Cargo loading problem / plane unbalanced
Nov 18, 22, 11:48 am
#17
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BNA
Programs: HH Gold. (Former) UA PP, DL PM, PC Plat
Posts: 7,981
It doesn't have anything to do with fuel being burned. Fuel burn doesn't change the CG significantly. It is because, during deplaning, you will end up at a point where the entire front half is empty and the entire back half is still full. All airplanes are susceptible to the problem. It's more common in the stretched versions (737-900, A321, 757-300, 777-300, etc.) than the less-stretched versions.
You can mitigate the program by using a tail stand (the B727, DC9/MD80, etc. had built-in tail stands in the form of the aft stairs). If the tail stand isn't available then you unload the aft cargo hold before deplaning the passengers.
Nov 18, 22, 1:29 pm
#19
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 41,819
it wasnt paranoia, it is a real issue and flight crews are responding to actual alerts on their screens which indicate potential for an out of balance aircraft.
Nov 18, 22, 1:38 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2022
Programs: Blue card
Posts: 20
Nov 18, 22, 3:24 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,969
There could be many reasons for this, sometimes the forward hold is not available, or restricted in what can be loaded in there. Also there might be a restriction on the cargo pallet that means it has to go in the rear.
Nov 18, 22, 6:52 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 4,087
This is a routine problem with Jetstar A320s especially at Darwin for some reason- possibly because most of their other ports they deplane via front and rear stairs but Darwin uses just a front jet bridge? I dont think JQ has spaceflex in the back but I confess I have never sat further aft than row 3
(translation, its not just BA)
(translation, its not just BA)
Nov 19, 22, 4:24 am
#25
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: RTW
Posts: 672
So under those circumstances does that mean they'd have to offer upgrades if there aren't enough pax at the front before loading cargo?
