How are pallets and containers typically loaded onto aircraft?

Pallets and containers are typically loaded onto aircraft using special vehicles designed for that purpose, which are known as cargo loaders or tugs. These vehicles are equipped to handle the weight and dimensions of cargo, allowing for efficient loading and unloading while minimizing the risk of damage to both the cargo and the aircraft. They can lift, transport, and position the pallets and containers precisely where they need to be in the aircraft’s cargo hold, ensuring a balanced load.

Utilizing these specialized vehicles not only streamlines the loading process, making it faster and more efficient, but it also helps maintain safety and reduces the physical strain on personnel. This method also permits better planning for the arrangement of cargo within the aircraft based on weight distribution and operational requirements.

Other methods, such as using conveyor belts or manual lifting, are less common and not as widely employed in modern aviation cargo handling due to efficiency and safety reasons. Conveyor systems could be used in some airport facilities but are not installed within the aircraft itself. Similarly, although loading by hand or manually lifting may have been commonplace in the past or for smaller loads, today’s industry standards are focused on mechanized solutions that capitalize on technology to enhance operational efficiency and safety.