Originally Posted by
Waterhorse
BA uses a provisional load sheet - this is the document that details the weight and balance of the aircraft. Behind it there are a few other things such as loading instructions etc.
For the load sheet we assume everything that is booked onto the flight will turn up. We perform initial performance calculations using this data. When the flight is completed and closed and the loaders and cargo have all finished then a final load sheet is sent.
Sometimes the loaders have to adjust what goes where or cargo won’t fit or is heavier than initially thought etc. Anyway this is sent to the aircraft as it taxies - it is usually only a few kilos different from the plan and all is good.
Occasionally the actual loading when checked will put an aircraft outside its performance calculation and a recalculation will need to be done. Even more occasionally the actual loading will have been changed - cargo may not be ready on time etc and so the loading will have taken the aircraft balance out of safe limits - this is when a return to stand will be required.
It is a slightly cumbersome system but it does allow more timely departures - or do we are told.
The points above are all valid BUT, back in the day when we had
real dispatchers ( or red caps as they were called) if cargo bins/pallets were incorrectly weighed, would not fit in the designated loading position ( often because the base was distorted), did not turn up etc the red cap would adjust the load plan on the spot, re-check that the a/c was within trim and weight limits and inform the head loader of the new loading position(s) as required. We were also fully dangerous goods trained and licensed so were able to re-adjust the load as required for seperation and compliance with both company and ICAO regulations and if the a/c was out of limits it would not leave the stand until it was. Dispensing with the one person on the ground who has the knowledge and experience to make a decision on the spot may be great news for the bean counters which is why the decision was taken but it does not do anything for enhancing safety. You don't just load an a/c willy nilly if something is missing or incorrectly weighed then hope for the best which is the implication from the above. If you do it right in first place you do not need to RTS.