Technical Paper

A Technical Paper on the Design of Chairs Used Primarily for Enplaning and Deplaning Physically Handicapped Passengers

Prepared by:
AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH
45 North Road
Bedford, MA 01730
(617) 275-0800

PREFACE

Aircraft boarding chairs, wheelchair-like devices used to transport disabled passengers onto airplanes, have been cited for safety and other problems. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB), in an effort to gain more information, distributed a survey on boarding chairs through the Federal Register (49 Fed Reg 36210, September 14, 1984). Passengers using aircraft boarding chairs responded by reporting complaints regarding safety, comfort, independent mobility, and personal dignity. In response to these problems and complaints, the ATBCB sponsored research to examine aircraft boarding chairs. The objective of the research was to develop non binding guidelines aimed at improving aircraft boarding chair design and use.

The ATBCB retained the services of a human factors engineering consulting firm to perform the research and develop performance specifications. A human factors team, which included human factors engineers and a physician and physical therapist specializing in wheelchair design and prescription, analyzed existing aircraft boarding chairs in both their static state and during use. This approach permitted a comprehensive evaluation of the physical features of aircraft boarding chairs and the “human-machine” interactions. A draft advisory standard was reviewed by the ATBCB, industry experts, boarding chair designers, airline personnel, airport operators and aircraft boarding chair users prior to publication for public comment.

On May 15, 1986, the ATBCB published a proposed advisory standard in the Federal Register (51 Fed Reg 17762), for the purpose of eliciting public comment. Shortly after publication in the Federal Register, a copy of the proposal was sent to each of a group of reviewers (rehabilitation engineers, designers, air carriers, physical therapists, consumers, and governmental agencies) previously identified by the contractor and to members of the National Transportation Facilitation Committee (NTFC) subgroup on Air Travel Accessibility. Together these groups include a broad cross-section of air carriers, wheelchair designers and manufacturers, rehabilitation engineers, government officials, and disabled consumers. In addition, copies were sent to the committee developing wheelchair standards convened by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) from the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA), past participants in the Access to the Skies conferences, Air Transport Association (which represents major carriers), Regional Airline Association (which represents most of the small regional carriers), Airline Pilots Association of Flight Attendants, National Air Carrier Association, Society for Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped, Paralyzed Veterans of America, national Council of Independent Living Centers, Transport Canada, and Rehabilitation International USA among others.

The ATBCB received a total of five substantive comments addressed to Docket Trans-1-86. An analysis of the public comments and associated changes to the May 15, 1986, published draft are provided in the sections which follow.

On March 9, 1987, the Board’s Standards Committee reviewed the final report submitted by the contractor, including the incorporation of comments submitted by those who responded to the Federal Register publication. The Committee recommended that the product of this research be published as a technical paper. The contents should be viewed as the product of the contractor, distributed by the Board in the furtherance of its technical assistance mandate, not to be interpreted as a determination by the Board as to the suitability of specific provisions.

ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC COMMENTS

In the May 15, 1986, Federal Register publication of the proposed advisory standard, the ATBCB included an invitation for general comments on the technical provisions and specific comments on the following four issues:

Use of the 99th percentile male weight, as opposed to the 95th percentile male weight, in guidance associated with load bearing;
The cost impact of the proposed advisory standard in terms of new designs, existing boarding chair modifications and boarding chair replacement;
Whether the final advisory standard, when published and provided for public information, should also be included in the Code of Federal Regulations even though it will be a non-binding standard;
The size of the area on which the downward force is applied to the seat [see guideline 4.1(d)].

The limited number of comments was interpreted as a sign of concurrence with the proposed technical provisions given that a large number of comments typically signals disagreement and controversy over the published material. In fact, the majority of comments received supported the development of the document and concurred on technical details. The Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA) stated, “In general terms as this standard relates to the nature of our membership, we believe that it is an excellent document” EPVA cited eleven (11) specific items it considered strong points. One respondent who also is a physically handicapped traveler stated, “I was impressed with the comprehensive, competent effort evident in the draft.”

It is worth noting that, although copies of the proposal were sent to major airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and especially aircraft boarding chair and wheelchair manufacturers, no comments were received from any of these organizations.

Specific comments (paraphrased) and associated analyses by the human factors engineering consultant are presented below. Comments received which affirmed the contents of the guidelines have not been addressed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND ATBCB RESPONSES

One respondent suggested that, instead of transferring the disabled person laterally, a transfer from a ninety degree angle would be less taxing and safer for aircraft personnel. This suggestion relates to transfer procedures versus boarding chair design. The suggested transfer method would require an area wider than the boarding chair in front of the passenger’s seat and involves standards for seating access, an aircraft cabin design topic not addressed in the guidelines. No change was made to the technical provisions.

Another respondent recommended use of the 95th (as opposed to the 99th) percentile male weight in guidelines associated with load-bearing capacity. Since only one respondent among all reviewers recommended use of the 95th versus the 99th percentile value, the 99th percentile male weight value was retained in the load-bearing capacity guidelines.

A representative of the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped recommended inclusion of the advisory standard in the Code of Federal Regulations even though it would be a non-binding standard. The ATBCB has determined that publication in the Federal Register and codification in the Code of Federal Regulations could be misinterpreted as giving the guidelines more weight than they are intended to have and has instead decided to publish a technical paper as a source of information only.

Another respondent suggested modifying Appendix draft test procedure (ISO/173 SCI/WIC-220) to include a note stating that domestic standards should be in effect within the year and will supersede the draft standards at that time. In concurrence, reference to the RESNA/ANSI wheelchair standards was added to Appendix A.

One respondent pointed out that several federal government organizations. e.g., IRS and Social Security, use the word “disabled” exclusively to mean unable to earn an income by reason of impairment. The respondent suggested that it may increase consistency in federal terminology to substitute the word “handicapped” instead. The term “disabled” had originally been selected because many individuals find the term “handicapped” demeaning. However, the reason cited for using the term “handicapped” was deemed justified and the change was made.

Another respondent felt that the topic of boarding chair comfort should be given additional emphasis in the design guidelines. While improvement in comfort is intrinsic to many of the guidelines, such as recommendations on seat padding and use of armrests, the purpose of the guidelines is to improve safety and accessibility. Therefore, no additional comfort performance guidelines were considered warranted or appropriate.

One respondent felt that folding backrests should be recommended. The document identifies the need for easy transfers and suggests folding features where needed to meet the performance criteria [see 4.3(i)]. The technical provisions have not been made more specific since they are limited to performance guidelines.

Concerning Section 4.7(b), another respondent felt that the wording indicated that four separate restraints should be used and believed that four separate restraints would not be cosmetically acceptable to many passengers. The respondent suggested stating that do not necessarily have to be four separate belts. No change was made to the technical provisions since they specify restraint performance by virtue of support functions, not a belt design. It is preferred to allow designers to develop their own design solution which meets the four stated restraint functions.

One respondent believed that USDOT regulations have been in effect since 1979 which prohibit the carrying of disabled passengers up and down stairs for access to the aircraft. It was found that, while the regulation cited requires airport operators to provide certain boarding equipment, it does not prohibit carrying passengers up stairs. Therefore, no changes were made to guidelines which reference aircraft boarding via stairs.

Regarding the four specific issues identified by the ATBCB for comment, issues 1 & 3 were addressed above. A single comment which concurred with the document’s contents regarding issue 4 was the only response to that question. No respondents addressed the cost impact issue; no boarding chair manufacturers commented on any portion of the proposal.

Technical assistance with respect to this and related subjects is available by writing to Office of Technical and Information Services, ATBCB, 1331 F Street NW; Washington, DC 20004-1111 or by calling (202)272-0080.

INTRODUCTION

I. THE PURPOSE OF THE TECHNICAL PAPER
1. Why Boarding Chair Design Guidelines were Created
2. Application of the Guidelines
3. Scope of the Guidelines
4. How the Technical Paper is Organized

II. PROJECT BACKGROUND
1. The Need for Boarding Chair Guidelines
2. The Role of the ATBCB
3. How this Technical Paper was Developed
4. The Needs of Passengers and Airline Personnel
5. Goals for Boarding Chair Designers and Airlines

TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

PART 1 DEFINITION OF TERMS

PART 2 HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
2.1 Physical Characteristics of Users
2.2 The Aircraft Boarding Environment

PART 3 GUIDELINES FOR BOARDING CHAIR OPERATION
3.1 Mobility
3.2 Safety
3.3 Maintenance
3.4 Storage

PART 4 GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN FEATURES
4.1 General Physical Characteristics
4.2 Seating
4.3 Backrests
4.4 Headrests
4.5 Armrests
4.6 Gripping Surfaces
4.7 Restraints
4.8 Footrests

APPENDIX A: ADOPTED ISO PROCEDURES

APPENDIX B: GUIDELINES FOR TRAINING

INTRODUCTION

I. THE PURPOSE OF THE TECHNICAL PAPER

This technical paper is intended to promote improvements in the accessibility of facilities and services to disabled people. As described in Section II, this particular document is part of a larger effort by the ATBCB to provide technical assistance on eliminating architectural and transportation barriers encountered by disabled people. The ATBCB’s mechanism for accomplishing this goal with respect to aircraft boarding chairs is the publication of guidelines on their design and use.

1. WHY BOARDING CHAIR DESIGN GUIDELINES WERE CREATED

The guidelines presented in this paper do not constitute a legally enforceable regulation. Neither are they necessarily exhaustive or definitive. Rather, since the ATBCB does not have legal jurisdiction over such devices, this technical paper was deemed the most effective and appropriate means to promote and facilitate improvements in aircraft boarding chair design and use. The need for some form of guidance arises from safety problems and complaints regarding these chairs. The technical provisions provide a range of guidance that is intended to help eliminate the most common problems encountered by disabled passengers and airline attendants.

The development of the guidelines is the result of several years work in the aircraft boarding chair area. Over several years, representatives of the government, airlines, airport operators, aircraft boarding chair manufacturers and wheelchair users have organized and worked together in an effort to identify problem areas and improve boarding chair design and use.

Many of the reported problems appear to be due to design while others appear to be due to improper use of the devices. The latter may be due to improper or inadequate training. Therefore, the technical paper addresses both of these areas.

2. APPLICATION OF THE GUIDELINES

Aircraft boarding chair designers and specifiers should find the comprehensive design guidance useful. It can be utilized as the basis for detailed design criteria or specifications to develop new designs, or enhance an existing one, or to develop product specifications and evaluation checklists. Aircraft boarding chair design is an optimization problem that requires tradeoff analysis so the guidance is performance-oriented rather than prescriptive to allow for creative, trade-off solutions. Data on desirable design features are based on user testing and preferences to which the designer or specifier may not otherwise have access.

The technical provisions identify performance requirements for boarding chairs that the purchaser should look for in devices on the market and identifies how a specific feature should operate or be designed to satisfy passenger and attendant needs. It can also be used to improve boarding chair maintenance and airline attendant training. The technical provisions may also help to evaluate boarding chairs currently in use and help determine whether they should be replaced with improved products. The guidelines may also be useful when designing training courses.

In addition, aircraft designers may find the technical provisions useful in designing seating layouts and interior configurations which facilitate boarding chair use.

3. SCOPE OF THE GUIDELINES

The technical provisions apply to aircraft boarding chairs. They are not intended to be applied directly to devices used for functions other than aircraft boarding, such as on-board chairs used for in-flight mobility or wheelchairs used for mobility within the airport terminal. However, some features desirable for boarding chairs may also be desirable for on-board chairs and, where an on-board chair is used for boarding and deplaning, the technical provisions are applicable.

The scope of the guidance provided in this technical paper is broad enough to accommodate the many types of aircraft boarding chairs currently in use. The broad scope also supports the objectives of sustaining or increasing the number of boarding chair manufacturers. The technical provisions are not intended to restrict design freedom. The performance-based guidelines are designed to eliminate safety hazards while permitting different and creative solutions to the engineering problems.

Not all of the guidance provided will or can be applied to a single type or design of aircraft boarding chair. This is due to the fact that such chairs have competing design requirements such as maximum adjustability and mechanical simplicity. It is the responsibility of the user to interpret the guidelines and determine where specific provisions apply. Technical assistance to supplement the technical paper and provide guidance for interpretation and implementation will be available through the ATBCB.

4. HOW THE TECHNICAL PAPER IS ORGANIZED

This document is divided into six parts. Sections I and II provide background information regarding the function of the guidelines and the topic of architectural barriers and aircraft boarding chairs. The technical provisions themselves are in four parts. Part 1 provides a list of key terms; Part 2 defines the physical characteristics of the users, both the passenger and attendant, and the environment in which the boarding chair is used. The remainder of the provisions, Parts 3 and 4, consist of detailed guidelines for boarding chair design. Appendix A provides the version of the International Standard Organization (ISO) test procedures which were used to define whether a specific performance criterion was met. Appendix B contains guidelines on personnel training and defines who should be trained, how often training should be conducted, and the extent of training needed.

II. PROJECT BACKGROUND

1. THE NEED FOR BOARDING CHAIR GUIDELINES

There is a continuing need to provide disabled people with equal access to places and services. With improved recognition of rights of disabled people, many public works and services have been modified to provide access. However, modifications have not included provisions for complete unhindered access to aircraft. While many airport terminals now provide accessible restrooms, electric doors and ramps, few aircraft manufacturers have designed accessible restrooms and airlines have not specified seating configurations with wide aisles to allow standard wheelchair access.

Because a standard wheelchair will not fit down the airplane aisle (17” wide), it is necessary that some other device be used for boarding and deplaning disabled passengers. It would seem that wheelchair manufacturers solved the problem already by designing aircraft boarding chairs (examples of existing boarding chairs are shown in figure II-1). However, aircraft boarding chairs do not fulfill all of the needs of the passengers and attendants. Reports of accidents and near accidents involving existing aircraft boarding chairs have indicated that improvements in aircraft boarding chair design are needed. Guidelines that provide for the basic needs of aircraft boarding chair users are essential in eradicating existing architectural barriers for disabled persons in air transportation.

2. THE ROLE OF THE ATBCB

Under section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB) is vested with various functions relating to transportation barriers confronting persons with disabilities (29 U.S.C. 792). First, the Board is directed to investigate and examine alternative approaches to eliminating transportation barriers, particularly with respect to public transportation (including air, water, and surface transportation whether interstate, foreign, intrastate, or local), and to determine what measures are being taken by Federal, State, and local governments and public and private agencies to eliminate such barriers (id. at 792(b)(2) and (3)).

The Board is also required to “prepare plans and proposals for … actions as may be necessary to the goals of adequate transportation … for handicapped individuals, including proposals for bringing together in cooperative effort, agencies, organizations, and groups working toward such goals or whose cooperation is essential to effective and comprehensive action” (id. at 792(c)(3)).

The Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities amendment of 1978 (P.L. 95-502) amended section 502 to provide the ATBCB with new functions regarding transportation barriers. Under the Amendments, the Board is required to “insure [sic] that public conveyances, including rolling stock, are readily accessible to, and usable by physically handicapped persons” (29 U.S.C. at 792(b)(8)).

The amendments also require that the ATBCB, in consultation with other concerned agencies, to “develop standards and provide appropriate technical assistance to any public or private activity, person or entity affected by regulations prescribed pursuant to this title [Title V of the Rehabilitation Act] with respect to overcoming … transportation … barriers” (id. at 792(d)(3)).

Since the ATBCB had received a number of reports of accidents or near-accidents involving the use of aircraft boarding chairs, the board was concerned with the lack of standards that would ensure adequate safety features, equipment and procedures necessary to secure the safe enplaning and deplaning of physically disabled passengers by airport operators and airline carriers. This concern led to further research and the initiative to develop this technical paper.

3. HOW THIS TECHNICAL PAPER WAS DEVELOPED

The development of this document was based on human factors engineering research and analysis. The human factors engineering research conducted to develop the technical provisions included full consideration of the product users (disabled passengers and airline attendants). Research methods included a complete literature search, static evaluations of the current product designs, dynamic observations of the products in use in their intended environment (the airport skybridge and aircraft), an assessment of the user’s physiological needs, and extensive interviews with wheelchair users, airline attendants and boarding chair designers.

A set of problems, complaints, and concerns regarding boarding chairs was derived from each of the techniques. For each of the problems, complaints, and concerns identified, as well as for potential problems not actually observed or reported, a performance guideline was written to help alleviate the problem. The guidelines were then classified by topic (aircraft boarding chair feature, documentation issue, or training concern) for inclusion in this technical paper.

Standards or standardized test procedures developed by industry consensus groups such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have been incorporated where available and appropriate. Preliminary drafts were circulated for review and comment to the National Transportation Facilitation Committee (NTFC) subgroup on Air Travel Accessibility, members of the ATBCB, and over 60 reviewers selected for their expertise in the subject area.

4. THE NEEDS OF THE PASSENGERS AND AIRLINE PERSONNEL

The guidelines address the needs of both disabled passengers and airline attendants. For the passenger, the boarding chair must provide adequate body support and restraint. Typically, a passenger is seated in the boarding chair for approximately 5 minutes or less. However, under circumstances when flight changes must be made, delays occur, or a standard wheelchair is unavailable, the time spent seated in the boarding chair can extend to an hour or longer. In such cases, support, ease of body repositioning and passenger independent mobility are vital. Regardless of the length of time spent seated in the boarding chair, proper support can only be achieved if the boarding chair accommodates the size of the passenger.

The airlines are concerned not only with the safety and comfort of the passenger, but also with the safety and comfort of the airline attendant and the ease of use of the aircraft boarding chair. The attendant is susceptible to injury if the transfer is performed incorrectly. Often, the size of the attendant in relation to the size of the boarding chair and passenger makes a proper transfer difficult. If the airline attendant must assume an awkward position while boarding or deplaning a passenger, there is potential risk of injury for both the attendant and passenger.

5. GOALS FOR BOARDING CHAIR DESIGNERS AND AIRLINES

It should be the goal of boarding chair designers and manufacturers to develop boarding chairs that minimize the potential for injury and increase overall comfort without sacrificing ease-of-use and low cost. The airline should select and purchase boarding chairs that best suit the needs of the passengers and attendants and provide adequate training for personnel. This technical paper provides guidelines to help fulfill these goals.

Figure II-1. Sample of Existing Boarding Chairs | |

TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

Part 1. Definition of Key Terms

Air Carrier Airport: Airport that serve airlines utilizing aircraft that seat fifty or more passengers or receive federal funds for terminal facilities. (REF: 49CFR Part 27, Section 27.5)

Aircraft Boarding Chair: Narrow, wheelchair-like device used to transport non-ambulatory passengers between the airport terminal gate, via skybridge or aircraft steps, and the aircraft seat.

Anthropometric: Measurement of various human physical traits such as size, mobility (range-of-motion) and strength.

Attendant: Any individual who participates in the task of transporting transferring a passenger; can be an airline employee, a service contractor, or a passenger’s private assistant.

Boarding: The process of moving a passenger from the terminal, via a skybridge or aircraft steps, to the aircraft seat. The boarding task incorporates both transporting and transferring tasks.

Boarding Chair: Same as aircraft boarding chair.

Channeling: A groove used to direct or guide an attached mechanical part such as a strap in a specified direction.

Clarity of Function: Degree to which it is obvious how a boarding chair feature should be used.

Deplaning: The process of moving a passenger from the aircraft seat, via a skybridge or aircraft steps, to the airport terminal. The deplaning task incorporates both transporting and transferring.

Extended Periods (period of time): A duration of 15 minutes or longer.

5th Percentile Female: An adult woman who is smaller than 95% of the female population for a given parameter.

Independent Mobility: The capability of moving without the help of another person while using a manual device.

ISO (Test) Dummy: A test apparatus, developed by the international organization for Standardization (ISO), used as an equivalent human load for wheelchair testing. The dummy is equivalent to a male weighing 220 lbs with a standing height of 78 inches and is constructed according to Draft International Standard ISO-DIS 7176/11.

Lifting Device: Device used to elevate disabled passengers to the aircraft cabin entrance level, eliminating the need to use a stairway (REF: 49 CFR Part 27, Subpart D, Section 27.71(a)(2)(v))

95 Percentile Male: An adult man who is larger than 95% of the male population for a given parameter.

Quadriplegia: Paralysis involving the trunk and all limbs.

Repositioning: Shifting body position to redistribute weight.

Restrain: To restrict body movement or keep the body under control.

Skin Ulceration: Breakdown of skin tissue caused by prolonged external pressure on the skin.

Skybridge: Ramp that connects the airplane cabin door to the airport terminal gate entrance.

Standard Loading Mass: A regulation soccer ball (European Football) filled with lead shot of approximately 3.0 mm to 4.0 in diameter to a specified weight (ISO definition).

Standard Loading Pad: A rigid circular object 100 mm in diameter whose face has a convex spherical curvature of 300 mm radius with a 12 mm front edge radius. Pad should be faced with a layer of hard polyether foam 2mm thick (ISO definition).

Storage Location: A place within the terminal (not on the aircraft) where boarding chairs are kept when not in use.

3.0 Safety Factor: A 200% increase in load capacity to ensure safety. To calculate load capacity with a 3.0 safety factor, multiply the baseline load by 3.0. This safety factor is generally accepted by wheelchair manufacturers and the ISO.

Transfer: The process of lifting up and moving a passenger from one seated position to another.

Transfer Board: Accessory used to bridge the gap between the aircraft boarding chair and aircraft seat. Passenger slides over the board thus reducing the time the passenger is held by the attendants.

Transport: The process of moving a passenger in a boarding chair whether it be by pushing, pulling or lifting.

Part 2. Human and Environmental Factors

2.1 Physical Characteristics of Users

Designing aircraft boarding chairs requires close attention to the physical dimensions and biomechanical capabilities (together termed anthropometric) of the people who will use the devices: the disabled passenger and the airline attendant. The aircraft boarding chair, the disabled passenger, and the airline attendant together form a system which has several physical interrelationships or interfaces. Designing the interfaces which meet the anthropometric requirements of the users will help assure that the “Boarding Chair” system is easy and safe to operate.

Body Dimensions

The boarding chair user population includes both adult males and females. Therefore, the physical characteristics of the aircraft boarding chair must accommodate a large range of human dimensions and physical capabilities which varies from small females to large males. It is normal in engineering and design to develop a product to meet the anthropometric requirements of 95% of the user population; meeting a larger range which approaches 100% is usually infeasible or unwarranted. The range of anthropometric data is normally defined in terms of percentiles. To match the anthropometric of approximately 95% of the aircraft boarding chair user population, one needs to find minimum and maximum anthropometric values (for a given parameter) for the 5th percentile female and 95 percentile male, respectively. A percentile is determined as follows:

For a 5th percentile female dimension, 5 out of 100 females would be smaller in that dimension.

The result of calculating parameter values for the 5th percentile female and 95th percentile male is a practical range of physical characteristics that can be used as a basis for design. This approach optimizes a design but may not meet as effectively the needs of 5% of the (small) females and 5% of the (large) males in the user population. It is not the intent to exclude any portion of the population. In practice a “5th - 95th” design usually accommodates more than 95% of the user population.

Anthropometric data is presented in Figures 2-1 and 2-2 for use in designing aircraft boarding chairs. Figure 2-1 provides overall dimensions for the 5th percentile female and the 95th percentile male. Figure 2-2 provides hand, arm, foot and head dimensions for the same anthropometric range. This data is referenced from the “Human Factors Design handbook.” Additional data that relates specifically to the aircraft boarding chair design problem is presented below. The data includes body weight and strength. Other anthropometric data can be found in NASA Reference Publication 1024, “Anthropometric Source Book, Volume I: Anthropometry for Designers.”

Figure 2-1: Overall Anthropometric Data

Standing Height measuring from top of the head to the floor.
Sitting Height is the measure from the top of the head to the seat.
Shoulder Height is the measure from the shoulder to the seat.
Upper Leg Length is the measure from the back of the seat to the individual’s knee.
Knee Height is the measure from the top of the knee to the floor.
Seat Length is the measure from the back of the seat to the front of the seat.
Seat Height is the measure from the seat to the floor.
Seat Width is the measure of from one side to the other of he seat.
Elbow Height is the measure from the elbow to the seat.
Elbow Room is the measure of the space from the outside of one elbow to the outside of the other elbow.
Shoulder Breadth is the measure from the out side of one shoulder to the outside of the other.
Hip Circumference is the measure around the hips of the individual.

	Dimension	5% Female	95% Male
Source: Woodson, Wesley E., Human Factors Design Handbook, 1981.
A	Standing Height	59.0”	72.8”
B	Sitting Height	30.9”	38.0”
C	Shoulder Height	18.0”	25.0”
D	Upper Leg Length	20.4”	25.2”
E	Knee Height	17.9”	23.4”
F	Seat Length	17.0”	21.6”
G	Seat Height	14.0”	19.3”
H	Seat Width	12.3”	15.9”
I	Elbow Height	7.1”	11.6”
J	Elbow Room	12.3”	19.9”
K	Shoulder Breadth	14.4”	19.6”
L	Hip Circumference	37.0”	44.5”
		5th Female	95th Male
	Weight	104 lb	241 lb

Figure 2-2. Hand, Arm, Foot, and Head Anthropometrics

Hand Length is from the wrist to the tip of the longest finger.
Hand Breadth is from the outside of the thumb knuckle to the opposite side of the hand.
Grip Diameter is the diameter of the circle formed by the thumb and forefinger.
Elbow to Wrist is the measure from the wrist to the center of the elbow joint.
Foot Breadth is the widest measure of the foot across the base of the toes.
Foot Length is the distance from the heel to the end of the toes.
Head Breadth is the distance across the widest part of the head.

	Dimension	5% Female	95% Male
Sources: Woodson, Wesley E., Human Factors Design Handbook, 1981.\
* NASA Reference Publication 1024.
M	Hand Length	6.4”	8.2”
N	Hand Breadth	3.2”	4.4”
O	Grip Diameter*	1.64”	2.1”
P	Elbow to Wrist	9.6”	12.0”
Q	Foot Breadth	3.2”	4.3”
R	Foot Length	8.7”	11.2”
S	Head Breadth	5.4”	6.4”

Body Weight

Maximum body weight determines the maximum load or stress on the components and frame of the aircraft boarding chair: A 99th percentile male weighs 241 lbs. A weight of 241 lbs. should be used as a design basis with appropriate consideration given to the safety factors in design, since there are still many people who weigh more than 241 lbs. Clearly, an aircraft boarding chair can not be designed to accommodate the heaviest person imaginable. Nonetheless, the designer is advised to maximize weight bearing capacity in aircraft boarding chair design. The 99th percentile weight has been used, as opposed to the 95th percentile (which is 224 pounds), since the potential for damage or collapse of the aircraft boarding chair is a significantly more serious safety hazard than the failure of other design features that affect comfort more than safety.

Physical Strength and Endurance

Figure 2-3 illustrates the lifting strength and pushing force capacity of the 5th percentile female. A 5th percentile female in a standing position is capable of lifting 74 pounds from a starting point 15 inches off the ground. The same individual can apply a horizontal force of 24 pounds to a handle device which is 33 inches off the ground. Strength declines continuously after initial application to the point that strength is reduced to 25% of the original maximum capacity after four minutes of force application. This data suggests that many disabled passenger transfers will require two or more attendants or that only relatively strong attendants will be capable of performing all aspects of the boarding task which culminates with a transfer (involving a lift). For this reason, strength and endurance requirements of the transporting task should be minimized in any given design. Attendant training should incorporate procedures for transporting heavy passengers.

Figure 2-3. 5th Percentile Female Lifting and Pushing Strength

This figure depicts the lifting and pushing strength for the 5th percentile of females.
The first represents a 74 pound lifting limit at 15 inches off the ground.
The second represents a 24 pound pushing force at 33 inches off the ground.

Sources: Diffrient, Tilley and Harman. Humanscale 4/5/6
MIL-STD-1472C

Physical Disability

Aircraft boarding chairs should be designed for passengers with maximum disability. Therefore, a person with quadriplegia involving total loss of arm and leg control and weakened head control should be considered as the design basis. Designs should also consider the potential needs of individuals with missing limbs or deformities and/or involuntary movements.

2.2 The Aircraft Boarding Environment

Aircraft are not optimized for wheelchair access. Aircraft cabin interiors and aisles, in particular, are designed to be narrow so that the cabin can accommodate the maximum number of people. The narrow aisle is one of the major complicating factors in disabled passenger access. The other major factor is the continuing lack of skybridge connections to airplanes at many smaller airports and with many commuter airlines, requiring the use of a stairway to board an airplane. Stairways are still used at some airports to board even large, wide-body airplanes; especially during rush periods of the day when there are not always enough gates with skybridges available. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that operators at federally assisted airports assure that adequate assistance is provided for enplaning and deplaning handicapped persons. Boarding by jetways and by passenger lounges are the preferred methods for movement of handicapped persons between terminal and aircraft at air carrier airports; however, where this is not practicable, operators at air carrier airport terminals shall assure that there are lifts, ramps, or other suitable devices not normally used for movement of freight that are available for enplaning and deplaning wheelchair users [49 C.F.R. 27.71(a)(2)(v)]. A lift eliminates the need to carry the passenger up a stairway. However, lifts are not consistently available and stairways are often used.

Since stairways will continue to be a common means of aircraft access for the indefinite future, aircraft boarding chairs must be designed so that they are safe to use on stairways.

Stairway operation is the most critical mode of aircraft boarding chair use. In stairway operations, the dropping or tipping hazard is greatest for the passenger, while the physical exertion requirement for attendants is also at its peak. Such operations also cause the disabled passenger the greatest discomfort and anxiety. Boarding chair design and boarding methods must be implemented which minimize the risk of injury.

Skybridges are the preferred boarding approach. There are two basic types of skybridges: stationary and movable. Stationary skybridges have a fixed floor inclination. Movable skybridges have vertical and horizontal adjustability and can result in a steeper overall floor incline of up to 7.5 degrees (13%). This slope angle of the connecting ramps between skybridge sections may be as high as 13 degrees (25%). The movable skybridge is also narrower to enhance its movability but satisfies the width requirement for wheelchair access.

Passengers who use wheelchairs normally travel down the skybridge in standard-sized wheelchairs. At the base of the skybridge they are transferred into an aircraft boarding chair and brought onto the airplane. When a skybridge is used for access, the only potential architectural barriers outside the aircraft are the inclination of the skybridge floor and the gap at the threshold between the aircraft cabin door and the skybridge. A steep skybridge floor inclination requires extra strength to control the wheelchair or boarding chair (in the case that the boarding chair is used from the terminal gate point). Brakes are required in case there is a need to stop and hold the boarding chair on the incline. The threshold gap may require backward tilting of the aircraft boarding chair to overcome it and has implications in wheel and caster design.

The aircraft, depending on make and cabin configuration, may present an access problem. This is particularly true for small commuter aircraft. Although the cabin doorway and entranceway are wide enough to permit easy entry into the aircraft with a boarding chair, the aisles between seats are narrow. The narrow aisle width increases the danger of a passenger’s limbs getting wedged between the boarding chair and an aircraft seat. The narrowness of the aisle also presents a problem when the passenger must be moved from the boarding chair to the aircraft seat. The attendants are required to reach around the seated passenger to lift him or her into the aircraft seat. Space for the attendants’ arms in the area between the aircraft seats and the boarding chair is tight. Therefore, in cases where the aircraft seat armrest does not pivot out of the way, transferring is further complicated. A fixed armrest necessitates that one attendant reach over the back of the aircraft seat and lift the passenger up over the armrest. This presents risk to the passenger and attendant. Reaching around the back of the seat does not permit the attendant to obtain secure grip of the passenger and the approach is generally less gentle and comfortable for the passenger. The attendant also risks back injury due to poor posture during lifting.

Part 3. Guidelines for Boarding Chair Use

3.1 Mobility

(a) Number of Attendants.

When boarding, a minimum of two airline attendants should be present to transport a passenger. If the passenger is particularly heavy or the attendant(s) is not physically strong, the transport task may require more than two attendants.

(b) Time.

Once the boarding chair is at the aircraft entrance, the time to prepare the boarding chair for passenger seating should be less than two minutes.

(c) Attendant Posture.

Transfers should not require the attendant to bend in awkward positions. Figure 3-1 illustrates the proper body posture that the boarding chair should permit.

Figure 3-1. Proper Posture for Transferring an Aircraft Boarding Chair Passenger

Bend at the knees.
Keep center of gravity over the knees.
Use symmetrical posture – Do not twist.
Hold firmly, balance straight.
Keep your back straight.
Use a solid grip – Use both hands.
Lift above the object’s center of gravity.

(d) Passenger Posture.

The boarding chair design should ensure proper passenger posture. Figure 3-1 illustrates a proper body posture for passengers seated in a boarding chair.

(e) Boarding Chair Orientation.

The boarding chair should not require tilting for movement unless negotiating curbs, stairs, or similar barriers.

(f) Turning.

The occupied boarding chair should be able to turn within the confines of the boarding environment and the aircraft cabin layout shown in figure 3-2. Turning should not require tilting or rocking the boarding chair.

Figure 3-2. Typical Cabin Layout of a Jet Aircraft | | | This figure depicts the loading environment for a jet aircraft cabin which should allow for turning the chair without tilting or twisting. Minimum width of the cabin aisle is shown as 34 inches. The depth of the aircraft entry is shown as 76 inches. The travel distance is shown as 16 feet 8 inches from the end of the skybridge to the seat. The distance from the end of the skybridge to the centerline of the aisle is shown as 62 inches, and the distance from there to the seat is 138 inches. The aisle width is shown as 17.5 inches. The skybridge length is show as 287 inches. |

(g) Ease of Movement.

The force required to push and turn (on a level surface) a boarding chair occupied by a 241 pound passenger (the 99th percentile male) should not exceed 24 pounds (the maximum force which can be exerted by a 5th percentile female).

(h) Ease of Transfer.

The boarding chair should be designed to facilitate the use of a transfer board.

(i) Vibration.

The boarding chair should be free of noticeable vibration when moving on a smooth surface such as a carpeted aircraft aisle.

(j) Alignment.

When the boarding chair is pushed in a straight line it should continue to track accurately along that path.

(k) Independent Mobility.

Boarding chairs designed to be used in the airport terminal should provide manual independent mobility for passengers who have manual independent mobility in their own wheelchairs.

(l) Locking Mechanisms.

Wheel locks should be accessible to the passenger. To the extent possible, the force required to engage/disengage locks should not exceed that which a passenger with limited hand and/or upper extremity function can exert. Wheel locks should hold the boarding chair (occupied by the 100 kg ISO dummy) motionless when placed at a 13 degree angle (maximum skybridge ramp angle) and faced either uphill or downhill. Wheel locks should not cause tire damage or excessive wear.

3.2 Safety

(a) Posture.

The boarding chair should be designed so that the passenger and attendant maintain proper posture during the passenger transport and transfer. (See figure 3-1).

(b) Support.

The boarding chair should provide adequate passenger body support for the full range of users, including quadriplegics and amputees. The passenger should not require supplementary seating or restraints outside those that are part of the boarding chair.

(c) Restraints.

The restraining system should prevent the passenger from falling out of the boarding chair under all circumstances.

(d) Hinges and Locking Mechanisms.

Hinges and locking mechanisms on movable and removable components should be located where they cannot pinch or damage the attendant’s or passenger’s skin or clothing.

(e) Releases.

Releases (for components such as locks and footrests) should be located where they cannot be accidentally activated (released). Where accidental activation is possible and a safety concern, a guarded release or two-step release procedure should be used.

(f) Rounded Edges.

The boarding chair design should incorporate rounded edges on all components to avoid injury to passenger, attendant, or passerby and to protect the physical environment (stairway, skybridge, airplane).

3.3 Maintenance

(a) Preventive Maintenance.

Preventive maintenance tasks, task frequency, and specific procedures should be specified by the manufacturer. Maintenance task descriptions should include inspecting, cleaning, and performing minor repairs. All parts requiring maintenance should be easily accessible.

(b) Cleaning.

Surfaces which come in contact with the passenger and attendant should be cleaned easily and cleaned as frequently as deemed appropriate by the airline. Boarding chair hardware components should be cleaned on a regular basis as deemed appropriate by the manufacturer. All surfaces and mechanisms requiring cleaning, as specified by the manufacturer, should be cleaned by airline personnel or the responsible contractor.

(d) Inspection.

Parts which are subject to wear should be easily accessed and inspected on a regular basis. Inspection procedures should not require special knowledge, skills, tools, or equipment and should be performed by airline personnel or the responsible contractor.

(e) Replacement of Parts.

Damaged or missing parts which are not part of the chair frame (main structure) should be available for purchase and replaceable according to paragraph 3.3(g).

(f) Tools.

Only common tools should be required to perform maintenance tasks. Specialized or one-of-a-kind tools should not be required for maintenance tasks performed by airline personnel.

(g) Spare Parts.

Components of the boarding chair which are easily replaced (such as fasteners and bearings) and not part of the chair frame (main structure) should be made readily available as spare parts stocked by the manufacturer and at least one other source. Available spare parts should be easily replaced.

3.4 Storage

(a) Damage Resistance.

Boarding chairs should be of durable construction to avoid damage during storage. Fabric on the chairs should be resistant to tears, stains, or fading which may occur during storage.

(b) Compactness.

When possible, boarding chair design should utilize adjustable features which maximize compactness during storage.

(c) Collapsibility.

Collapsible boarding chairs should lock in the collapsed position. Collapsible chairs should be easy to move when in the collapsed position. Reconfiguring the chair for use should be achieved easily and quickly.

(d) Removable Items.

To avoid loss or theft, removable components should be attached to the chair during storage, though not necessarily in their operational configuration. Configuring components for storage should be performed easily and quickly. Small parts such as nuts and bolts) should remain fastened to the chair during storage.

(e) Loose Items.

Loose items (such as restraints) should have a clear method for storage so they do not get lost or damaged.

(f) Time Requirements.

Time required to prepare the boarding chair for storage should not exceed two minutes.

Part 4. Guidelines for Design Features

4.1 General Physical Characteristics

(a) Overall Dimensions.

The boarding chair should, to the extent possible, be sized to comfortably accommodate 95% of the passenger population (see section 2.1), but should not exceed the dimensional limitations of the aircraft on which it is to be used. The narrowest part of the aisle (17”) is generally at the aircraft seat armrest height.

(b) Overall Weight.

Overall weight should be minimized.

(c) Load Capacity.

The boarding chair should support 723 lbs (the 99th percentile male body weight with a 3.0 safety factor).

(d) Static Stability.

The boarding chair should not structurally deflect (bend), rock or tip from the placement of a 241 lb vertical, downward force at any point on the seat. The object should be a rigid circular object 4 inches in diameter (see ISO Definition for Standard Loading Pad). The boarding chair should also meet the requirements for static stability as defined in Draft International Standard ISO/Dis7176/1 (see Appendix A).

(e) Static and Impact Strength.

For boarding chairs, the following sections of Draft International Standard ISO TC173/SCI N3, “Static and Impact Strength Test”, should be applied:

1-5.7 (Background Test Information)
6.1.1 Armrest Downward Static Load Test
6.1.2 Push handle(s) Downward Static Load Test
6.1.3 Footrest Downward Static Load Test
6.1.4 Tipping Levers Downward Static Load Test
6.1.5 Hand Grip Static Load Test
6.1.6 Armrest Upward Static Load Test
6.1.7 Footrest Supports Upward Static Load Test
6.1.8 Push Handle(s) Upward Static Load Test
7.0 Conditions for Acceptance After Static Strength Tests
8.1.1 Seat Impact Strength
8.1.2 Backrest Impact Strength
8.2.1 Drop Test Impact Strength
8.2.2 Rolling Test Wheels and/or Castors Impact Strength

For all above tests, the 220 lb ISO dummy should be used (see Appendix A for test procedures).

(f) Adjustable.

Where practical, adjustable features should be used to increase safety, support and comfort. The features should be easy to adjust and should not sacrifice chair and passenger stability.

(g) Removable Parts.

To avoid loss, the number of removable parts should be minimized, or if possible, eliminated.

(h) Construction Materials.

Construction materials should be durable, damage resistant, fire retardant and low and high temperature resistant.

(i) Protective Features.

The boarding chair should have protective features (such as rounded edges and bumpers) to avoid damage to the aircraft boarding environment.

4.2 Seating

(a) Function.

Seating should accommodate 95% of the passenger population and should be designed to facilitate transfers by providing unobstructed access for lifting.

(b) Dimensions.

Seating should be sized according to the dimensions given in figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1. Seat and Backrest Dimensions and Angles |

Drawing of an airline seat, with both a side view and a top view. Specific measures are represented by letters from 'A' through 'H'.

	Dimension	Value
A	Backrest, Optimum Angle (degrees)	8-10
B	Backrest to Seat Angle (degrees)	90
C	Seat depth (inches)	16
D	Seat Thickness (inches)	2 (min)
E	Seat Angle (degrees)	5
F	Backrest width (inches)	15
G	Backrest height (inches)	25
H	Seat width (inches)	15

(c) Strength.

Seats should support a weight of at least 723 pounds (the weight of the 99th percentile male with a 3.0 safety factor) and should meet the requirements in guideline 4.1(e).

(d) Location.

Seat surface height (compressed) should be 17-19 inches to match the height of aircraft seats and should incline 5 degrees to increase body restraint. (See figures 4-2 and 4-3).

Figure 4-2. Seat Comparison | | | This figure depicts the matching of the boarding chair seat to the aircraft seat to ensure a smooth transfer with minimal effort.
Aircraft seat should allow for folding armrests, to facilitate the transfer as well. |

Figure 4-3. Seat Height | | | This figure shows the distance from the top of an uncompressed seat to the floor.
The distance should be between 17 and 19 inches. |

(e) Shape.

Seat shape should provide passenger body support and restraint and distribute body weight evenly to avoid the risk of skin ulceration. Seat shape should not hinder passenger transfers.

(f) Material.

Seat material should be water repellent, stain resistant, fire retardant, non-abrasive, durable, cleanable, and aesthetic. Based on ISO research, the cushion should be constructed of a good quality foam at least 2 inches thick with a indentation load deflection (ILD) of 70 as measured by ASTM Designation D 1564-71, “Standard Methods of Testing Slab Flexible Urethane Foam.” The cushion cover should be a color which is low in heat absorption so that the cover does not overheat (if left in the sun) and cause thermal trauma to passengers.

(g) Texture.

Seat material texture should not be so rough (high friction) that it hinders passenger body positioning.

(h) Cushioning.

Cushioned seating should be provided to distribute body weight evenly and to protect against skin ulceration. Seat cushions should not strike the back of the passenger’s knee, thereby avoiding blood flow restriction and cause nerve damage. (See Figure 4-4).

Figure 4-4. Seat Cushioning Placement | | | This figure demonstrates the appropriate placement of the seat cushion in aircraft passenger seating.
The seat should not push against the back of the knee.
There should be a gap between the seat cushion end and the back of the passenger’s knee. |

(i) Construction.

Seats should keep their shape, even after extended use.

4.3 Backrests