Today more than one million aircraft ULDs are in service. They are an expensive asset and require correct handling. Every year, the total cost of both repair and loss of ULDs is estimated to be about $300 million, excluding flight delays and cancellations due to being unavailable.
ULDs are official aircraft parts and directly contribute to flight safety:
• ULDs are aircraft parts and are subject to safety and airworthiness requirements
• Correct ULD handling contributes to flight safety
• Every stakeholder must ensure that ULD training requirements are met
• Proper ULD handling reduces costs and improves efficiency
The importance of continuous training
Every area of aviation requires extensive and continuous training: pilots, cabin crew, maintenance staff, air traffic controllers and ground handling staff in passenger, ramp and cargo operations. ULD operations and handling is no exception.
The environment is challenging as ULDs are handled by various parties both on and off the airport. Industrywide staff shortages and very high staff turnover have significantly increased the challenge of ensuring that each and every ULD is handled and operated correctly.
Today, delivering cost-effective ULD training is not difficult, as the use of modern training technology, such as online training, can significantly increase overall awareness.
Airport College International and ULD CARE jointly help airlines, ground handling and logistics companies meet ULD training standards with digital ULD training tools.
Airport College International’s ULD online eLearning courses are designed according to the training requirements published in the IATA ULD Regulations (ULDR) and material have been developed in cooperation with ULD CARE. Their partnership started five years ago when ULD CARE noticed that Airport College offered ULD training courses and volunteered to collaborate with technical input.
“Our partnership has made a huge difference,” said Pertti Mero, CEO and Founding Partner of Airport College International, “as it has enabled the delivery of a wide range of quality ULD training, combining the subject matter knowledge of the ULD CARE with the training expertise of Airport College.”
The digital ULD training tools includes eLearning courses, Virtual Reality (VR) simulations and 60 seconds videos, with positive feedback already received from companies and employees, particularly the different language versions have been well received.
“In terms of video, one-minute videos can be used to focus the employee’s attention on the essentials. They are easy to distribute, and companies can use them, for example, on information screens in cargo, baggage and mail loading areas and as part of training materials. VR training can be used to create scenarios for trainees that are rarely seen in real life, raising awareness of how to spot different types of damage. In addition, the trainees found the game-based simulation an interesting exercise,” said Mero.
Training benefits
The general awareness of ULDs is increased throughout the industry when employees are trained in accordance with the regulations.
“After training, they know what to do and their motivation to work increases. Sustainability is improved by reducing damage and extending the life of ULDs and equipment, including straps and nets. Money is saved and ULDs are in the right place at the right time. All parties benefit from efficient ULD operations, airlines and ULD owners get a better utilisation of their equipment, and shippers and forwarders get better service in terms of availability,” said Rogers.
Stressing the importance of training especially where ramp agents have limited experience, he added: “Just about every other person involved in the operation of an aircraft is required to have completed extensive training, from the pilots to the cabin crew to the ground crew to the air traffic controllers, the list is endless, yet all too often the people loading baggage and cargo into the ULD which will ultimately be loaded into the aircraft have probably best received some cursory on the job training, that is if they received anything at all.”
DIGITAL ULD TRAINING TOOLS
ULD Awareness eLearning
This online self-study eLearning is designed for all personnel to gain relevant knowledge and understanding for ULD standards and requirements. ULD awareness must be provided to personnel whose job involves being in contact with ULDs.
Container and Pallet/Net Inspection VR
Virtual Reality (VR) trainees can practice skills in a safe and realistic environment. Some of the drills consist of damages and feedback which are not possible to practice in real life. We have included VR simulations with game-like elements into the content of these online courses and headsets are not required.
ULD Operations eLearning
This online self-study eLearning is designed for operational personnel in ULD build-up, handling and aircraft loading to gain relevant knowledge, understanding and practical skills for ULD standards and requirements.
60 Seconds Videos
This concept includes series of multiple-language videos for ULD inspection, handling and storage. These videos can be used to remind staff of the correct handling when preparing ULDs for the flight. These videos are being made available to the industry free of charge.
About us
Airport College International provides a complete online training service for airlines, airport ground handling agents and logistics in safety, security and service topics. ULD CARE is a global industry trade association whose members represent all aspects of the ULD industry, including airlines, manufacturers, and suppliers. Membership is open for organisations whose scope encompasses any aircraft unit load device (ULD) activity. ULD CARE started as an IATA committee in 1971 and became an independent legal entity in 2011. For further information contact pertti.mero@airportcollege.com and bob.rogers@uldcare.com
