Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences › Physical Sciences
Main Deck Freighter Aircraft Handling and Operation Training
Description
This course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently handle and operate main deck freighter aircraft. It covers loading and unloading procedures, weight and balance calculations, and compliance with aviation safety regulations. Successful delegates will be able to perform these tasks in accordance with industry standards.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply safety procedures and regulations for main deck freighter aircraft operations.
- Demonstrate correct loading and unloading techniques for various cargo types.
- Calculate weight and balance to ensure aircraft stability and compliance.
- Implement emergency response protocols for cargo-related incidents.
- Evaluate cargo securing methods to prevent shifting during flight.
- Analyze operational risks and implement control measures.
Target Audience
This course is designed for ground operations staff, cargo handlers, and aviation professionals involved in the loading and unloading of main deck freighter aircraft. It is also suitable for supervisors and managers overseeing cargo operations.
Prerequisites
None — open enrollment.
Course Outline
Objectives:
• Understand the regulatory framework governing main deck freighter operations
• Identify different types of main deck freighters and their characteristics
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of ground handling personnel
• Explain basic aircraft weight and balance principles
• Recognize safety hazards specific to freighter handling
Topics:
• Overview of SAQA unit standard 261199 and course outcomes
• Regulatory bodies: SACAA, ICAO, IATA
• Types of main deck freighters: B747F, B777F, MD-11F, A330F
• Aircraft dimensions, door configurations, and cargo compartment layouts
• Ground handling personnel: Ramp agents, loadmasters, ground handlers
• Weight and balance fundamentals: Basic Operating Weight, Payload, Zero Fuel Weight
• Safety first: Hazard identification and risk assessment
• Emergency procedures and communication protocols
Objectives:
• Describe main deck cargo loading systems (ULD and bulk)
• Identify and inspect ULDs (containers, pallets) and restraint hardware
• Operate ground support equipment safely: loaders, transporters, forklifts
• Calculate and verify load distribution and center of gravity
• Apply correct lashing and securing techniques for various cargo types
Topics:
• ULD types: PMC, P6P, AKE, and special containers
• Main deck loading systems: powered rollers, casters, locks, and restraints
• Ground support equipment: main deck loader, K-loader, transporter dollies
• Pre-load inspection of ULDs and equipment
• Load distribution principles: floor loading limits, balance
• Center of gravity calculations and trim adjustments
• Cargo securing: nets, straps, chains, and edge protectors
• Handling special cargo: live animals, dangerous goods, oversized items
Objectives:
• Execute a step-by-step main deck loading plan
• Coordinate with flight crew, loadmaster, and ground team
• Conduct pre-departure checks and documentation
• Manage loading emergencies: shift loads, fire, spillage
• Apply safety management systems and reporting
Topics:
• Loading sequence: bulk vs. palletized, priority cargo
• Communication procedures: hand signals, radios, intercom
• Load planning software and documentation: load sheet, NOTOC
• Pre-departure checks: door operation, lock verification, safety walk
• Emergency response: load shift, fire in cargo hold, dangerous goods incidents
• Safety management systems: hazard reporting, safety culture
• Human factors: fatigue, stress, communication errors
• Case studies of main deck loading incidents
Objectives:
• Demonstrate proficiency in main deck loading procedures
• Perform weight and balance calculations under time constraints
• Conduct a simulated loading operation from start to finish
• Complete required documentation accurately
• Pass a comprehensive theory and practical assessment
Topics:
• Recap and integration of all previous topics
• Simulated loading exercise: planning, execution, and debrief
• Weight and balance calculation drill
• Documentation workshop: load sheet, NOTOC, cargo manifest
• Practical assessment: loading sequence, safety checks, communication
• Theory assessment: multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
• Feedback session and course evaluation
• Certification requirements and continuing professional development
Practicals
Overview
Hands-on practicals are essential for learners to develop competence in operating ground support equipment, handling ULDs, and executing loading procedures. Supervised practice ensures safety and proficiency in real-world scenarios.
Practical Activities
- ULD Inspection and Handling — Learners inspect various ULDs for damage, identify correct types, and practice handling using pallet dollies and transporters. (3h)
- Main Deck Loader Operation — Learners operate a main deck loader (K-loader) to load and unload pallets from a simulated aircraft, following safety protocols. (4h)
- Full Loading Simulation — Teams plan and execute a complete main deck loading operation, including weight and balance calculation, loading sequence, and documentation. (5h)
- Emergency Response Drill — Learners practice responding to a simulated cargo fire and a dangerous goods spill during loading. (2h)
Summatives
Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.
Practical Assignments — 30%
Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.
Daily Exercises — 20%
Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.
Final Test — 50%
On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.
Final Total
| Component | Out of | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) | 100% | 30% |
| Daily Average (multiple choice) | 100% | 20% |
| Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) | 100% | 50% |
| Final Total | — | 100% |
All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.
Certificate
How it works
- Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
- Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
- You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
- If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it
Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.
Training Discounts
Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.
| Delegates | Discount |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3% off |
| 10 | 6% off |
| 15 | 9% off |
| 20 | 12% off |
| 25 | 15% off |
| 30 | 18% off |
| 50 | 30% off |
| 75 | 40% off |
| 100 | 40% off |
3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Related Courses
Other Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences courses at NQF level 3 learners on this page also viewed.