Weight & Balance Awareness IGOM compliant LOD1

Summary

The Weight & Balance Awareness – IGOM Compliant LOD1 course provides participants with a solid theoretical understanding of the basic principles of aircraft weight and balance and their importance for safe and efficient aircraft operations.

Incorrect aircraft loading, excessive weight, or an unsuitable centre of gravity can affect aircraft performance, structural integrity, ground stability, and in-flight controllability. This course explains how weight distribution, fuel, structural limitations, load configuration, and loading sequences influence aircraft operations.

Participants become familiar with key weight and balance concepts, aircraft limitations, Unit Load Devices, load planning, fuel planning, and load and trim documentation. The course includes examples and exercises related to both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, with particular familiarisation on aircraft such as the B737, B747, B777, A330, and B767-300F.

Target Audience

This course is intended for staff who require an awareness and understanding of aircraft weight and balance processes, particularly those involved in aircraft loading and turnaround activities, including:

• Loadmasters.
• Loading supervisors.
• Ramp coordinators.
• Turnaround coordinators.
• Ground-handling personnel.
• Operations staff involved in aircraft loading.
• Personnel who supervise or support load-control activities.
• Employees who require LOD1-level awareness of aircraft weight and balance principles.

Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Explain why correct aircraft weight and balance are essential for safe operations.
• Describe the effects of aircraft weight and centre-of-gravity position on flight performance and stability.
• Identify the four forces acting on an aircraft and explain their basic relationship to flight.
• Recognise the consequences of operating an overweight or out-of-balance aircraft.
• Explain commonly used aircraft weight terms, including MZFW, MTOW, and MLDW.
• Distinguish between standard and actual weights.
• Explain the influence of fuel on aircraft weight, balance, and operational planning.
• Describe the basic principles of aircraft balance and centre-of-gravity control.
• Recognise structural strength limits and operational loading restrictions.
• Identify common main-deck and lower-deck load configurations.
• Recognise the main types of ULDs accepted on the aircraft types covered.
• Explain the importance of ground stability and correct loading and offloading sequences.
• Describe the purpose of aircraft restraint systems.
• Recognise specific restrictions relating to dangerous goods and special loads.
• Explain the basic principles of load planning and fuel planning.
• Understand the purpose and main elements of a load and trim sheet.
• Recognise the respective scope of LOD1, LOD2, and LOD3 functions.

Additional information

The training content is aligned with the relevant standards and procedures in the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM). 

Previous specialist weight and balance training is not required. This course provides LOD1 awareness and familiarisation and does not qualify participants to independently perform certified LOD2 or LOD3 load-control functions.

The three-day training is delivered in English.