A method of determining the locations of loads in a vehicle in such a manner as to ensure mission safety in terms of loads being retained in the aircraft. On the basis of vehicle parameters, the anchor points available in this type of vehicle for retaining the loads are identified. As a function of the available loading volume(s), a possible loading configuration is calculated using at least some of the available anchor points, at least some of the retaining means, and the characteristics of the loads. The forces that might be exerted on the selected anchor points are verified as being less than maximum limits. The calculated loading configuration is confirmed, otherwise a new loading configuration is calculated.