Hunter58,
I´d still would like to object, if I may:
- Handling cargo in the lower deck compartments of current pax A330/A340 with nose down attitude is not "desastrous", at least not that I know of. I suppose pallets and ULDs on the main deck may have more weight, ok. But does this really change the handling from feasible to desastrous???
- A delivery weighing report of a pax A330-300 quotes an OEW of 117.355kg and a pitch attitude of 1.37 degrees nose down. For comparison, the B747 Cargo Facility and Equipment Planning Manual cites a maximum nose up pitch angle of 1.1 degrees for an unstabilized airplane, if the freighter is unloaded/loaded with “little regard for airplane balance”.
I can see the difference - but is it really that critical...?!
Regards,
J.V.