Aircraft Loadsheet Management on the skybook EFB

An aircraft loadsheet is one of the most critical pre-flight documents, confirming the aircraft's loading, weight and balance calculations before departure.

Yet for many airlines the process of reviewing, signing and distributing loadsheets can rely on fragmented systems, manual communication and paper-based workflows.

With the skybook EFB loadsheet module, airlines can digitise the entire loadsheet process.

Flight crews can securely view, compare, electronically sign and distribute aircraft loadsheets directly within the Electronic Flight Bag application, while operations teams retain complete visibility through the Ground Portal and email distribution.

What is an aircraft loadsheet?

An aircraft loadsheet provides the final load information for a flight, confirming the aircraft remains within approved weight and balance limits before departure.

A typical aircraft loadsheet includes:

• Aircraft registration
• Passenger numbers
• Cargo and baggage weights
• Fuel figures
• Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW)
• Take-Off Weight (TOW)
• Centre of Gravity (CG)
• Load distribution
• Operational remarks

Once approved by the Pilot in Command (PIC), the loadsheet becomes an important operational record that may need to be retained for compliance and post-flight review.

Digital EFB loadsheet management

Instead of managing loadsheets through email or printed documents, the EFB loadsheet module has them immediately available within the Pre-Flight workflow.

PDF or text file loadsheets are uploaded to the skybook Ground Portal using either:

• Sector attachments
• API integration
• Email attachments

When a loadsheet becomes available, pilots receive it directly within the EFB ready for review before departure, and with a pop-up notification for any revised loadsheets.

Each new aircraft loadsheet is displayed with a Pending status, where pilots can open and review the full PDF directly within the EFB.

Before electronically signing the document, they can add notes, confirm the Pilot in Command (PIC) and complete the required pre-flight checks.

By bringing the loadsheet workflow into the skybook EFB, this removes the need to switch between applications or having to photograph paper documents.

Compare revised aircraft loadsheets

If operational changes result in a revised aircraft loadsheet, skybook automatically alerts pilots as soon as the new version is received.

The updated version is clearly marked with a ‘New’ badge, with the status as ‘Pending’, allowing crews to compare both versions before deciding.

Pilots can then:

• Review both loadsheets side-by-side
• Compare filenames, timestamps and status
• Accept the revised loadsheet
• Reject the update if appropriate

EFB loadsheet sign-off

Once the loadsheet has been reviewed, pilots can sign it directly within the EFB application. The Pilot in Command field is automatically populated, reducing manual data entry while ensuring all required information is completed.

After signing, the approved loadsheet is transmitted back to the Ground Portal and distributed to predefined operational contacts and departments.

The document status is updated to Signed, preventing any further edits and preserving the approved version.

This provides a seamless, more controlled workflow and ensures the latest approved loadsheet is securely shared with the relevant teams.
 

Loadsheet audit trail

Every aircraft loadsheet is automatically securely stored within the Record Vault, for up to 10 years.

Information retained includes:

• Filename
• Time received
• Loadsheet status
• PIC name &  signature
• Notes

This provides a complete audit trail, supporting operational review, reporting, compliance requirements and historical flight record keeping.

Benefits of digital aircraft loadsheet

Moving to a digital EFB loadsheet workflow delivers significant operational benefits.

Faster pre-flight preparation
Pilots receive loadsheets directly within the EFB without relying on printed documents, taking photos or manual distribution.

Improved operational awareness
Automatic notifications ensure crews know immediately during pre-flight when revised loadsheets are available to review.

Better decision making
Side-by-side loadsheet comparisons help pilots identify changes before accepting updated versions.

Enhanced compliance
Every action is securely recorded, providing complete and instant reporting and traceability.

Managing aircraft loadsheets shouldn't rely on disconnected processes or manual administration. Ready to modernise your aircraft loadsheet workflow?

Book a skybook demo to discover how airlines can reduce paperwork, improve operational efficiency and maintain complete traceability, all within a single integrated Electronic Flight Bag.

Frequently Asked Questions