Load, Trim, Cargo and DGR

What is Load?

“Load” in the aviation industry refers to the total weight that an aircraft carries. This weight includes passengers, crew, cargo, fuel, and any other items on board. Basically, anything present on the aircraft is considered as a load.

Importance:

This is to ensure that an aircraft is within the specified weight limits which is important for the safe and efficient functioning of flight operations. Notably, the distribution of the load affects the balance of an aircraft.

What is Trim?

The word “Trim” refers to the adjustment of control surfaces to ensure maintenance of the desired attitude or balance of an aircraft. It is also used to relieve the control pressure and maintain the stability of an aircraft.

Importance:

Proper trim is required to reduce the pilot’s workload and maintain the stability of an aircraft during various phases of the flight.

What is Cargo?

“Cargo” refers to the goods or materials that are usually carried by an aircraft. This doesn’t include passengers or their personal belongings. It becomes necessary to ensure safe handling of the cargo. Therefore, the staff needs to make sure the cargo is being properly loaded, secured, and documented. The cargo includes items that are transported in the cargo hold, and also any item carried in the passenger cabin.

What is DGR?

DGR stands for “Dangerous Goods”, also known as “Hazardous Materials”. These are the goods that, due to their inherent properties, are potentially a risk to the health, safety, property, or the environment during air travel. Some of the examples include flammable liquids, corrosive materials, and radioactive substances. Therefore, it becomes necessary to identify, classify, pack, and label the DGR as per the international regulations (IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations) to ensure safe transport. Similarly, there are special procedures and precautions to ensure safe loading, stowing, and unloading of DGR.

Weight and Balance:

Before each flight, the airlines go through the calculations related to the weight and balance of the aircraft to make sure it complies with the safety guidelines. These calculations include consideration of weight distribution of passengers, cargo, fuel, and other items.

What is CG?

CG stands for Center of Gravity which is referred to the position of an aircraft. The position of Center of Gravity is necessary to maintain the stability of an aircraft. The proper weight distribution makes sure that the aircraft is stable and controlled during the flight. Therefore, the airlines need to ensure proper load, trim, cargo handling, and management of Dangerous Goods. These are the fundamental aspects of the aviation operations. For this, the airlines, ground handling services, and flight crews work together so that an aircraft operates within safe weight limits, get the required trim, and handle the cargo, including any Dangerous Goods, in adherence with the international regulations.