What are two main hazards of improper cargo and baggage handling on the ground?

Prepare for the Aircraft Ground Exam with multiple choice questions and expert explanations. Enhance your knowledge and ace the test.

On the ground, the most important hazards from improper cargo and baggage handling come from loads that can move and from items that aren’t secured. When cargo shifts during taxi, towing, braking, or engine start, the center of gravity can change in ways that make the aircraft harder to control and can place unexpected loads on structure or restraints. Unsecured items can also slide, collide with walls, doors, or equipment, or become projectiles or sources of fire if they contact hot surfaces or damaged packaging. Together, these issues—loads shifting that affect stability and the risk of damage or fire from unsecured items—pose the primary ground safety concerns with cargo handling. Increased fuel consumption, reduced cabin lighting, or decreased tire wear aren’t direct hazards caused by improper cargo handling on the ground.