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What’s the most efficient way to load passengers into planes? (part 2)

The inventor of the “Flying Carpet” method for loading aircraft explains how the system works

26 April 2023

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Stephan Zirwes/fStop/Getty Images

What is the most efficient way to load passengers into an aircraft: randomly; in blocks; or the passengers in window seats first, followed by those in middle seats, then those in aisle seats? (cont’d)

Greg Blonder
Mechanical engineering department, Boston University, US

There is a mechanical engineering reason to board from the front. Depending on how far the tail section cantilevers beyond the rear wheels, the passengers’ weight can cause the plane to seesaw down onto the ground.

Similar issues can occur when filling the cargo bay.

Rob Wallace
Paynesville, Victoria, Australia

It was good to read contributions on the…

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