Ramp Handling

Operation of Cargo Doors

Opening and closing of lower compartment doors may only be performed by authorized personnel:

• OM Part B specifies maximum wind speeds for door operation. If difficulties occur when attempting to close doors in strong winds, the aeroplane shall be moved in order to position the concerned door on the downwind side;
• When compartment doors are opened, the door seal depressors should be inspected for damage. The authorized engineer and/or flight crew shall be informed if any damage is observed;
• After loading, no loose items or compartment nets should get tangled in the door seal whilst closing the compartment door; •It is the duty of the person conducting final pre-engine start walk-around check to ensure that compartment doors are closed and locked properly after loading has been completed.

Aeroplane Loading and Unloading

The loading and unloading of aeroplane shall always be performed in accordance with:

• Loading instructions;
• Weight and balance requirements;
• Ground stability requirements for the aeroplane type.

Pre-Loading:

• An effective check shall be made of the holds to ensure that all loads have been removed at arrival;
• Dimensions and weight of load shall not exceed loading limitations of the aeroplane compartments;
• The procedures for special loads, cabin loads, loading incompatibilities shall be observed;
• The Commander shall be informed of the weight, the arrangement and of the nature of the loads carried.

Loading:

• Loading of baggage, cargo and mail shall be piece by piece (bulk loading);
• The handling instructions for special cargo (e.g. “This Side Up”, heavy items, segregation of cargo, etc.) shall be observed;
• After the completion of loading, all nets (compartment, door) shall be fastened to the corresponding attachment fittings and tightened.

Unloading:

• For unloading, the same safety relevant principles are valid as for loading.
• Personnel and equipment should be available at the parking position upon arrival of the aeroplane. Passenger baggage should normally be unloaded first. Cabin load if any, shall be unloaded after all passengers have disembarked. Mail shall be unloaded before other cargo;
• After completion of unloading the cargo, compartments shall be carefully checked for damage, spilled liquids, contamination, etc.

Damage Events:
Cargo shall not be loaded if:

• It is not properly packed;
• It may damage or contaminate the aeroplane or other load;
• Special handling instructions/equipment cannot be observed/supplied.

All types of damage events (aeroplane, passengers, staff or load) occurring during ground operations shall be reported immediately and Ground Damage Report form shall be completed by:

• Handling agent;
• Supervision staff; or
• Commander.

Securing of Load:
All loads in cargo holds shall be secured in such a way that they cannot:

• Work loose during the flight and cause hazardous displacement of the centre of gravity of the aeroplane;
• Damage the aeroplanes interior;
• Move to prevent the hold doors from being opened on arrival;
• Move in case of forced landings;
• Injure passengers or crew members.

Restraint can be achieved by filling the hold, compartment or net section volumetrically to ¾ of their height, or by tiedown. Individual items listed below shall always be restrained:

• Cages with live animals AVI (including kennels);
• Pieces between 50 and 150 kg;
• Heavy pieces weighing 150 kg or more (HEA);
• Barrels or drums filled with liquids;
• Items sensitive to shocks or tilting, fragile items;
• Items, which by their nature, shape or density may constitute a hazard.

Lashing equipment (tiedown straps, lashing rings, etc.) shall conform to the required industry standards.

Classification of Load Compartments

All cargo holds are designated as Class C in which:

• There is a separate approved smoke detector or fire detector system to give warning at the pilot or flight engineer station;
• There is an approved built-in fire-extinguishing system controllable from the pilot or flight engineer stations;
• There are means to exclude hazardous quantities of smoke, flames, or extinguishing agent, from any compartment occupied by the crew or passengers;
• There are means to control ventilation and draughts within the compartment so that the extinguishing agent used can control any fire that may start within the compartment.

Special Cargo

Cargo is termed special if its nature requires special:

• Precautions to protect the aeroplane, ground personnel, other cargo or cargo itself; or
• Attention and care to avoid inconvenience or discomfort to passengers, when cargois loaded into aeroplane; or
• Procedures to be followed on acceptance, loading, carriage and delivery; or
• Inflight conditions (temperature, stowing, etc.); or
• Location in the hold and segregation from other cargo.

The following items are classified as Special Cargo:

• Dangerous Goods DGR,
• Live Animals AVI,
• Perishable Cargo PER,
• Heavy Items HEA,
• Human Remains HUM,
• Equipment in Compartment EIC,
• Cabin Load SOC,
• Valuable Cargo VAL,
• Vulnerable Cargo VUN.

Important: Dangerous goods shall not be accepted for transport by air on The Company flights. Exceptions to this general rule are described in OM Part A, Chapter 9.

Special Cargo Notification to the Commander (NOTOC)

Special Load – Notification to Captain (NOTOC) provides detailed information to the flight crew about handling requirements of special cargo loads during the flight.

The NOTOC form (electronic or manual) shall be prepared by the handling company respectively and handed over to the Commander. Further information regarding NOTOC are described in OM Part A, Chapter 9.