What is an air load plan?

• A. Schedule for passenger meals.
• B. Plan for ground handling procedures.
• C. Aircraft maintenance tasks.
• D. Weights, seating, and stowage.

Answer: (D)

Weight and balance planning is what the air load plan is all about. It lays out how the aircraft is loaded in terms of how much weight sits where, and how that weight is distributed through seating and stowage. Specifically, it covers the weights of passengers and their seating assignments, plus how baggage and cargo are distributed and stored on the aircraft. Having this plan helps ensure the center of gravity stays within approved limits and that loading and unloading are performed safely and efficiently, since the position of mass directly affects handling and performance. This is different from ground handling procedures, meal scheduling, or maintenance tasks, which serve other operational needs.