10-10-2006
Batteries
Under FAA regulations an airline has the authority to remove, disconnect, and insulate batteries if the airline deems it necessary. If the wheelchair is equipped with “wet” cell batteries, most airlines will remove the batteries from the wheelchair and be stored separate during flight. If the wheelchair is equipped with maintenance-free gel batteries it shall not be necessary to remove the batteries from the wheelchair during flight.
NOTE: Check with your provider as to what type of battery was installed into your wheelchair.
The Permobil Chairman is equipped with a circuit breaker to disconnect power from the batteries. The main circuit breaker is located on top of the chassis behind the center seat post. The circuit breaker is accessible through a 1’’ x _’’ hole in the main shroud, the hole is located approximately 7’’ in front of the knob that secures the main shroud to the chassis.
NOTE: Instruct departure airline personnel to raise seat elevator 2’’ before cutting power and loading on plane. This action allows arrival airline personnel to easily locate circuit breaker. However, depending on the size of each plane’s cargo hold, this action may not be feasible.
Transport
Once power to chair has been disconnected raise the freewheel lever located in front of the left drive wheel to push the chair manually. After loading in cargo hold, lower the freewheel lever to prevent the drive wheels from rotating.
The weight and dimensions of the wheelchair are significant in relation to the type of airplanes in which the wheelchair is to be transported. Always check with the airline in question which rules apply.
NOTE: Please be advised that the Permobil C 500 power wheelchair weighs between 350 and 400 pounds. Permobil does not recommend any transport of the chair by stairway. Alternatives such as an elevator are more appropriate due to the delicate nature of the mobility system.
The smallest transport size that the Permobil Chairman can be easily broken down to is 33’’ in length, 26’’ in width, and 27’’ in height by removing the back shell and securing it forward on to the seat pan. Further, rotate the casters inward to provide for the 33’’ in length.
NOTE: The wheelchair must be transported in an upright position at all times.
Toll Free Hotline
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has established a toll-free hotline to assist travelers with disabilities. The hotline will provide general information to consumers about the rights of air travelers with disabilities, respond to requests for printed consumer information, and assist air travelers with time-sensitive disability-related issues that need to be addressed in "real time." The line is staffed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week. Air travelers who experience disability-related air travel service problems may call the hotline at 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY) to obtain assistance. As in the past, air travelers who would like DOT to investigate a complaint about a disability issue must submit their complaint in writing or via e-mail.
In assisting individuals with disabilities who may have air travel complaints that require immediate intervention, the role of the DOT employees would be one of facilitating compliance with DOT's rules and suggesting possible customer-service solutions to the airline involved. Since compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act and DOT's implementing regulations remains the obligation of the carrier, airline employees would continue to decide what action will be taken in any given situation.