unavoidable not to mention the possible loss of life due to such an incident.

Whilst the incident causes are unknown it does provide a timely reason to review our own procedures.

This presentation is not intended to replace the EFA Ramp Handling Manual but instead to draw Ground Handling Staffs attention to the crucial issue of weight distribution when removing or loading Unit Loading Devices onto our 737 freighter aircraft.

Before we get to the Load / Unload section of this presentation it is necessary to remind senior staff ( Uplift Clerks / Leading Hands / Supervisors ) of their personal responsibilities when planning and checking the L.I.R.’s , checking the ULD’s and finally loading ULD’s into the aircraft.

To be brief these responsibilities are defined by Qantas as non-negotiable responsibilities this has been put into place to ensure Qantas meets its legislative requirements to provide an approved loading system which in turn is regulated by CASA.

Non-negotiable responsibilities ensures Qantas:

• Conforms with company procedures to meet legislation.

• Maintains a high standard in safe and professional loading.

Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

Non-negotiable responsibilities ( Loading Supervisor ) :

The Loading Supervisor must –• Progressively complete the Aircraft Loading Checklist whilst loading is in progress.• Distribute a copy of the L.I.R. to all team members and then brief all team

members on its contents.• Visually confirm that the destinations, weights and container numbers correspond

to the L.I.R.• If transit load remains in the arrival position, without change, visual confirmation of

Destination, Weights and Container Numbers are not required by the transit port as originating port would have completed.

• If transit load does not remain in the arrival position (i.e. is changed in any way, regardless if unit is moved within the compartment or removed from the aircraft and reloaded). Visual confirmation of Destination, Weights and Container Numbers must be performed at the transit port.

Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

Non-negotiable responsibilities (cont):

• Check for any Special Instructions. (e.g.; Dangerous Goods (DG’s) or Special Load for damage or leakage, ULD stock for serviceability.

• Ensure that all loads are correctly positioned and secured using the aircraft restraint system and / or approved restraint equipment in accordance with the departure L.I.R.

• Physically inspect all no-fit positions to ensure all locks are raised.

• If hold has no load planned (i.e. completely no fitted), the Loading Supervisor must enter the hold and ensure all locks are in the raised position prior to departure.

• Verbally Confirm with the machine operator prior to the closing of each hold door, that the load is correctly positioned and secured using the aircraft restraint system and / or approved restraint equipment in accordance with the departure L.I.R.

Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

Non-negotiable responsibilities (cont):

• Visually inspect doorsill locks and stops, lateral guides and/or webbing and stanchions are set - only then can the Loading Supervisor complete the certification on the Aircraft Loading Checklist.

• Provide Final Ramp Clearance only when all load is on board, secured and the Loading Supervisor has completed all necessary Aircraft Loading Checklist requirements.

**Final ramp clearance is provided by full verbal read back in English or LIR fax back

dependant on port procedures.

Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

Load / Unload :

The following steps must be conducted to ensure safe weight distribution across the aircraft when removing ULD’s from the main deck.

• After main deck door has been opened, progressive offloading of main deck is recommended.

• This is achieved by always leaving one pallet in or near the doorway whilst unlatching and moving the next position forward.

• Ensuring adequate clearance is available between the JCPL and the aircraft engine nacelle and wing, position JCPL at main deck cargo doorsill.(Leave approximately 100mm gap)

• Unlatch doorsill locks.

• Fit doorsill protector.

Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

Load / Unload :

The following steps must be conducted to ensure safe weight distribution across the aircraft when removing ULD’s from the main deck.

• Remove the first pallet onto JCPL.

• Unlatch the next pallet and position in doorway.

• Unlatch the next pallet position and move to bay B.

• Offload pallet in doorway onto JCPL.

• Repeat until designated main deck load has been removed

• Loading is simply a reversal of the Unload process, always ensuring a container is on the Ball Mat first when a ULD is moved further down the aircraft main deck to its final position.

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Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

Summary:

Whilst this presentation has focused on the non-negotiable responsibilities of the Leading Hand it must be stressed that each individual team member plays a key role in ensuring a safe and efficient aircraft turn around.

All team members are responsible for both their own and their fellow team members safety as well as ensuring that they understand and follow the instructions provided to them.

Although the system has redundancy features in place to minimise errors and mistakes, it relies on the entire team to ensure its continued success.

Ground Handling – Aircraft Load / Unload Procedures

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