Aviramp chair lifter

Accessible device specialist Aviramp has recently launched the Chair Lifter, a wheelchair lifter that makes air travel accessible for users, where wheelchairs may otherwise be too heavy to lift into aircraft holds.

The Chair Lifter came about as a passenger in the UK was recently denied boarding by a ground crew due to their electric mobility aid (EMA) being too heavy to lift manually, Aviramp says.

Nobody should ever be denied the opportunity to enjoy accessible travel again just because a wheelchair is too heavy to lift into the aircraft hold.

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Recent trials in Edinburgh have effectively demonstrated the new Aviramp Chair Lifter, which is now looking to set another “world first” in delivering unrivalled benefits to disabled passengers, who currently run the risk of damaged EMAs on their flights.

The Aviramp Chair Lifter is simple to operate. It can be towed using a single tug for multiple aircraft drops, having the capability of carrying up to three EMAs weighing up to 300kg each.

In terms of operational manoeuvrability, the Chair Lifter is pre-loaded at the terminal where the wheelchairs are pushed up an extending ramp onto a carry tray. Its centrally located solar-powered lift raises to allow the tray to be moved to one side on a roller bed. Once in place, the lifting section is then lowered to enable further EMAs to be loaded.

The EMAs are immediately transported to the aircraft belt loader, where a bridging ramp, consisting of a ball bearing roller track, is lowered onto the belt. The tray containing the EMA can be easily pushed onto the belt.

This flat tray acts as protection for the belt unit, spreading the load instead of point loading of wheels. It also prevents the EMA from falling off the belt loader completely, which often happens when using alternative methods, Aviramp underlines.

Once at the top of the belt, a small lip-ramp is lowered from the tray, and the EMA is simply wheeled into the aircraft hold. The tray can then be returned to the Chair Lifter for further use.

There is no manual lifting throughout the entire process, which makes it more user-friendly while enhancing health and safety compliance.

Although Aviramp has branded this new piece of ground handling kit as the Aviramp Chair Lifter, its uses have proven multi-functional during trials, the company notes, highlighting that the product is advantageous when loading other heavy items safely, quickly and with maximum efficiency.

A number of innovations which promise to make air travel more accessible for disabled passengers have hit the headlines recently. PriestmanGoode unveiled Air 4 All, a system that enables powered wheelchair users to remain in their own wheelchair for the entire journey.

Earlier in the year, Revolve Air, a collapsible wheelchair that fits the standard cabin baggage dimensions used universally by airlines, also offered hope for active wheelchair travellers. The product was also selected as one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions 2021.

Aviramp chair lifter

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