A loadmaster is an aircrew member on civilian
aircraft or military transport aircraft.
Loadmasters serve in the Air Force, Marines,
Coast Guard and Navy of many nations or many
civilian airliners.
The loadmaster performs the calculations and
plans cargo and passenger placement to keep the
aircraft within permissible center of gravity
limits throughout the flight. Loadmasters ensure
cargo is placed on the aircraft in such a way as
to prevent overloading sensitive sections of the
airframe and cargo floor.
Considerations are also given to civilian and
military regulations which may prohibit the
placement of one type of cargo in proximity to
another. Unusual cargo may require special
equipment to be loaded safely aboard the
aircraft, limiting where the other cargo may
feasibly be placed.
Tactically, loadmasters may also directly affect
combat readiness as they are also responsible
for determining the load order of aircraft so
that more tactically important material (e.g.
ammunition) is off-loaded and therefore ready to
deploy faster than other support items; this may
be especially germane to forward operating
bases.
The loadmaster may physically load the aircraft,
but primarily supervises loading crews and
procedures. Once positioned aboard the aircraft,
the loadmaster ensures it is secured against
movement. Chains, straps, and integrated cargo
locks are among the most common tools used to
secure the cargo. Because cargo may shift during
abrupt maneuvers, the loadmaster must determine
the appropriate amount and placement of cargo
restraint.
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