Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
What is an Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor?
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the loading, unloading, and transportation of cargo in and out of aircraft. They manage teams of cargo handlers and ensure that operations are conducted safely and efficiently, in compliance with all relevant regulations and procedures. These supervisors coordinate activities between various departments, including ramp services, customs, and the warehouse, to ensure timely and accurate cargo processing. They are also involved in planning and scheduling cargo handling operations, monitoring performance and productivity, and addressing any issues that arise during operations. In addition to their managerial duties, they are responsible for training new staff and implementing safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring that cargo is handled promptly and safely, thus maintaining the integrity of the supply chain in the aviation industry.
Tasks
- Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.
- Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
- Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.
- Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.
- Calculate load weights for different aircraft compartments, using charts and computers.
Technology Skills
- Office suite software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Word processing software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Tools Used
- Aircraft cargo handling equipment
- Belt conveyors
- Airfreight conveyor truck
- Two way radios
- Ladders
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Management of Personnel Resources
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Detailed Work Activities
- Calculate weights, volumes or other characteristics of materials.
- Direct material handling or moving activities.
- Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
- Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
- Monitor cargo area conditions.
Work Interests
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$45770.0 - $91400.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.