Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

Aircraft Accessibility

When considering ordering, purchasing, or leasing aircraft, management of carriers should keep in mind that the following features are required for aircraft ordered by the carrier after April 5, 1990, or delivered to the carrier after April 5, 1992. In addition, different size airplanes must be equipped with different features according to the law. For example, aircraft with:

• 30 or more passenger seats must have movable aisle armrests on at least half of the aisle seats where it is feasible and it does not interfere with safety [Sec. 382.21(a)(i) and (ii)];

• 100 or more passenger seats must have priority storage space within the cabin to stow at least one passenger’s folding wheelchair [Sec. 382.21(a)(2)] and DOT has interpreted that to mean a space at least 13 inches wide, 36 inches high, and 42 inches long;

• more than one aisle in which lavatories are provided must include at least one lavatory accessible to passengers with a disability accessing the lavatory with an on-board wheelchair [Sec. 382.21(a)(3)];

• more than 60 passenger seats having an accessible lavatory must be equipped with an on-board wheelchair [Sec. 382.21(a)(4)(i)]; and

• more than 60 passenger seats having an inaccessible lavatory must be equipped with an on-board wheelchair when a passenger with a disability informs the carrier (providing advance notice under Sec. 382.33(b)(8)) that he/she can use an inaccessible lavatory but cannot reach the lavatory from his or her seat without the use of an on-board wheelchair. [Sec. 382.21(a)(4)(ii)]

Requirements relating to retrofitting and replacing features to ensure accessibility as well as providing on-board wheelchairs are covered by other specific provisions. [Secs. 382.21(b) and (c)] However, any replacement or refurbishing of the aircraft cabin must not reduce existing accessibility to a level below that specified under the law. [Sec. 382.21(e)] Carriers must maintain aircraft accessibility features in proper working order. [Sec. 382.21(f)]