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Subject: GUIDE SPECIFICATION FOR LIFTS Date: 2/10/93 AC No: 150/5220-21
USED TO BOARD AIRLINE Initiated by: AAS-100
PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY Incorporates Change 1 (marked by *)
IMPAIRMENTS
1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) contains performance standards,
specifications, and recommendations for the design, construction, and testing
of lifts used to assist in the boarding of airline passengers with
mobility-impairments.
2. SCOPE. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended
Practices were used as the basis for this advisory circular. Additional
requirements and clarifications have been added where necessary.
3. APPLICATION. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends the use of
the guidance in this publication for the preparation of specifications for
lifts to assist in the boarding of passengers with mobility-impairments. For
airports using Federal grant-in-aid assistance in the purchase of such lifts,
the use of this guidance specification is mandatory. Equipment meeting the
specifications provided in this circular satisfy the lift device requirements
contained in U.S. Department of Transportation regulation 49 CFR Part 27 -
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities
Receiving or Benefitting from Federal Financial Assistance, Subpart B -
Program Accessibility Requirements in Specific Operating Administration
Programs: Airports, Railroads, and Highways, Subparagraphs 27.71(a)(2)(v) and
27.71(b)(4) - Boarding, and 14 CFR Part 382 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis
of Handicap in Air Travel, Subpart C - Requirements for Services, Paragraph
382.39 - Provision of Services and Equipment, Subparagraph 382.39(a)(2).
Alternate means of satisfying these requirements which are in accordance with
applicable laws and regulations are acceptable.
4. RELATED READING MATERIAL.
a. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5210-5B, "Painting, Marking, and Lighting
of Vehicles Used on an Airport." It may be ordered from the Department of
Transportation, Utilization and Storage Section, M-433.2, Washington, DC
20590.
b. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended
Practice (ARP) 1247, "General Requirements for Aerospace Ground Support
Equipment, Motorized and Non-Motorized." It may be ordered from SAE
International, 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
c. U. S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
(ATBCB) document, "Guidelines for Aircraft Boarding Chairs. It may be ordered
from the United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board, 1331 F. Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111.
Leonard E. Mudd
Director, Office of Airport Safety and Standards
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1. BACKGROUND. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
794) prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in any program
receiving Federal financial assistance, and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
of 1986 (49 U.S.C. 1374(c)) prohibits discrimination against handicapped
persons in air transportation. The ACAA and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act were implemented by Final Rules published by the
Department of Transportation on March 6, 1990 (14 CFR Part 382) and September
6, 1991 (49 CFR Part 27), respectively. These Final Rules include provisions
that "Carriers shall ensure that qualified handicapped individuals are
provided the following services and equipment: ... carriers shall use ramps,
mechanical lifts, or other devices for enplaning and deplaning...," and that
airport "operators at ... airport terminals shall assure that there are
lifts, ramps, or other suitable devices ... for enplaning and deplaning
wheelchair passengers." 14 CFR Part 382 further specifies that "Contracts or
leases between carriers and airport operators concerning use of airport
facilities shall set forth the respective responsibilities of the parties for
compliance with accessibility requirements under this section and 49 CFR
27.71." It is clear that airport operators and carriers are required to
share in the responsibility to make air travel accessible to passengers with
mobility impairments.Larger aircraft at major airports are usually accessible
to passengers with mobility impairments via passenger loading bridges, but
passengers have often been denied boarding of smaller aircraft since suitable
lifts were not available.
2. EXPECTED USE. This guide specification covers two classes of lifts;
self-propelled, and manually transported or towed. In specifying the type of
lift, the purchaser should consider the frequency of use of the lift, the
need to transport the device between widely separated gates or to transport
passengers to remote boarding areas, and the increased costs of purchase and
maintenance of a self-propelled unit. In specifying other optional
equipment, the purchaser should consider not only the added cost of the
additional equipment, but also the possibility that fewer manufacturers will
be able to provide the unit. Above all, the purchaser should consider all
aircraft serving the airport that are required to be accessible. Accessing
all such aircraft may require more than one device, but should be
accomplished in as cost effective a means as possible.
CHAPTER 2. GENERAL DESIGN CRITERIA
1. GENERAL. The design standards herein are based on the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 1247,
"General Requirements for Aerospace Ground Support Equipment, Motorized and
Non-Motorized." The issue in effect on the date of the purchase order forms
a part of this advisory circular to the extent specified herein. In the
event of conflicts between this specification and that document, this
specification shall apply. Paragraphs within this specification and SAE ARP
1247 which may require further clarification by the purchaser are listed in
Paragraph 15 below.
2. PERFORMANCE.
a. Functions. The equipment must perform the following functions
while maintaining a safe distance from any moving part of the aircraft. If
the device approaches within 12 inches of any moving part of the aircraft,
the manufacturer shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the airline
operator that the device can perform all functions without undue risk of
damage to the aircraft.
(1) Provide a means for boarding wheelchair users and other
passengers with mobility impairments onto the lifting platform at ground
level.
(2) Elevate the lifting platform carrying the passenger(s) and
attendants(s) to the aircraft door-sill height.
(3) Provide a means for transferring passengers using wheelchairs
from the elevated lift platform to and from the aircraft door sill.
(4) Provide a suitable boarding chair, compatible with the lift
and the aircraft to be served, if specified by the purchaser.
(5) Provide a stairway for the boarding of other passengers, if
specified by the purchaser.
(6) Provide protection from wind and precipitation to passengers,
if specified by the purchaser.
b. Standards.
(1) Platform. As used herein, the platform shall include all
surfaces traversed by the passenger and attendant(s) in boarding the
aircraft.
(a) The platform shall have a minimum capacity of 600 pounds.
The purchaser may specify a higher capacity if the unit is to allow
simultaneous boarding of two or more passengers.
(b) The ramp that bridges the gap between the lift and the
aircraft shall be designed so as not to damage the aircraft or dislodge when
in use. It may rest on the door-sill but shall not induce unsafe loads on
the aircraft.
(c) The platform shall be equipped with rigid protective
railings or other barriers. Spaces between barrier members, and between the
barriers and the aircraft, shall be sufficiently small to prevent injury and
provide a feeling of confidence to occupants.
(d) If specified by the purchaser, the platform shall include
a system to immobilize each wheelchair it is designed to transport
simultaneously. The system shall be easily operated by the attendant or
equipment operator.
(e) The interior width of the platform shall be compatible
with the boarding chair to be used and aircraft to be served.
(2) Ascent/Descent Rate. If vertical ascent and descent is
provided by an elevator mechanism, then the ascent or descent rate shall be
such that occupants do not experience uncomfortable accelerations.
(3) Deployment Time. The time required to deploy the device upon
arrival at the passenger loading area or aircraft shall be 1 minute or less.
(4) Enplaning/Deplaning Time. The time required to convey a
passenger onto the lift and to the door-sill level shall be 2 minutes or
less. The time to deplane a passenger, that is, from the elevated position
to ground level and off the lift shall be 2 minutes or less.
(5) Storage Preparation Time. The time required to prepare the
device for standby storage shall be 3 minutes or less.
3. AIRCRAFT COMPATIBILITY.
a. Aircraft Types. The aircraft required to be served shall be as
specified by the purchaser.
b. Design Considerations. If an aircraft to be served has a stairway
which cannot be retracted while the door is open, the lift shall be designed
to operate with the stairway deployed. All aircraft models specified by the
purchaser to be served should be surveyed by the manufacturer for
compatibility. The following aircraft size/configuration factors will have a
significant impact on the design of the device:
(1) Aircraft door-sill height.
(2) Aircraft door width.
(3) Aircraft door location.
(4) Aircraft components adjacent to the door constituting
obstructions (wing, tail, engine nacelle, propeller, etc.)
(5) Airstairs/airdoor.
(6) Airstair handrails.
(7) Vertical movements of the aircraft (door-sill) during
enplaning/deplaning.
4. TOTAL LIFE. The device shall be designed to perform its intended
function for its "Total Life" period, when maintained according to the
manufacturer's instructions. "Total Life" is defined to be the years of use
from time of delivery of the equipment to the user until its identity is
destroyed by classifying it as salvage and/or subjecting it to
cannibalization. The "Total Life" for which the equipment is designed,
assuming it is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations, shall be a minimum of l0 years, based on a frequency of use
of 1000 cycles per year.
5. RELIABILITY. The equipment and its accessories shall be designed and
constructed with reliability of operation a primary consideration. The
minimum reliability design requirement is that the equipment be designed to
operate between periodic preventive maintenance periods of l00 lift cycles or
4 months, whichever occurs first. The above interval does not apply to
components in those cases where the component manufacturer recommends more
frequent maintenance intervals. (For the purpose of this specification,
normal servicing of fuel, oil, tire pressure, battery and water are not
considered preventive maintenance.) The device shall incorporate a cycle
counter or hour meter. The type of meter installed should be consistent with
the maintenance intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
6. SERVICE AND ACCESS. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP
1247, Paragraph 3.4.3.
7. ENVIRONMENTAL.
a. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph
3.6. The temperature ranges specified may be modified by the purchaser if
the climate in which the device is to be used is extreme.
b. The device shall be capable of 45 minutes of continuous passenger
loading or maneuvering at full load at 0 F. The criteria applied shall be
that which places the greatest demand on device systems. For passenger
loading, full load shall be considered to be applied during the ascent phase
only.
8. TRANSPORTABILITY. If highway transportability, defined as the
capability (of a self-propelled device) to be licensed for operation on
public highways, is specified by the purchaser, the device shall meet the
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.7.
9. SAFETY. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,
Paragraph 3.8. All design features intended to protect the equipment
operator shall provide similar protection to the passenger(s).
a. Personnel Safety.
(1) The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,
Paragraph 3.9, except as provided in (2) and (3) below.
(2) If highway transportability is not specified by the
purchaser, the provisions of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.9.1 shall not apply.
(3) If the device is not self-propelled, the provisions of SAE ARP
1247, Paragraphs 3.9.2 through 3.9.4 shall not apply. For the purposes of
this specification, motorized devices which do not transport the operator or
passengers are not considered self-propelled.
* (4) Risers of variable riser stairs shall be no less than four
inches. The ratio between risers and treads shall be no less than .28. The
angle of the stairs shall be no less than 15.5 degrees. The width of the
stairway shall be no less than 27 inches. *
b. Equipment Safety. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE
ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.10.
(1) Cushioning devices specified in SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.10.3
shall be approved by the purchaser.
(2) A 5 pound ABC rated fire extinguisher shall be mounted on the
device, at an easily accessible location.
(3) Stabilizing devices referred to in SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph
3.10.9.3 shall be painted chrome yellow, in accordance with FAA advisory
circular 150/5210-5B.
10. NOISE AND VIBRATION. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP
1247, Paragraph 3.11.11. MANUALS/PUBLICATIONS.
a. The following manuals shall accompany the delivered equipment. No
special format is required.
(1) Operator's handbook.
(2) Illustrated parts breakdown and list.
(3) Preventive maintenance schedule.
b. Tools and Test Equipment. The provisions of SAE ARP 1247,
Paragraph 3.12.4 shall apply.
12. TRAINING. The manufacturer shall, at no additional cost, provide
trained personnel at the time of delivery to place the device into operation,
and provide adequate training as specified by the purchaser, not to exceed
three separate 8 hour shifts, for airport and/or airline personnel in its
operation and maintenance. Training shall include written operating
instructions that depict the step by step operational use of the device.
Written instructions shall include, or be supplemented by, materials which
can be used to train subsequent new operators.
13. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE
ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13, except as modified herein.
a. Mechanical Design. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE
ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.1. The device may be operated manually or be
self-propelled, as specified by the purchaser. Self-propelled units may be
operated hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or by gasoline or
liquified propane gas powered engine.
b. Electrical Design And Equipment.
(1) General. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP
1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.2.
(a) When used for cranking engines of 30 horsepower or less,
batteries referred to in SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.2.1 shall be as
recommended by the engine manufacturer.
(b) If highway transportability is specified, or if otherwise
specified by the purchaser, lighting equipment shall meet the provisions of
SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.2.21. Lighting shall in all cases meet the
requirements of FAA advisory circular 150/5210-5B.
(c) The device shall have grounding provisions.
(d) A suitable outdoor light shall be attached to the device
to provide illumination at the entry/exit doorway of the aircraft.
(2) Battery Powered Devices.
(a) Batteries shall be designed to have a minimum life of 3
years when maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. For
design purposes, a frequency of use of 1000 cycles per year shall be assumed.
(b) A self contained battery charger with automatic voltage
control shall be provided. The charging process shall require the operator
only to connect a readily-accessible plug to a standard 110 or 220-volt
receptacle, as specified by the purchaser.
(c) The battery system shall incorporate a battery condition
gauge. If a low voltage condition could result in higher amperage flow and
motor burnout, then the status monitoring device shall provide a time warning
to the operator.
c. Hydraulic, Pneumatic Design. The device shall meet the
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.3.
(1) Hydraulic fluid shall be as recommended by the manufacturers
of the hydraulic system components.
(2) The materials used for each hydraulic line shall be consistent
with its application.
(3) Hydraulic rams may be used to stabilize the device if all
wheels remain firmly on the pavement surface.
d. Engines And Related Equipment. The device shall meet the
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.4.
(1) The provisions of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.4.4 shall not
apply to engines of 30 horsepower or less.
(2) Alternators used on engines of 30 horsepower or less shall be
as recommended by the engine manufacturer.
(3) Oil pressure switches shall not be required on engines of 30
horsepower or less.
(4) The type of engine kill switch provided shall be approved by
the purchaser.
(5) Engines used to drive other than the vehicle propulsion system
shall be equipped with a tachometer which is green-lined within the correct
operating RPM range and red-lined above this range, or be automatically
governed to prevent over-revving.
e. Fuel System Design. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE
ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.5.
(1) The provisions of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.5.1 shall not
apply to engines of 30 horsepower or less.
(2) The fuel tank shall have a minimum capacity for eight hours of
operation.
(3) Fuel tank fillers for engines of 30 horsepower or less shall
be as recommended by the engine manufacturer, but shall include a
flame-arresting cap.
f. Exhaust System Design. The device shall meet the requirements of
SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.6. Engine exhaust systems shall be provided
with flame and spark arrestors.
g. Self-Propelled Vehicles. The device shall meet the requirements of
SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.7.
(1) Design Speed. The vehicle design speed shall be as specified
by the purchaser.
(2) Braking Systems.
(a) Braking systems for vehicles with a maximum speed of 20
mph or more shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph
3.13.1.7.2.
(b) Braking systems for vehicles with a maximum speed of less
than 20 mph shall meet the requirements of Title 49 CFR, Paragraphs 393.41
and 393.52. The maximum stopping distance in feet shall be equal to the
design speed in mph.
(3) Vehicle Cabs. On vehicles equipped with an enclosed
operator's cab, the cab shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,
Paragraph 3.13.1.7.3.
h. Instruments And Controls. The device shall meet the requirements
of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.8.
(1) If approved by the purchaser, transmission selector levers may
move and operate in the direction of travel of the device. Inclusion or
deletion of "Park" position will be as specified by the purchaser.
(2) Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, controls shall be
designed for satisfactory operation when the operator is wearing heavy arctic
type gloves and overshoes.
i. Equipment Stability. The device shall meet the stability
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.9.
j. Options. The manufacturer shall not be required to offer
particular options referred to in SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.10.
k. Materials, Parts, And Processes. The device shall meet the
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.2.
l. Standard And Commercial Parts. The device shall meet the
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.3.
m. Moisture And Fungus Resistance. The device shall meet the
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.4.
n. Corrosion Of Metal Parts. The device shall meet the requirements
of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.5.
o. Interchangeability And Replaceability. The device shall meet the
requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.6.
p. Workmanship. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP
1247, Paragraph 3.13.7.
q. Electromagnetic Interference. The equipment shall meet the current
issues of radio suppression specification MIL-STD-461, Class D. It shall be
capable of operating through the entire amplitude modulated aircraft
radiofrequency range of 75 MHz - 136 MHz.
r. Identification And Marking. The device shall meet the requirements
of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.9.
s. Storage. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,
Paragraph 3.13.10.
t. Exterior Finish. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP
1247, Paragraph 3.13.11.
(1) The device shall be primed to the manufacturer's heavy duty
truck standards.
(2) The device shall be finished as specified by the purchaser, in
accordance with FAA advisory circular 150/5210-5B, using the standards for
aircraft support vehicles.
u. Human Engineering. The device shall meet the requirements of SAE
ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.12.
14. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS. Quality assurance provisions shall meet
the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 4.
a. Preliminary Qualification Tests. Preliminary qualification tests
may be specified at the purchaser's option. b. Formal Qualification Tests.
Formal qualification tests may be specified at the purchaser's option.
c. Specification Conformance Tests. The manufacturer shall perform
any tests referred to in SAE ARP 1247, Paragraphs 4.6.1 through 4.6.10 as
specified by the purchaser. The purchaser may elect to accept documentation
of previously run tests.
d. Reliability Test and Analysis. A reliability test and analysis may
be specified at the purchaser's option.
15. PURCHASER SPECIFICATIONS. The following is a list of those paragraphs
within this specification which may require clarification by the purchaser.
Paragraph Item
2.a.(4) Provision of boarding chair.
2.a.(5) Provision of stairway.
2.a.(6) Provision of weather protection.
2.b.(1)(b) Platform capacity.
2.b.(1)(d) Provision of wheelchair immobilization system.
3.a. Aircraft compatibility.
7.a. Temperature range for operation.
8.,9.a.(2) Highway transportability.
9.b.(1) Aircraft interface cushioning devices.
12. Training requirements.
13.a. Mechanical design - manually transported or towed vs
self-propelled.
13.b.(1)(b) Lighting equipment.
13.b.(2)(b) Charging voltage.
13.d.(4) Engine emergency shutdown switch.
13.g.(1) Vehicle design speed (for self-propelled devices).
13.h.(1) Transmission selector lever - direction of operation and
inclusion of "Park" position.
13.h.(2) Requirement for use by operator wearing winter clothing.
13.t.(2) Finish requirements.
14.a. Preliminary qualification tests.
14.b. Formal qualification tests.
14.c. Specification conformance tests.
14.d. Reliability test and analysis.
SAE ARP 1247
Paragraph Item
3.9.19.2 Types of approved non-slip materials.
3.13.1.2.11 Approval of method of running concealed wiring.
3.13.1.3.5.7 Approval for coated hydraulic tanks.
3.13.5.2 Vehicle undercoating.
3.13.11.1 Paint scheme.
4.3 Inspection.
4.4 Requirement for engineering data and documentation.
