[justme]

Originally Posted by jimworcs

I am not sure that some of the ground handling jobs reach the safety critical level of pilots, (although aircraft engineers might be one which does).

I completely disagree. When a flight's weight and balance is planned, a plan is produced and given to the ramp crew. The plan, if followed, will guarantee a safe load of cargo and bags that is within the manufacturer, airline, and FAA's guidelines. IF that load plan is not followed, there is the very real possibility that the pilot, no matter how skilled, could not even get the airplane in the air, maintain level flight, land with out damage, etc. I do not disagree that the pilots are a huge piece of the safety puzzle, but if the ground crew mucks something up, the puzzle falls apart.