U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

Advisory

Circular

Subject: GUIDE SPECIFICATION FOR DEVICES USED

TO BOARD AIRLINE PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY

IMPAIRMENTS

Date: 3/17/00

Initiated by: AAS-100

AC No: 150/5220-21B

Change:

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) contains

performance standards, specifications, and

recommendations for the design, construction, and testing of

portable devices used in the boarding of airline passengers

with mobility impairments. This document does not apply

to passenger loading bridges.

2. CANCELLATION. AC 150/5220-21A, Guide

Specification For Lifts Used To Board Airline Passengers

With Mobility Impairments, dated July 26, 1996, is

cancelled.

3. SCOPE. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Aerospace Recommended Practices (ARP) were used as the

basis for this AC. Additional requirements and

clarifications have been added where necessary.

This portion of this AC pertaining to lifts was developed in

coordination with the Canadian General Standards Board

document CAN/CGSB-189.1-95, Lifting Systems for

Aircraft Boarding of Passengers with Mobility Impairments.

It is intended that, except for certain purchaser-specified

requirements (e.g. climatic protection) and other minor

modifications, lifts meeting the requirements of either the

U.S. or Canadian standards should meet the requirements of

the other.

4. APPLICATION. The Federal Aviation

Administration recommends the use of the guidance in this

publication for the preparation of specifications for devices

to assist in the boarding of passengers with mobilityimpairments. For airports using Federal grant-in-aid

assistance in the purchase of such devices, the use of this

guidance specification is mandatory. Equipment meeting

the specifications provided in this circular satisfies the

boarding device requirements contained in U.S. Department

of Transportation regulations 49 CFR Part 27,

Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs

and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal

Financial Assistance, subparagraph 27.72(b), and

14 CFR Part 382, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of

Handicap in Air Travel, subparagraph 382.39(a)(2).

Alternate means of satisfying these requirements which are

in accordance with applicable laws and regulations are

acceptable.

5. RELATED READING MATERIAL.

a. AC 150/5210-5, Painting, Marking, and Lighting

of Vehicles Used on an Airport, current edition. This may

be ordered from the Department of Transportation,

Utilization and Storage Section, M-433.2, Washington, DC

20590.

b. SAE ARP 1247, General Requirements for

Aerospace Ground Support Equipment, Motorized and NonMotorized. This may be ordered from SAE International,

400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

c. U. S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers

Compliance Board (ATBCB) document, Guidelines for

Aircraft Boarding Chairs. This may be ordered from the

United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers

Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000,

Washington, DC 20004-1111.

5. METRIC UNITS. To promote an orderly transition

to metric (SI) units, this circular contains both English and

metric dimensions. The metric conversions may not be exact

equivalents and, until there is an official changeover to the

metric system, the English dimensions will govern.

David L. Bennett

Director of Airport Safety and Standards

3/17/00 AC 150/5220-21B

Chap 1 1 (and 2)

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1-1. BACKGROUND. Section 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) prohibits

discrimination on the basis of handicap in any program

receiving Federal financial assistance, and the Air

Carrier Access Act (ACAA) of 1986 (49 U.S.C. 41705)

prohibits discrimination against handicapped persons

in air transportation. The ACAA and Section 504 of

the Rehabilitation Act were implemented by Final

Rules published by the Department of Transportation

on March 6, 1990 (14 CFR Part 382) and September 6,

1991 (49 CFR Part 27), respectively. These Final

Rules include provisions that "Carriers shall ensure

that qualified handicapped individuals are provided the

following services and equipment: ... carriers shall use

ramps, mechanical lifts, or other devices for enplaning

and deplaning...," and that airport "operators at ...

airport terminals shall assure that there are lifts,

ramps, or other suitable devices ... for enplaning and

deplaning wheelchair passengers." 14 CFR Part 382

further specifies that "Contracts or leases between

carriers and airport operators concerning use of airport

facilities shall set forth the respective responsibilities of

the parties for compliance with accessibility

requirements under this section and 49 CFR 27.71." It

is clear that airport operators and carriers are required

to share in the responsibility to make air travel

accessible to passengers with mobility impairments.

Larger aircraft at major airports are usually accessible

to passengers with mobility impairments via passenger

loading bridges, but passengers have often been denied

boarding of smaller aircraft since suitable lifts or

ramps were not available.

1-2. EXPECTED USE. This guide specification

covers two classes of devices: (a) self-propelled and (b)

manually transported or towed. In specifying the type

of device, the purchaser should consider the frequency

of use of the device, the need to transport the device

between widely separated gates or to transport

passengers between the terminal and the aircraft, and

the increased costs of purchase and maintenance of a

self-propelled unit. In specifying other optional

equipment, the purchaser should consider not only the

added cost of the additional equipment but also the

possibility that fewer manufacturers will be able to

provide the unit. Above all, the purchaser should

consider all aircraft serving the airport that are

required to be accessible. Accessing all such aircraft

may require more than one device but should be

accomplished in as cost effective a means as possible.

3/17/00 AC 150/5220-21B

Chap 2 3

CHAPTER 2. GENERAL DESIGN CRITERIA

2-1. GENERAL. These design standards are based

on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 1247,

"General Requirements for Aerospace Ground Support

Equipment, Motorized and Non-Motorized." The issue

of ARP 1247 in effect on the date of the purchase order

forms a part of this AC to the extent specified. In the

event of conflicts between this specification and that

document, this specification shall apply. Paragraphs

within this specification and SAE ARP 1247 that may

require further clarification by the purchaser are listed

in Paragraph 15 below.

2-2. PERFORMANCE.

a. Functions. The equipment must perform

the following functions while maintaining a safe

distance from any moving part of the aircraft. If the

device approaches within 12 inches (30 cm) of any

moving part of the aircraft, the manufacturer shall

demonstrate to the satisfaction of the airline operator

that the device can perform all functions without undue

risk of damage to the aircraft. The functions are as

follows:

(1) Provide a means for boarding

wheelchair users and other passengers with mobility

impairments onto the lifting platform or ramp at

ground level.

(2) For lifts, elevate the lifting platform

carrying the passenger(s) and attendants(s) to the

aircraft doorsill height.

(3) Provide a means for transferring

passengers using wheelchairs from the elevated lift

platform or ramp to and from the aircraft doorsill.

(4) Provide a suitable boarding chair,

compatible with the device and the aircraft to be

served, meeting the requirements of Architectural and

Transportation Barriers Compliance Board document,

Guidelines for Aircraft Boarding Chairs, if specified

by the purchaser.

(5) For lifts, provide a stairway for the

boarding of other passengers, if specified by the

purchaser.

(6) Provide protection from wind and

precipitation to passengers, if specified by the

purchaser.

(7) Provide transportation between the

terminal and the aircraft, if specified by the purchaser.

(Suspension systems for such devices are typically not

suitable for transporting passengers for more than very

short distances.)

b. Standards.

(1) Platform. As used herein, the

platform shall include all surfaces traversed by the

passenger using a wheelchair in boarding the aircraft.

(a) Lift platforms shall have a

minimum capacity of 600 pounds (270 kg). The

purchaser may specify a higher capacity if the unit is to

allow simultaneous boarding of two or more

passengers. Ramps shall be designed for a live load of

50 psf (245 kg/m2).

(b) The secondary ramp that bridges

the gap between the lift or main ramp and the aircraft

shall be designed so as not to damage the aircraft or

dislodge when in use. It may rest on the doorsill but

shall not induce unsafe loads on the aircraft.

(c) The platform shall be equipped

with rigid protective railings or other barriers. Spaces

between barrier members, and between the barriers and

the aircraft, shall be sufficiently small to prevent injury

and provide a feeling of confidence to occupants.

(d) If specified by the purchaser, lift

platforms shall include a system to immobilize each

wheelchair it is designed to simultaneously transport.

The system shall be easily operated by the attendant or

equipment operator.

(e) The interior width of the

platform shall be compatible with the boarding chair to

be used and aircraft to be served.

(f) The maximum angle for ramps

shall be 19 degrees from horizontal.

(2) Accelerations. The device shall not

subject passengers to accelerations/decelerations of

more than 5 ft/s/s (1.5 m/s/s) in any direction. The

device shall not subject passengers to changes in

acceleration/deceleration of more than 8 ft/s/s/s

(2.4 m/s/s/s) in any direction.
AC 150/5220-21B 3/17/00

4 Chap 2

(3) Deployment Time. The time required

to deploy the device upon arrival at the passenger

loading area or aircraft shall be 1 minute or less.

(4) Enplaning/Deplaning Time. The

time required to convey a passenger onto the device

and to the doorsill level shall be 2 minutes or less. The

time to deplane a passenger, that is, from the elevated

position to ground level and off the device shall be 2

minutes or less.

(5) Storage Preparation Time. The time

required to prepare the device for standby storage shall

be 3 minutes or less.

2-3. AIRCRAFT COMPATIBILITY.

a. Aircraft Types. The aircraft required to be

served shall be as specified by the purchaser.

b. Design Considerations. If an aircraft to be

served has a stairway that cannot be retracted while the

door is open, the device shall be designed to operate

with the stairway deployed. All aircraft models

specified by the purchaser to be served should be

surveyed by the manufacturer for compatibility. The

following aircraft size/configuration factors will have a

significant effect on the design of the device:

(1) Aircraft doorsill height.

(2) Aircraft door width.

(3) Aircraft door location.

(4) Aircraft components adjacent to the

door constituting obstructions (wing, tail, engine

nacelle, propeller, etc.)

(5) Airstairs/airdoor.

(6) Airstair handrails.

(7) Vertical movements of the aircraft

(doorsill) during enplaning/deplaning.

2-4. TOTAL LIFE. The device shall be designed to

perform its intended function for its "total life" period,

when maintained according to the manufacturer's

instructions. "Total life" is defined to be the years of

use from time of delivery of the equipment to the user

until its identity is destroyed by classifying it as salvage

and/or subjecting it to cannibalization. The "total life"

for which the equipment is designed, assuming it is

used and maintained in accordance with the

manufacturer's recommendations, shall be a minimum

of l0 years, based on a frequency of use of 1000 cycles

per year.

2-5. RELIABILITY.

a. Maintenance. The equipment and its

accessories shall be designed and constructed with

reliability of operation as a primary consideration. The

minimum reliability design requirement is that the

equipment be designed to operate between periodic

preventive maintenance activities of 4 months, and for

lifts, l00 lift cycles, whichever occurs first. The above

interval does not apply to components in those cases

where the component manufacturer recommends more

frequent maintenance intervals. (For the purpose of

this specification, normal servicing of fuel, oil, tire

pressure, battery, and water are not considered

preventive maintenance.) The device shall incorporate

a cycle counter or hour meter. The type of meter

installed should be consistent with the maintenance

intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

b. Emergency Removal. The device shall be

designed to permit easy removal in the event of an

equipment failure while at the side of an aircraft.

2-6. SERVICE AND ACCESS. The device shall

meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph

3.4.3.

2-7. ENVIRONMENTAL.

a. The device shall meet the requirements of

SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.6. The temperature

ranges specified may be modified by the purchaser if

the climate in which the device is to be used is

extreme.

b. Lifts shall be capable of 45 minutes of

continuous operation, consisting of any possible

combination of passenger loading and maneuvering

cycles, at full load within the temperature ranges

specified in paragraph 2-7.a. above. For passenger

loading, full load shall be considered to be applied

during the ascent phase only.

c. The device shall be capable of operating on

a level surface in 2 inches (5 cm) of snow if specified

by the purchaser.

2-8. TRANSPORTABILITY. If highway

transportability, defined as the capability (of a selfpropelled device) to be licensed for operation on public

highways, is specified by the purchaser, the device

shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.7.
3/17/00 AC 150/5220-21B

Chap 2 5

2-9. SAFETY. The device shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.8. All

design features intended to protect the equipment

operator shall provide similar protection to the

passenger(s).

a. Personnel Safety.

(1) The device shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.9, except

as provided in (2) and (3) below.

(2) If highway transportability is not

specified by the purchaser, the provisions of SAE ARP

1247, Paragraph 3.9.1 shall not apply.

(3) If the device is not self-propelled, the

provisions of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraphs 3.9.2

through 3.9.4 shall not apply. For the purposes of this

specification, motorized devices that do not transport

the operator or passengers are not considered selfpropelled.

(4) Particular consideration should be

given to providing non-slip surfaces on ramps, in

accordance with SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.9.19.

b. Equipment Safety. The device shall meet

the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.10.

(1) Cushioning devices specified in SAE

ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.10.3 shall be approved by the

purchaser.

(2) For any device not completely

manually operated, a 5-pound ABC rated fire

extinguisher shall be mounted on the device at a

location easily accessible to the operator.

(3) Stabilizing devices referred to in SAE

ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.10.9.3 shall be painted chrome

yellow, in accordance with AC 150/5210-5.

(4) Risers of variable riser stairs shall be

no less than four inches (10 cm). The ratio between

risers and treads shall be no less than .28. The angle

of the stairs shall be no less than 15.5 degrees. The

width of the stairway shall be no less than 27 inches

(69 cm).

2-10. NOISE AND VIBRATION. The device shall

meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph

3.11.

2-11. MANUALS/PUBLICATIONS.

a. The following manuals shall accompany the

delivered equipment. No special format is required.

(1) Operator's handbook.

(2) Illustrated parts breakdown and list.

(3) Preventive maintenance schedule.

b. Tools and Test Equipment. The

provisions of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.12.4 shall

apply.

2-12. TRAINING. The manufacturer shall, at no

additional cost, provide trained personnel at the time of

delivery to place the device into operation. Also, the

manufacturer shall provide, at no additional cost,

adequate training, as specified by the purchaser, not to

exceed three separate 8-hour shifts, for airport and/or

airline personnel in operation and maintenance of the

device. Training shall include written operating

instructions that depict the step by step operational use

of the device, plus instruction in the proper use of a

boarding chair, whether or not such a chair is provided

with the boarding device. Written instructions shall

include, or be supplemented by, materials, which can

be used to train subsequent new operators.

2-13. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. The

device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13, except as modified herein.

a. Mechanical Design. The device shall meet

the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph

3.13.1.1. The device may be operated manually or be

self-propelled, as specified by the purchaser. Selfpropelled units may be operated hydraulically,

pneumatically, electrically, or by internal combustion

engine.

b. Electrical Design And Equipment.

(1) General. The device shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.2.

(a) When used for cranking engines

of 30 horsepower or less, batteries referred to in SAE

ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.2.1 shall be as

recommended by the engine manufacturer.

(b) If highway transportability is

specified, or if otherwise specified by the purchaser,

lighting equipment shall meet the provisions of SAE
AC 150/5220-21B 3/17/00

6 Chap 2

ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.2.21. Lighting shall in

all cases meet the requirements of AC 150/5210-5.

(c) A suitable outdoor light shall be

attached to the device to provide illumination at the

entry/exit doorway of the aircraft.

(2) Battery Powered Devices.

(a) Batteries shall be designed to

have a minimum life of 3 years when maintained

according to the manufacturer's instructions. For

design purposes, a frequency of use of 1000 cycles per

year shall be assumed.

(b) A self-contained battery charger

with automatic voltage control shall be provided. The

charging process shall require the operator only to

connect a readily-accessible plug to a standard 110 or

220-volt receptacle, as specified by the purchaser.

(c) The battery system shall

incorporate a battery condition gauge. If a low voltage

condition could result in higher amperage flow and

motor burnout, then the status-monitoring device shall

provide a time warning to the operator.

c. Hydraulic, Pneumatic Design. The device

shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.1.3.

(1) Hydraulic fluid shall be as

recommended by the manufacturers of the hydraulic

system components.

(2) The materials used for each hydraulic

line shall be consistent with its application.

(3) Hydraulic rams may be used to

stabilize the device if all wheels remain firmly on the

pavement surface.

d. Engines And Related Equipment. The

device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.1.4.

(1) The provisions of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.1.4.4 shall not apply to engines of 30

horsepower or less.

(2) Alternators used on engines of 30

horsepower or less shall be as recommended by the

engine manufacturer.

(3) Oil pressure switches shall not be

required on engines of 30 horsepower or less.

(4) The type of engine kill switch

provided shall be approved by the purchaser.

(5) Engines used to drive systems, other

than the vehicle propulsion system, shall be equipped

with a tachometer (green-lined within the correct

operating RPM range and red-lined above this range)

or automatically governed to prevent over-revving.

e. Fuel System Design. The device shall meet

the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph

3.13.1.5.

(1) The provisions of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.1.5.1 shall not apply to engines of 30

horsepower or less.

(2) The fuel tank shall have a minimum

capacity for eight hours of operation.

(3) Fuel tank fillers for engines of 30

horsepower or less shall be as recommended by the

engine manufacturer but shall include a flamearresting cap.

f. Exhaust System Design. The device shall

meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph

3.13.1.6. Engine exhaust systems shall be provided

with flame and spark arrestors.

g. Self-Propelled Vehicles. The device shall

meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph

3.13.1.7.

(1) Design Speed. The vehicle design

speed shall be as specified by the purchaser.

(2) Braking Systems.

(a) Braking systems for vehicles

with a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) or more

shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.1.7.2.

(b) Braking systems for vehicles

with a maximum speed of less than 20 mph (32 km/h)

shall meet the requirements of Title 49 CFR,

Paragraphs 393.41 and 393.52. The maximum

stopping distance in feet shall be equal to the design

speed in mph (in meters shall be equal to the design

speed in km/h/5.3).

(3) Vehicle Cabs. On vehicles equipped

with an enclosed operator's cab, the cab shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.7.3.
3/17/00 AC 150/5220-21B

Chap 2 7

h. Instruments And Controls. The device

shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.1.8.

(1) If approved by the purchaser,

transmission selector levers may move and operate in

the direction of travel of the device. Inclusion or

deletion of "Park" position will be as specified by the

purchaser.

(2) Unless otherwise specified by the

purchaser, controls shall be designed for satisfactory

operation when the operator is wearing heavy arctictype gloves and overshoes.

i. Equipment Stability. The device shall

meet the stability requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.1.9.

j. Options. The manufacturer shall not be

required to offer particular options referred to in SAE

ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.1.10.

k. Materials, Parts, And Processes. The

device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.2.

l. Standard And Commercial Parts. The

device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.3.

m. Moisture And Fungus Resistance. The

device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.4.

n. Corrosion Of Metal Parts. The device

shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.5.

o. Interchangeability And Replaceability.

The device shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP

1247, Paragraph 3.13.6.

p. Workmanship. The device shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.7.

q. Electromagnetic Interference. The

equipment shall meet the current issues of radio

suppression specification MIL-STD-461, Class 3D,

Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic

Interference Emissions and Susceptibility. It shall be

capable of operating through the entire amplitude

modulated aircraft radio frequency range of 75 MHz -

136 MHz.

r. Identification And Marking. The device

shall meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247,

Paragraph 3.13.9. The shifting diagram placard

specified in SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.9.6 may

be provided in a medium other than metal if designed

to last for the total life of the equipment. In addition,

the device shall be provided with a permanently affixed

placard identifying the maximum number of

passengers and maximum weight capacity of the lifting

platform or ramp.

s. Storage. The device shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.10.

t. Exterior Finish. The device shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 3.13.11.

(1) The device shall be primed in

accordance with accepted industry standards for heavyduty industrial equipment intended for outdoor use.

(2) The device shall be finished as

specified by the purchaser, in accordance with AC

150/5210-5, using the standards for aircraft support

vehicles.

u. Human Engineering. The device shall

meet the requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph

3.13.12.

2-14. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS.

Quality assurance provisions shall meet the

requirements of SAE ARP 1247, Paragraph 4.

a. Preliminary Qualification Tests.

Preliminary qualification tests may be specified at the

purchaser's option.

b. Formal Qualification Tests. Formal

qualification tests may be specified at the purchaser's

option.

c. Specification Conformance Tests. The

manufacturer shall perform any tests referred to in

SAE ARP 1247, Paragraphs 4.6.1 through 4.6.10 as

specified by the purchaser. The purchaser may elect to

accept documentation of previously run tests.

d. Reliability Test and Analysis. A

reliability test and analysis may be specified at the

purchaser's option.
AC 150/5220-21B 3/17/00

8 Chap 2

2-15. PURCHASER SPECIFICATIONS. The following is a list of those paragraphs within this specification, which

may require clarification by the purchaser.

Paragraph Item

2-2.a.(4) Provision of boarding chair.

2-2.a.(5) Provision of stairway.

2-2.a.(6) Provision of weather protection.

2-2.a(7) Provision of transportation between terminal and aircraft.

2-2.b.(1)(a) Platform capacity.

2-2.b.(1)(d) Provision of wheelchair immobilization system.

2-3.a. Aircraft compatibility.

2-7.a. Temperature range for operation.

2-8.,9.a.(2) Highway transportability.

2-9.b.(1) Aircraft interface cushioning devices.

2-12. Training requirements.

2-13.a. Mechanical design - manually transported or towed vs. self-propelled.

2-13.b.(1)(b) Lighting equipment.

2-13.b.(2)(b) Charging voltage.

2-13.d.(4) Engine kill switch.

2-13.g.(1) Vehicle design speed (for self-propelled devices).

2-13.h.(1) Transmission selector lever - direction of operation and inclusion of "Park" position.

2-13.h.(2) Requirement for use by operator wearing winter clothing.

2-13.t.(2) Finish requirements.

2-14.a. Preliminary qualification tests.

2-14.b. Formal qualification tests.

2-14.c. Specification conformance tests.

2-14.d. Reliability test and analysis.
3/17/00 AC 150/5220-21B

Chap 2 9 (and 10)

SAE ARP 1247

Paragraph Item

3.9.19.2 Types of approved non-slip materials.

3.13.1.2.11 Approval of method of running concealed wiring.

3.13.1.3.5.7 Approval for coated hydraulic tanks.

3.13.5.2 Vehicle undercoating.

3.13.11.1 Paint scheme.

4.3 Inspection.

4.4 Requirement for engineering data and documentation.