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ICEFAT
Newsletter #3 |
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DON'T MISS THE FLIGHT |
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All airfreight must be loaded in a manner that balances
the airplane during flight. Airfreight companies call this "The
Cargo Load Factor". Which means the percentage of available capacity
on an airplane to load passengers, baggage, fuel and cargo. The formula
for calculating the locations on an airplane where cargo containers
should be loaded is done by the airplane's computer system - based
on the weight of each container.
It is important to understand that there are different aircraft designs
and the optimum balance points vary from aircraft to aircraft. Of
course the most important load on an airplane is the fuel stored on
the wings. The amount of fuel loaded depends on the distance an aircraft
will fly. When fuel is loaded into the wing tanks, it is measured
by weight. The majority of airfreight flies on passenger jets, and
passengers and their luggage take priority over the cargo. The airline
company must calculate the total weight each flight will be carrying
to keep within safe flying limits. Cargo is loaded into the hold after
those calculations have been made. The cargo containers are loaded
in a pre-specified order, based on their weights in order to properly
balance the plane in flight.
How does this system of "weight and balances" affect the
movement of works of art? For example; if the flight is overweight,
or the plane is unbalanced, the Airline will remove cargo from the
flight to correct the problem. The cause of an overweight situation
could be a very full flight, or even stormy weather that that can
cause a plan to take on more fuel, adding to its weight.
All museums should realize that unless your cargo is supervised, there
is always a possibility your freight will miss it's flight. Having
a knowledgeable ICEFAT Agent working with the airlines on your behalf
will avoid problems with your shipment and get it safely to it's destination.
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