A loadmaster is a military member who supervises and coordinates cargo plane loading and unloading. The term “loadmaster” can also refer to a civilian worker, and in either case, the loadmaster’s job is critical to the plane’s safety and efficiency. Supervising a load crew, ensuring all items loaded on board are properly ordered and secured, unloading cargo quickly and in such a way that the most important items are unloaded first, and calculating load limits for the airplane are just a few of the responsibilities of a loadmaster.
Because many military cargo planes will need to make quick tactical maneuvers, the loadmaster must ensure that all cargo is properly secured and loaded to prevent it from moving during these maneuvers. This means that the loadmaster’s job will be different on military planes than on civilian planes, which are less likely to need to perform tactical maneuvers while flying. The loadmaster must also be familiar with and understand the plane’s design in order to properly balance a load and keep heavier loads away from the plane’s weakest points.
Although many aircraft have large cargo bays, even these can become overburdened. It will be the loadmaster’s responsibility to ensure that usable space is maximized by properly packing the cargo in such a way that weight is distributed as evenly as possible while utilizing every inch of the bay. He or she will frequently use computer software to calculate weight distribution and packing order, though hand-drawn charts and visual inspections of the cargo bay itself may also be used. In some cases, the loadmaster will remain on board the plane during the flight to monitor the cargo and ensure that it is still safely secured and balanced.
The cargo must be staged outside of the plane before it can be inspected and positioned for loading before it can be loaded. This process will also be overseen by loadmasters, who will be able to make any necessary changes to the cargo order or loading at this time. Changing the cargo after it has been secured in the plane is extremely difficult, and it may be impossible once the plane is in flight. Prior planning is critical to ensure the aircraft’s safety as well as the safety of all cargo throughout the flight.