What type of cargo door on the A320 is manually operated?

The bulk cargo door on the A320 is designed to be manually operated. This functionality is important for ground crew members who may need to open or close the door without relying on electrical systems, especially in situations where electrical power might be compromised or during maintenance activities.

The design and operational requirements of the A320 ensure that the bulk cargo door allows for a straightforward manual operation, enhancing the versatility and reliability of cargo loading and unloading. By requiring a manual mechanism, it ensures that the door can still be operated effectively regardless of the aircraft’s power state.

In contrast, the forward and aft cargo doors are typically equipped with powered systems for ease of operation and efficiency during ground handling. Emergency cargo doors, when applicable, would also not fall under the category of manual operations as they are designed for specific emergency use cases and may have differing operational mechanisms.