Title:
ULD Loading and unloading
What is your suggestion?
Currently, ULDs are loaded in the following way: ULDs on dollies are driven to the high loader by a baggage tug. The high loader then picks up the ULDs directly from the dollies, one at a time, and lifts them into the aircraft. This method is still in use but is considered somewhat outdated.A more modern process works differently: Dollies with ULDs are parked in a straight line on the apron. A transporter drives up to the parked dollies and picks up two ULDs at once. It then drives to the high loader, where the ULDs are transferred to the high loader, which lifts them into the aircraft. Unloading is exactly turned around. The transporter picks up the ULDs from the Highloader and deliveres them to the dollies.
In addition, while on the subject of ULD loading, I would like to suggest considering the use of ULDs for narrowbody aircraft. The Airbus A320ceo and A320neo families are good examples of this. Airlines have the option to configure these aircraft either with a traditional bulk baggage hold or with roller systems for ULD handling. For instance, ITA Airways and KLM operate A321neos equipped with rollers, while Transavia’s A321neos are configured with bulk baggage holds. ULDs in narrobodies are loaded via Speedloaders. These Vehicles are basically a combination of a Transporter and a Highloader.
How would it work in the game?
Extra handling vehicle’s will be needed into the game and the creation of smaller ULDs for narrowbodies. Gameplay wise not a lot will change.
Why is this a good idea?
This would create more realism and interesting stuff to the game.
This info comes from personal experience, I’m currently a ramp agent at AMS.
Optional: Image or reference
Picture down below: Current way implemented in the game and a bit older.
Picture down below: Dollies with ULDs waiting on the Transporter to pick them up.
Picture down below: ULD Transporter TLD TF-10-FTC (The exact ones my company uses at AMS).
Picture down below: Transporter handing over ULDs to the Highloader. (different transporter then we use at AMS).
Picture down below: Bulk Baggage hold like on a Transavia A321neo.
Picture down below: A321neo hold with rollers for ULDs.
Picture down below: Speedloader to load ULDs into narrowbodies.
Picture down below: ULDs for narrowbodies. Called AKHs. Widenbody ULDs are called AKEs and then there is the 767 which has his its own ULDs called DQFs.
AKH
AKE
DQF
