Occupation

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Human Advantage 75%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.4 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.

Also Known As: Air Cargo Ground Crew Supervisor, Air Cargo Ground Operations Supervisor, Air Cargo Specialist Supervisor, Air Cargo Supervisor, Aircraft Loadmaster, Airfreight Loading Supervisor, Airport Operations Supervisor, Airport Ramp Supervisor +14 more

Core Tasks

  1. Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.
  2. Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
  3. Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.
  4. Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.

Supplemental Tasks (2)

  1. Calculate load weights for different aircraft compartments, using charts and computers.
  2. Accompany aircraft as a member of the flight crew to monitor and handle cargo in flight.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
64%
Bachelor's Degree
18%
Less than a High School Diploma
10%
Some College Courses
5%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
3%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Software (9)

  • Cargo tracking system software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Warehouse management system WMS
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (24)

  • Aircraft loaders
  • Aircraft wheel chocks
  • Airplane baggage tuggers
  • Airport cargo conveyor trucks
  • Belt loader trucks
  • Cargo collection hoppers
  • Cargo dollies
  • Cargo tiedown straps
  • Cargo turntables
  • Cargo winches
  • Conveyor belt systems
  • Data input scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Elevating transfer vehicles ETV
  • Forklift scales
  • Mobile radios
  • Pallet jacks
  • Pancake scales
  • Pipe roller conveyors
  • Programmable logic control PLC conveyor systems
  • Pry bars
  • Scissor lift trucks
  • Stepladders
  • Wheeled forklifts

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Air & Space Transportation Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors You are here
Zone 3
Airfield Operations Specialists 92% match
Zone 4
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers 76% match
Zone 5
Natural Sciences Managers 75% match

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