GH.OPS.415 Aircraft loading and unloading

• Regulation (EU) 2025/20 found in: Ground Handling (GH) (2025/23 and 2025/20) (Nov 2025)

#### GH.OPS.415 Aircraft loading and unloading *Regulation (EU) 2025/20* The operational procedures for aircraft loading and unloading shall ensure the following: (a) aircraft loading is performed in accordance with the written loading instructions, and any loading specifications and requirements related to dangerous goods and other special cargo, mail, baggage items or equipment in compartment are observed; (b) the aircraft stability is maintained during unloading and loading; (c) the unloading team has the appropriate inbound flight documentation; (d) the aircraft cargo compartment is empty prior to loading except in the case of transit flights or where the aircraft operator instructions state otherwise, and there are no damages or leaks; if any damage is identified, the aircraft operator shall be informed; (e) the loading is performed so as not to damage the cargo compartment or the cargo compartment doors; (f) the ULDs and other loose equipment are in serviceable condition, do not contain water or snow, and there is no damaged or leaking cargo; (g) the items and ULDs loaded in the cargo compartments are properly restrained to prevent any movement or shifting during flight; (h) the ULD type loaded on the aircraft corresponds to what is specified in the loading instructions; (i) the cargo compartment doors are properly closed; (j) any last-minute changes related to baggage or cargo loading are recorded on the mass and balance documentation and distributed for the information of the persons identified in the aircraft operator’s procedure; (k) the mass and balance document containing the loading instructions is signed by the person responsible for loading supervision to confirm that the aircraft loading and load distribution have been completed as per the instructions; (l) communication related to aircraft loading and load distribution is ensured between the person responsible for loading supervision and the person responsible for load planning and issuance of the related mass and balance documentation, as well as any other intermediary person if load planning is a remote function that is not performed at the departure station; (m) a copy of the mass and balance documentation containing the loading instructions is retained on the ground and accessible to the ground personnel responsible for flight operations until after the arrival of the flight; (n) loading and unloading are executed with GSE adequate to the aircraft type and task, as the case may be; (o) any damage or malfunctions identified to the in‑plane loading system are notified to the aircraft operator.