There are many aircraft that can accommodate wheelchairs, primarily large jets or bigger with straight aisles. Jets with zigzag aisles, such as the Falcon 900, can make it difficult to maneuver a wheelchair onboard.
You also need the appropriate type of wheelchair, as many motorized ones won’t fit and can’t be collapsed. In such cases, a smaller, temporary wheelchair is necessary. Some operators provide smaller wheelchairs for use.
Some aircraft are equipped with a wheelchair lift. For example, certain Challenger 601s have arms that lift the wheelchair into the plane when the door opens. If not, an Ambulift is required.
An Ambulift works like a catering truck lift but with a platform that the wheelchair rolls onto at ground level. The platform is then raised to the aircraft door, allowing the wheelchair user to move from the lift into the plane.
The same procedure is used when landing. Your broker can help arrange an Ambulift.
Can a pilot assist a wheelchair passenger without an Ambulift?
Pilots cannot carry wheelchair users onto the plane due to safety risks. The passenger must be able to make their way up the stairs, either on foot or via a wheelchair. They cannot be carried.
Most wheelchair users are comfortable transferring from their wheelchair to the plane’s seat once onboard. Advance notice must be provided to accommodate a wheelchair user. Let your broker know ahead of the flight, and they’ll handle the arrangements.
Is there an extra charge for using an Ambulift?
In the United States and most western countries, there are rarely extra charges for accommodating disabled passengers. However, outside the USA, Ambulifts can cost up to $4,000 per use. One flight involves two charges: $4,000 to enter the aircraft and another $4,000 to exit it. Costs vary depending on the country.
Can an electric wheelchair be brought onto an aircraft?
Electric wheelchairs can be transported on certain aircraft, typically large jets or bigger. However, it depends on several factors:
- Weight of the wheelchair
- Whether the wheelchair is collapsible
- Type of battery required
Provide as much notice as possible for the best chance of accommodating an electric wheelchair.
Is it possible to stay in a wheelchair during the flight?
Wheelchair users must sit in the aircraft seat for takeoff and landing for safety reasons. Aircraft seats are often more comfortable than wheelchairs, offering better materials, padding, legroom, and safety belts. They are also positioned for better interaction between passengers.
If the aircraft is large enough, you should be able to store your wheelchair in the cabin storage area, making it easy to switch back to the wheelchair when needed.
Who owns the wheelchair, the FBO, the airport, or the passenger?
While airports and FBOs may offer wheelchairs at their facilities, most passengers use their own wheelchairs so they’re available when leaving the airport and upon arrival at their destination.
Do all airports or FBOs have Ambulifts?
Most high-traffic airports have Ambulifts, but only certain regional airports have them. For remote airports, it’s best to assume they don’t have an Ambulift.