Basic Aircraft Load Control Training Course
Weight & Balance training for Load Controllers and Load Planners.
Conformant with the latest requirements of IATA AHM 1110 LOD01-03.
Overview
The aircraft weight and balance environment is complex and high pressure, requiring personnel to manage time critical operations across multiple aircraft types, operational limitations and regulatory requirements. The role of the Load Controller is central to ensuring safe, compliant and efficient aircraft operations, whether operating in a local or centralised load control environment.
This aircraft weight and balance training course provides a structured progression from fundamental principles of load control and weight and balance calculations through to more advanced techniques. The course begins with narrowbody aircraft scenarios before progressing to widebody aircraft operations, reflecting real world airline practices.
While the first part of the course focuses on core theory and regulatory understanding, the second half is highly practical, featuring weight and balance exercises, load sheet preparation and full documentation scenarios. These realistic simulations are designed to develop operational competence and prepare participants for final assessment.
This is an intensive load control training programme, requiring pre-course study and ongoing engagement throughout.
The course is fully aligned with the latest requirements of IATA AHM 1110 (LOD01-03) and applicable sections of (EASA) PART CAT EU 965/2012, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
This course is often combined with our Turnaround Coordinator training course.
We also offer a Loadmaster Training Course, which covers similar aircraft weight and balance principles but includes key differences tailored to the Loadmaster role and operational responsibilities.
Key information
Duration
The theory element of this course takes five (5) days to complete. There is no practical requirement associated with this course.
However, on the job training (OJT) can be arranged.
Course delivery
Our instructors deliver the course in person, on-site at your location.
Homework for participants is a feature of this course.
Practical exercises.
Theory (Classroom)
Max. group size
10 participants.
If you have more staff that require this training, we can arrange additional sessions.
Qualification validity
36 months.
IATA recommends that refresher training is undertaken every 36 months.
What the course covers
SAFETY & REGULATION
Limitations (loading, compatibility)
Dangerous Goods
Labelling & marking
Undeclared dangerous goods
Storage & loading
Emergency procedures
Consequences of improper loading
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
Aircraft weight & balance principles
Structural weights
Standard and actual weights
Fuel
Principles of balance
Structural strength limits
General philosophy
Aircraft hold limitations
OPERATIONS
NOTOC
Load Control & distribution
Unit Load Devices (ULD)
Loading restraint systems
Securing of load
Loading Instruction Report (LIR)
Load Planning
Fuel Planning
Load & Trim Sheet
Load messaging
What’s included
✅ Participant guide
Every participant receives a detailed supplementary reference guide, to use during the course and take away afterward
✅ High quality training material
Meticulously researched lesson plans and step-by-step sessions with interactive visual aids
✅ In-person instructor
A highly vetted subject matter expert to deliver the course in-person for maximum engagement
✅ SAE-aligned certification
Every participant receives a certificate of attendance and qualification at the applicable SAE AS6286 level
Common questions
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Load Controllers, Load Planners or any staff whose role requires them to calculate, plan and/or issue weight and balance documentation.
Unfortunately we do not accept bookings from private individuals.
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IATA AHM 1110 recommend that this training be refreshed at intervals not exceeding 36 months.
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Yes. Although IATA don’t require that a practical element is undertaken as part of this qualification, on the job training (OJT) can be arranged separately.
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This course is available to organisations only and is delivered exclusively on-site at your operation. Unfortunately, we do not currently offer this training to individual participants. If you are looking to become qualified as an individual, we recommend speaking with your employer or ground handling company about arranging training with us.
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You can book this course to be delivered at any time of the year and we accept bookings at any time. However, our winter training season typically peaks from September to November each year, and our schedule for that period is often fully booked well in advance. We will always do our best to accommodate requests at short notice.
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Yes, we can offer multi-year training agreements to help ensure your staff remain industry conformant year after year. Please speak with our team to discuss discounted pricing and preferred booking options available for multi-year training agreements.
Hear from clients that have booked training with us
"Once again we requested Miles Aviation for another De-Icing course to support our office team during the winter operations. For that I want to thank to Simon Miles and Dean Court for the excellent course! Must say also that Miles Aviation keeps a high level of professionalism not just in their training team but also in their course contents.”
Nicola Macedo
Ground Operations Director, Hifly
“When we were looking for a new partnership one of the core goals was to find someone with a similar approach to processes, requirements, and training to our company values, and with Miles Aviation we are convinced that we found just that.”
Reda Urbaitienė
Training Manager, Litcargus
“Considering Mongolia’s specific climatic conditions, this comprehensive training, which effectively integrated both theoretical and practical components, was highly valuable. Our clients have expressed their deep satisfaction with the quality and outcomes of the programme.”
Ariungerel Purev,
Director, Aviation Training LLC
Awards, Memberships, & Accreditations
Book your 2025/26 winter training
Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your team's qualification levels and recommend the right programme — whether that's initial qualification, annual recurrency, or a mix of both.
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