DC8Rider:
There are obvious limitations as to captain's responsibility about what is loaded aboard the airplane. Usually the cockpit crew isn't around to watch the loadmaster supervise the correct loading of the cargo. In fact, by the time the cockpit crew arrives the cargo door is already closed. The captain doesn't have a clue whether or not the DG is properly packaged, whether all supposedly spill proof containers are positioned upright on a pallet, whether all the required tie down straps are in place, whether all the beartraps are up and locked, etc. How can the aircraft commander or any other cockpit crewmember be held responsible for something he has no control over? Ultimate cargo loading responsibility rests with the air carrier. The operator has to provide training and supervision of cargo handlers. The captain only checks and signs the paperwork. Just as maintenance provides the maintenance log to the captain. What if a tire blows on taxi out because of underinflation? Is that the captain's responsibility too? Is he supposed to check the tire pressure before a flight?
