ACARS Loadsheet
 

A question to those of you using ACARS loadsheet; when you get an ACARS loadsheet, do you leave a signed copy behind or is there is some other way of stating the Commander's acceptance of the loadsheet?

Thanks for any info.

MFALK

I know VS print out two copies of the ACARS Loadsheet on the Flight Deck and leave a signed copy with the dispatcher/turn round coordinator.

However, I know of at least two US carriers that don't and indeed quite often taxi away from the gate without even having received the final loadsheet figures.. getting them at some point on the way to the Runway.

The policy in some companies is that when the aircraft moves by its own power, the Captain automatically accepts the ACARS loadsheet, thereby "signing" it by accepting to fly with the load as indicated on the ACARS loadsheet.

However it is advisable to get a copy of the full format loadsheet as at some less sophisticated stations (destinations/not home base) it makes it easier to dechipher the details in case you have to do your own loadsheet for the return flight and/or to assist the handling agent.

In BA we get a paper provisional loadsheet from the Dispatcher then receive an ACARS final loadsheet which we acknowledge via ACARS.

In my company, acceptance or rejection is done via ACARS downlink. If the uplinked loadsheet is accepted, in addition they still want you to printout, sign & chuck it in the flight documents envelope. If you reject it, your downlink should contain the reasons for the reject.

In BA we are blessed now by there being no requirement to keep any documentation post flight, no filing of plogs or loadsheets etc as they are all stored electronically. This MAJOR step forward happened about 3 years ago, and helps the co-pilots enormously in keeping level shoulders:p