Model, loadmaster and interactivity

Before publishing the results of its research, the scientific team aimed to apply the model to real situations and to compare its results with those obtained by an experienced loadmaster. “All things considered, our simulations offered an excellent solution, superior to or equivalent to that of a very experienced loadmaster. But the main difference was that it took the model two seconds to suggest the optimal arrangement of the ULDs, while it took the loadmaster 1,200 seconds or twenty minutes for the same work”, observes Professor Schyns Having said that, the comparison is not totally equitable. Often, at the last minute, the load master has to deal with an extra constraint. For example, for 42 ULDs to be loaded five of them have a different final destination to the 37 others while the model sorted the ULDs regardless of their destination and only took account of their size and weight. The loadmaster, on the other hand had to place the five parcels together in a very precise space, and had to find a different solution.

“We have therefore reviewed our model so that it is more interactive because, in reality, we do not want to replace the profession of loadmaster but to assist it. For this, our model must be as close as possible to the real constraints so that it can work in practice. And we are aware that there are constraints of various origins which can happen at the last moment and which are way too numerous to be properly taken into account by the model. For example, a broken container, or a palette to which the pilot must have easy access and requires that it be placed near the cockpit are two possible problems that the loadmaster has to face”, explain the two researchers. In order to resolve these problems, the new version of the model offers an optimal loading solution to the loadmaster. If he is not convinced of it or if there are other constraints or better ideas in accordance with his professional experience, he can decide to force a ULD to remain in a precise place before restarting the simulation, which will suggest an alternative solution to him while taking account of these new imperatives.

“The loadmaster’s function remains vitally important. The model therefore serves to make the task of arranging the load easier and quicker because from the moment the aircraft is on the tarmac, the loadmaster has one hour to accomplish all his tasks. And if he had to find an arrangement where the center of gravity was perfectly respected and where the moment of inertia was minimized, he would need all his allotted time. Yet he has a lot of other tasks to accomplish”, insists Professor Schyns. This model, constantly being put into practice and evolving in relation to reality, allows for considerable time-saving in terms of the loading, and offers a reduced risk of damage to the aircraft, improves its maneuverability and results in decreased fuel consumption.