What should a ramp agent check before loading cargo onto an aircraft?

Before loading cargo onto an aircraft, it is essential to check the weight and balance specifications. This is crucial because each aircraft has specific limits for how much weight it can carry and how that weight should be distributed to maintain safe flight characteristics. If the weight is too heavy or not properly balanced, it can lead to hazardous situations during takeoff, flight, and landing.

While the destination of the aircraft, type of cargo, and time schedule may be important for various operational aspects, they do not directly impact the immediate safety concerns related to aircraft performance as weight and balance do. Ensuring that the cargo is loaded in accordance with the aircraft’s weight and balance requirements is a fundamental responsibility of the ramp agent to prevent potential issues that could endanger the flight and its passengers.