Control of mobile support for aircraft swing tail

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for a mobile tail support control system. An apparatus comprises a data processing system 1302, an output device, a set of load sensors 1310, a set of position sensors 1308, 1312, 1314 including angle sensors, and a computer program product executing on the data processing system. The output device is capable of generating signals for managing movement of a mobile tail support apparatus (500 see fig 5). The set of load sensors 1310 may be coupled to the data processing system and may be capable of detecting loads associated with a swing tail cargo door (416 see fig 4) of an aircraft (400 see fig 4). The set of position sensors 1308, 1312, 1314 are coupled to the data processing system 1302 and detect a position of the mobile tail support apparatus (500) relative to the swing tail cargo door (416). Outputs may include a steering signal. The system responds to the signals from sensors to manage movement of the mobile tail support apparatus (500) and to reduce loads on the swing tail (416) during its opening and closing.