Which factor does NOT typically affect load planning?

The correct answer is that the cost of shipping materials does not typically affect load planning. Load planning primarily focuses on maximizing the efficiency and safety of the aircraft operation, which includes factors such as how the aircraft is designed, its capacity, the type of cargo being carried, and the regulatory requirements that govern transport.

Aircraft design and capacity are crucial because they directly influence how much weight and volume the aircraft can take. The nature of the items being carried impacts how they are loaded, secured, and distributed in the aircraft to maintain balance and safety during flight. Regulatory requirements ensure compliance with legal standards for cargo transport, which may dictate specific conditions or procedures for loading.

While the cost of shipping materials is an important consideration in the overall logistics and business decisions of transportation, it does not directly impact how the load is planned. Load planning is concerned with the technicalities of safely and effectively using the aircraft's capacity rather than the financial aspects of shipping.