What is the purpose of understanding aircraft limitations during load planning?

Understanding aircraft limitations during load planning is crucial primarily to prevent overloading. Each aircraft has specific weight and balance limits that are defined by the manufacturer to ensure safe operation. When load planning, it’s essential to know these limitations because exceeding them can compromise the safety of the aircraft, impair its performance, and increase the risk of accidents.

By being aware of the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight, center of gravity requirements, and cargo distribution, crew members can effectively plan loads that fall within safe parameters. This understanding not only aids in maintaining aircraft integrity but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements related to aviation safety.

While enhancing fuel efficiency, following standard procedures, and ensuring timely departures are important aspects of aviation operations, they do not directly address the critical need to maintain safe aircraft operation through appropriate load management. Hence, preventing overloading remains the primary purpose in this context.