U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

Advisory 

Circular

Subject: Access to Airports by Individuals with 

Disabilities

Date: Draft

Initiated By: AAS-100

AC No: 150/5360-14A

Change: 

1 1 Purpose. 

2 This Advisory Circular (AC) is designed to assist airports in complying with the laws 

3 and regulations regarding individuals with disabilities by: (1) identifying the relevant 

4 statutes and regulations affecting airports; (2) presenting the main features of each of 

5 the statutes and regulations; and (3) listing sources of assistance or additional 

6 information. It presents and reconciles the federal accessibility regulations 

7 implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); the Air Carrier 

8 Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended 

9 (RA); and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (ABA) which affect the 

10 architectural or program accessibility of airports in the U. S. transportation system and 

11 employment opportunities at these airports for individuals with disabilities. 

12 2 Cancellation. 

13 This AC cancels AC 150/5360-14, Access to Airports by Individuals with Disabilities,

14 dated June 30, 1999.

15 3 Application. 

16 This AC applies to airports operated by public entities and those receiving federal 

17 financial assistance. The AC implements the objectives set forth in the ADA to provide 

18 technical assistance to assist entities and persons affected by its requirements to 

19 understand the law and implementing regulations. This AC has been broadened from 

20 the previous version to provide technical assistance on the ABA, the RA, and the 

21 ACAA, since these also affect the entities and persons subject to or covered by the 

22 ADA. As this AC focuses on current requirements, details about actions required to 

23 have been completed before the effective date of this AC are not provided.

24 To assist airports in providing required Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA), this AC 

25 provides a set of standards recommended for SARAs at all civil use airports. In general, 

26 use of this AC is not mandatory. However, use of the standards in this AC is mandatory 
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27 for all SARA projects funded under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) or with 

28 revenue from the Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) program. 

29 4 Principal Changes. 

30 This Advisory Circular revision provides new design guidance for Service Animal 

31 Relief Areas (SARA), captures new information on web links for service animal 

32 training schools, includes new information about associations advocating accessibility 

33 needs, and updates contact information for the FAA Office of Airport Disability 

34 Compliance Program (ADC).

35 5 Feedback on this AC.

36 If you have suggestions for improving this AC, you may use the Advisory Circular 

37 Feedback form at the end of this AC.

38 Michael J. O’Donnell 

39 Director of Airport Safety and Standards 
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CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

iii

40 Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1-1

41 1.1 Basis.............................................................................................................................. 1-1

42 1.2 Legal Requirements. ..................................................................................................... 1-1

43 1.3 Architectural Standards................................................................................................. 1-4

44 1.4 Related Reading Material. ............................................................................................ 1-4

45 1.5 Technical Assistance..................................................................................................... 1-5

46 1.6 Definitions..................................................................................................................... 1-6

47 Chapter 2. Basic Regulatory Requirements of the ADA, Section 504, and the ACAA. .......... 2-1

48 2.1 Overview....................................................................................................................... 2-1

49 2.2 Administrative Requirements. ...................................................................................... 2-2

50 2.3 Employment.................................................................................................................. 2-4

51 2.4 Program Accessibility................................................................................................... 2-5

52 2.5 Physical Accessibility. .................................................................................................. 2-5

53 2.6 Communications. .......................................................................................................... 2-7

54 2.7 Vehicle and Transportation Systems Accessibility....................................................... 2-8

55 2.8 Aircraft and Air Carrier Facility Accessibility. ............................................................ 2-9

56 2.9 Conditions Not Considered Disabilities...................................................................... 2-11

57 Chapter 3. Technical Assistance ............................................................................................... 3-1

58 3.1 FAA Office of Civil Rights and the Airport Disability Compliance Program Staff. ... 3-1

59 3.2 Non-discrimination Legislation. ................................................................................... 3-1

60 3.3 Accessibility Standards................................................................................................. 3-1

61 3.4 Disability/Accessibility Organizations. ........................................................................ 3-2

62 Chapter 4. Transition Plans....................................................................................................... 4-1

63 4.1 Transition Plan Standards. ............................................................................................ 4-1

64 4.2 Existing Facilities.......................................................................................................... 4-1

65 4.3 Periodic Reviews. ......................................................................................................... 4-1

66 Chapter 5. Overview of Architectural Barriers Act .................................................................. 5-1

67 5.1 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)................................................................................. 5-1
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68 Appendix A. Standards for Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) ......................................... A-1

69 FIGURES

70 Number Page

71 Figure A-1. SARA Signage ........................................................................................................ A-3

72

73 TABLES

74 Number Page

75 Table 2-1. Summary of Regulatory Requirements...................................................................... 2-2

76
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77 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

78 1.1 Basis.

79 This AC is based on federal regulations and standards. The architectural standards, in 

80 many instances, also have been published as regulations or appendices to those 

81 regulations, or have been established as requirements through regulatory action. The 

82 architectural standards, including those published as regulations, are listed in Paragraph 

83 1.3 of this AC. Other federal regulations dealing with requirements under the 

84 accessibility statutes that serve as basis for this AC appear in Paragraph 1.2. In some 

85 cases, more than one regulation, and hence more than one standard, may apply. In such 

86 instances, if there is a difference among regulations and standards, the more stringent 

87 requirement applies.

88 1.2 Legal Requirements. 

89 The following were used as a basis for this AC:

90 1.2.1 Rehabilitation Act (RA). 

91 This AC covers only the airport's responsibilities under Section 504 of the RA (Section 

92 504), as it applies to FAA financial assistance programs. Section 504 prohibits 

93 discrimination against any qualified individual with a disability solely by reason of his 

94 or her disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance or 

95 under any federally conducted program or activity. Section 504 applies to services, 

96 programs, and activities provided by recipients of federal financial assistance, either 

97 directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements. It also covers 

98 employment and physical accessibility. To be in compliance with Section 504, 

99 recipients must also comply with all applicable regulations under the ADA, focusing on 

100 six major CFR parts. These are: 

101 1. 29 CFR part 1630, Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of 

102 the Americans with Disabilities Act, 

103 2. 9 CFR part 1640, Procedures for Coordinating the Investigation of Complaints or 

104 Charges of Employment Discrimination Based on Disability Subject to the 

105 Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Of 1973, 

106 3. 28 CFR part 35, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local 

107 Government Services, 

108 4. 28 CFR part 36, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public 

109 Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities, 

110 5. 49 CFR part 37, Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA), 

111 and 

112 6. 49 CFR part 38, Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility 

113 Specifications for Transportation Vehicles.
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114 1.2.1.1 Department of Transportation (DOT) Final Rule, 49 CFR part 27, 

115 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities 

116 Receiving Federal Financial Assistance. 

117 This final rule implements Section 504 of the RA of 1973.

118 1.2.1.2 DOT Final Rule, 49 CFR part 37. 

119 This part was amended to make it compatible with ADA requirements, 

120 and makes compliance with Section 504 of the RA dependent upon 

121 compliance with the requirements of the ADA. It also clarifies that the 

122 Section 504 requirements apply to private parties receiving federal 

123 financial assistance, as well as to public entities receiving such assistance. 

124 Finally, it clarifies that entities subject to 49 CFR part 37, implementing 

125 the ADA, must utilize the design, construction, and alteration standards in 

126 Appendix A of 49 CFR part 37.

127 1.2.2 Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). 

128 DOT Final Rule, 14 CFR part 382, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air 

129 Travel. This final rule implements the ACAA of 1986. The ACAA provides that no air 

130 carrier may discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual with a disability, by 

131 reason of such disability in the provision of air transportation. The ACAA covers 

132 aircraft accessibility; airport facilities that air carriers own, lease, operate, or otherwise 

133 control (similar regulations are under 49 CFR part 27); and issues related to provision of 

134 services, such as refusal of service, seat assignments, stowage of personal equipment, 

135 boarding and deplaning, accommodations, service animals, etc. DOT’s regulation 

136 implementing the ACAA is found in 14 CFR part 382, which was amended to apply to 

foreign carriers, effective May 13, 2009.1137

138 1.2.3 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

139 The ADA is the first federal statute to protect individuals from discrimination based on 

140 disability regardless of whether they are seeking employment or access to services from 

141 a public or private entity or from an agency that receives federal financial assistance. 

142 The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public 

143 accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and 

144 telecommunications. It extends comprehensive civil rights protection to individuals 

145 with disabilities. The ADA has five separate titles, which are briefly described below.

 

1

Some ACAA provisions overlap with those of 49 CFR part 27, as discussed in Chapter 2.
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146 1.2.3.1 Title I - Employment – 29 CFR part 1630, Regulations to Implement 

147 the Equal Employment Provisions of the ADA; 29 CFR part 1602, 

148 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements under Title VII, the 

149 ADA and GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act), and 29 

150 CFR part 1627, Records to Be Made or Kept Relating to Age: Notices 

151 to Be Posted.

152 These rules were issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity 

153 Commission (EEOC). Title I prohibits discrimination in employment on 

154 the basis of disability.

155 1.2.3.2 Title II - Services, Programs, and Activities. 

156 Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public 

157 entities. Public entities include (1) any state or local government; and (2) 

158 any department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality 

159 of a state or states or local government. 

160 1.2.3.2.1 Subtitle A - State and Local Governments, 28 CFR part 35, 

161 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local 

162 Government Services. 

163 Title II, Subtitle A applies to all services, programs, or activities made 

164 available by a public entity, regardless of whether it receives federal 

165 financial assistance. This rule was issued by the Department of Justice 

166 (DOJ).

167 1.2.3.2.2 Subtitle B - Transportation Provided by Public Entities, 49 CFR parts 27, 

168 37, and 38, regarding transportation for individuals with disabilities. 

169 An airport owned by a public entity is required to comply with only those 

170 provisions of 49 CFR parts 37 and 38 pertaining to designated or fixed 

171 route public transportation systems, found in Sections 37.33(a) and (b). 

172 This rule was issued by the DOT.

173 1.2.3.3 Title III - Places of Public Accommodation by Private Entities, 28 

174 CFR part 36. 

175 This rule was issued by DOJ. Title III of the ADA addresses public 

176 accommodations, defined generally as private entities that affect 

177 commerce. Privately owned airports and airport facilities operated by 

178 concessionaires are subject to Title III of the ADA and DOJ regulations in 

179 28 CFR part 36. However, even though a concessionaire is not subject to 

180 Title II, the airport is responsible to ensure that its lessees operate their 

181 businesses in a manner which allows the airport to meet its Title II 

182 obligations. DOT regulations in 49 CFR parts 37 and 38 also cover Title 

183 III. Taxi service providers operating at an airport and private jitney or 

184 shuttle service between an airport and the surrounding area are subject to 

185 49 CFR Sections 37.5, 37.29, and 37.33(c). Transportation services 

186 provided by hotel and car rental concessionaires are subject to 49 CFR 

187 part 37 (See 49 CFR Section 37.37(b)).
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188 1.2.3.4 Title IV. 

189 Title IV of the ADA addresses telecommunications. This AC does not 

190 address any responsibilities under Title IV, since Title IV addresses the 

191 responsibilities of telecommunications providers, e.g., 

192 Telecommunications Services for Hearing-Impaired and Speech-Impaired 

193 Individuals. (47 U.S.C. § 225).

194 1.2.3.5 Title V. 

195 Title V of the ADA addresses a number of miscellaneous matters, 

196 including the provision giving the United States Architectural and 

197 Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB – commonly known 

198 as Access Board) the authority to issue minimum guidelines and 

199 requirements for accessible design for facilities covered by Titles II and III 

200 of the ADA. Under that authority, this independent federal agency 

201 promotes equality for people with disabilities through accessible design, 

202 and accessibility guidelines and standards. These guidelines, when 

203 adopted and modified, as needed, by standards-setting agencies like the 

204 DOT and DOJ are called Architectural Standards.

205 1.3 Architectural Standards. 

206 The following architectural standards were used as a basis for this AC:

207 1.3.1 Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Standards for Accessible Design. 

208 The ADA standards are issued by DOJ and DOT, and apply to facilities covered by the 

209 ADA in new construction and alterations. DOJ’s standards apply to all facilities 

210 covered by the ADA, except public transportation facilities, which are subject to DOT’s 

211 standards. Both standards are very similar and are closely based on the Board’s ADA 

212 Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). However, each contains a few unique provisions, 

213 which are included in the 2010 edition of the standards. http://www.access214 board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/ada215 standards.

216 1.3.2 Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). 

217 The ABA Accessibility Standards have been adopted by the General Services 

218 Administration (GSA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the U.S. Postal Service 

219 (USPS). (The USPS standards do not include the non-mandatory advisory notes.) 

220 http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the221 aba-standards/aba-standards.

222 1.4 Related Reading Material.

223 1. DOJ ADA, Title II, Technical Assistance Manual, and Supplements, 

224 http://www.ada.gov/taman2.html.
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225 2. DOJ ADA, Title III, Technical Assistance Manual, and Supplement, 

226 http://www.ada.gov/taman3.html.

227 3. DOJ ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments, 

228 http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/toolkitmain.htm.

229 4. FAA AC No. 150/5360-12, Airport Signing and Graphics, 

230 http://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.cu

231 rrent/documentNumber/150_5360-12.

232 5. FAA AC No. 150/5220-21, Aircraft Boarding Equipment, 

233 http://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.cu

234 rrent/documentNumber/150_5220-21.

235 1.5 Technical Assistance.

236 1.5.1 FAA Office of Civil Rights (ACR). 

237 The office with primary responsibility for assisting airports in meeting accessibility 

238 requirements is ACR. This office, and specifically the Airport Disability Compliance 

239 Program (ADCP) staff, are responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination 

240 filed under the ADA and Section 504 and for conducting periodic reviews of airports’ 

241 compliance with Section 504. ADCP staff provides technical assistance to airports, 

242 other public airports, and organizations as needed to facilitate compliance with program 

243 requirements. ADCP staff and ACR must also provide appropriate assistance to 

244 members of the public who need additional information on compliance requirements, 

245 including copies of the regulations and information on filing a complaint of 

246 discrimination or reporting a violation of the regulations. They may be contacted at:

247 Airport Disability Compliance Program

248 Federal Aviation Administration – Office of Civil Rights

249 2300 East Devon Avenue, Suite 440

250 Des Plaines, IL 60018

251 (847) 294-7209

252 Fax: (847) 294-7265

253 TTY: (800) 526-0844

254 Email: 9-AGL-ADA-504@faa.gov

255 1.5.2 FAA Airports Offices. 

256 Assistance is also available from FAA Airports Regional and District Offices. Find the 

257 appropriate servicing office at: 

258 http://www.faa.gov/airports/news_information/contact_info/regional/.
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259 1.6 Definitions.

260 1.6.1 Airport Operator. 

261 Public agency or private entity that has ownership and/or management control (short262 term and long-term planning, financial performance, maintenance, operation) of an 

263 airport.

264 1.6.2 Auxiliary Aids and Services. 

265 Qualified interpreters, note takers, transcription services, written materials, telephone 

266 handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, assistive listening systems, telephones 

267 compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, 

268 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), videotext displays, or other effective 

269 methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing 

270 impairments; qualified readers, taped texts, audio recordings, brailed materials, large 

271 print materials, or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials 

272 available to individuals with visual impairments; acquisition or modification of 

273 equipment or devices; and other similar services and actions. (28 CFR § 35.104).

274 1.6.3 Commercial Service Airport. 

275 A public airport that enplanes 2,500 or more passengers annually and receives 

276 scheduled passenger aircraft service. (49 U.S.C. § 47102)(7)).

277 1.6.4 Concessionaire. 

278 A firm that owns and controls a concession or a portion of a concession. (49 CFR § 

279 23.3). 

280 1.6.5 Designated Public Transportation. 

281 Transportation provided by a public entity (other than public school transportation) by 

282 bus, rail, or other conveyances (other than transportation by aircraft or intercity or 

283 commuter rail transportation) that provides the general public with general or special 

284 service, including charter service, on a regular and continuing basis. (49 CFR § 37.3). 

285 1.6.6 Disability. 

286 With respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits 

287 one or more major life activities of such individual; a record of such an impairment; or 

288 being regarded as having such an impairment. (28 CFR § 35.104). The November 1, 

289 1996, amendment to 49 CFR part 27 and 14 CFR part 382 substituted the term 

290 "disability" in lieu of "handicap" to reflect an amendment to Section 504 and to be 

291 consistent with the ADA, ADAAA, and ACAA. 

292 1.6.7 Discrimination. 

293 Denying a person with disabilities the opportunity to participate in or benefit from any 

294 program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. (49 CFR § 27.5). 
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295 1.6.8 Facility. 

296 1.6.8.1 For purposes of Section 504, the term “facility” means any or all portion 

297 of buildings, structures, vehicles, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots, or 

298 other real or personal property or interest in such property. (49 CFR § 

299 27.5). 

300 1.6.8.2 For purposes of Title II of the ADA, the term “facility” means any or all 

301 portions of buildings, structures, sites, complexes, equipment, rolling 

302 stock or other conveyances, roads, walks, passageways, parking lots, or 

303 other real or personal property, including the site where the building, 

304 property, structure, or equipment is located. (28 CFR § 35.104).

305 1.6.9 Federal Financial Assistance. 

306 Any grant, loan, contract (other than a procurement contract or a contract of insurance 

307 or guaranty), or any other arrangement by which the DOT provides or otherwise makes 

308 available assistance in the form of: 

309 1. Funds; 

310 2. Services of federal personnel; and 

311 3. Real or personal property or any interest in, or use of such property, including: 

312 a. Transfers or leases of such property for less than fair market value or for 

313 reduced consideration; and 

314 b. Proceeds from a subsequent transfer or lease of such property if the federal 

315 share of its fair market value is not returned to the Federal Government (49 CFR 

316 § 27.5).

317 1.6.10 Fixed Route System. 

318 A system of transporting individuals (other than by aircraft), including the provision of 

319 designated public transportation service by public entities and the provision of 

320 transportation service by private entities, including, but not limited to, specified public 

321 transportation service, on which a vehicle is operated along a prescribed route according 

322 to a fixed schedule. (49 CFR § 37.3). 

323 1.6.11 Primary Airport Recipient. 

324 Any airport operator authorized or required to extend federal financial assistance from 

325 the DOT to another airport operator for the purpose of carrying out a program. (49 CFR 

326 § 27.5). Note that for the purposes of this AC, the word primary does not relate to the 

327 activity level of the airport. 

328 1.6.12 Public Accommodation. 

329 A private entity that owns, is the lessee (or lessor) of, or operates a place of public 

330 accommodation. (28 CFR § 36.104). 
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331 1.6.13 Qualified Individual. 

332 An individual who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or 

333 practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the 

334 provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for 

335 the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by an 

336 airport operator. (28 CFR § 35.104).

337 1.6.14 Regarded as having such an Impairment. 

338 An individual who has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit 

339 major life activities, but who is treated by a public or private entity as constituting such 

340 a limitation; has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life 

341 activity only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such an impairment; or has 

342 none of the impairments defined but is treated by a public or private entity as having 

343 such an impairment. (49 CFR § 37.3). 

344 1.6.15 Recipient. 

345 Any State, territory, possession, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, or any 

346 political subdivision thereof, or instrumentality thereof, any public or private agency, 

347 institution, organization, or other entity, or any individual in any State, territory, 

348 possession, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, to whom federal financial 

349 assistance from the DOT is extended directly or through another recipient, including 

350 any successor, assignee, or transferee thereof, but such term does not include any 

351 ultimate beneficiary. (49 CFR § 27.7). 

1.6.16 Service Animal.

2

352 

353 Any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform 

354 tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, 

355 guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to 

356 intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, providing emotional 

357 support, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items. (49 CFR § 37.3).

358 1.6.17 Sponsor. 

359 A public agency or private owner of a public-use airport that submits to the DOT an 

360 application for financial assistance. (U.S.C. § 47102 (26)).

361 1.6.18 Sterile Area.

362 A portion of an airport, specified in the airport security program, in which certain 

363 security measures specified in 49 CFR part 1542, Airport Security, are carried out. This 

364 area is where aircraft operators and foreign air carriers that have a security program 

365 under 49 CFR part 1544, Aircraft Operator Security: Air Carriers and Commercial 

366 Operators, or part 1546, Foreign Air Carrier Security, enplane and deplane passengers, 

 

2 A public entity shall make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a 

miniature horse by an individual with a disability if the miniature horse has been individually trained to do work or 

perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability. (28 CFR § 35.136).
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367 and sort and load baggage. Also includes any adjacent areas that are not separated by 

368 adequate security measures. (49 CFR part 1540, Civil Aviation Security: General 

369 Rules).

370 1.6.19 Terminal. 

371 For the purposes of this AC, a terminal is a distinct area common to and prior to any 

372 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, or a distinct sterile area 

373 common to and beyond one or more TSA checkpoints. Each non-sterile area that is 

374 housed in a separate building is considered a separate terminal, and any sterile area that 

375 can be accessed only through a specific checkpoint or checkpoints is considered a 

376 separate terminal.
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377 Page Intentionally Blank
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378 CHAPTER 2. BASIC REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS OF THE ADA, SECTION 504, AND 

379 THE ACAA.

380 2.1 Overview.

381 2.1.1 This chapter provides a framework for understanding the basic requirements of the 

382 various laws and regulations, indicating where they overlap and where they vary. 

383 Because airports have limited obligations under 49 CFR parts 37 and 38 and 14 CFR 

384 part 382, this chapter focuses primarily on the DOJ Title II regulation, 28 CFR part 35, 

385 and the DOT Section 504 regulation, 49 CFR part 27.

386 2.1.2 To be in compliance with Section 504, an airport operator must comply with: 

387 1. All applicable requirements of the ADA, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 12101, Findings 

388 and purpose, and 42 U.S.C. § 12213, Severability); 

389 2. DOT’s ADA regulations (49 CFR parts 37 and 38); 

390 3. Regulations of DOJ implementing Title II of the ADA (28 CFR part 35); 

391 4. Regulations of the EEOC implementing Title I of the ADA (29 CFR part 1630 and 

392 49 CFR § 27.l9 (a)); and 

393 5. 49 CFR part 27, which requires airports to ensure that terminal facilities and 

394 terminal services are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with 

395 disabilities, including individuals using wheelchairs.

396 2.1.3 Table 2-1 provides the citations for Title I, II, and III of the ADA, Section 504, and the 

397 ACAA, the location of the implementing regulations, and specifies the entities to which 

398 the legislation and regulations apply. 
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399 Table 2-1. Summary of Regulatory Requirements

The following 

statutory 

requirement... 

Is codified at... Is implemented in the 

following regulation... 

And applies to the following 

entities 

Title I of the ADA 

42 U.S.C. § 

12112 Pub. L. 

101–336, title I,

§ 102 

29 CFR part 1630 

http://www.ecfr.gov

Any private or public entity 

that employs more than 15 

people 

Title II of the ADA 

42 U.S.C. 12132 

Pub. L. 101–336, 

title II, § 202 

28 CFR part 35 

http://www.ecfr.gov

Public entities; all activities, 

services, and programs of 

state and local government 

Title III of the 

ADA 

42 U.S.C. 12182 

Pub. L. 101–336, 

title II, § 302 

28 CFR part 36 

http://www.ecfr.gov

Any public services and 

accommodations operated by 

private entities 

Section 504 of the 

RA of 1973 (Public 

Law 93-112) 

29 U.S.C. § 794 49 CFR part 27 

http://www.ecfr.gov

Programs receiving federal 

financial assistance 

Air Carrier Access 

Act of 1986 

49 U.S.C. § 

41705 

14 CFR part 382 

http://www.ecfr.gov U.S. and foreign air carriers 

400 2.2 Administrative Requirements.

401 2.2.1 Coordinators. 

402 Airports are required to coordinate efforts to comply with the applicable regulations, 

403 including the investigation of complaints alleging its noncompliance with these 

404 regulations or alleging any actions that would be prohibited by these regulations under: 

405 1. Title II of the ADA (28 CFR § 35.107(a)); and 

406 2. Section 504 regulations (49 CFR § 27.13(a)).

407 2.2.2 Complaint Procedures. 

408 Airports with 15 or more employees are required to adopt complaint procedures for the 

409 prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging violations of Section 504 and 

410 Title II of the ADA.

411 1. Title II of the ADA. 28 CFR § 35.107(b) requires entities that employ 50 or more 

412 persons to adopt and publish grievance procedures.

413 2. Section 504. 49 CFR § 27.13(b) requires airports that employ 15 or more persons to 

414 adopt procedures that incorporate appropriate due process standards (prompt and 

415 equitable resolution of complaints).

416 2.2.3 Notice. 

417 Title II of the ADA and Section 504 require notice to various parties of the relevant 

418 regulations.
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419 2.2.3.1 Title II of the ADA. 

420 28 CFR § 35.106 requires airports to provide notice to "applicants, 

421 participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons" information 

422 regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the services, 

423 programs, or activities of the public entity, and make such information 

424 available to them in such manner as the head of the entity finds necessary 

425 to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured 

426 them by the Act and this part; and

427 2.2.3.2 Section 504. 

428 49 CFR § 27.15 requires airports to take appropriate initial and continuing 

429 steps to notify "participants, beneficiaries, applicants, and employees" 

430 including those with hearing and vision impairments, and to unions. The 

431 notice must include the following information:

432 1. The airport operator does not discriminate on the basis of disability in 

433 admission to, access to, treatment of, or employment in its programs, 

434 services, and activities; and

435 2. Identification of its designated Coordinator. See Appendix C.

436 2.2.4 Self-Evaluations. 

437 Airports are required to review their programs, activities, services, policies, and 

438 practices, to evaluate their compliance with the applicable regulations, and to take any 

439 appropriate remedial action. Both the ADA and Section 504 require that the airport 

440 provide for the participation of interested persons, including persons with disabilities, 

441 and organizations representing persons with disabilities in the evaluation.

442 2.2.4.1 ADA. 

443 28 CFR § 35.105 requires all entities to conduct the evaluation. All 

444 airports should have completed this process and met all requirements. 

445 While this requirement to conduct a self-evaluation is not extended in the 

446 revised regulations, and because many Section 504 self-evaluations were 

447 conducted as long as four decades ago and programs tend to change, DOJ 

448 encourages entities to continue with self-evaluations to determine 

449 compliance with the current and future revisions and resulting changes in 

450 regulatory requirements. Under Title II of the ADA, if an airport had 

451 previously conducted a self-evaluation under Section 504, only those 

452 policies and practices that were not included in the initial evaluation 

453 needed to be evaluated. However, 

454 2.2.4.2 Section 504.

455 49 CFR § 27.11(c)(2) requires that all airports conduct an evaluation and 

456 notify ACR of the persons responsible for evaluating its compliance and 

457 for the completion of the evaluation. Airports are specifically required to 

458 take the following actions:

459 1. Evaluate current policies and practices;
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460 2. Identify shortcomings and describe the methods to remedy; and

461 3. Begin to modify any policies or practices that do not meet the 

462 requirements of this part.

463 Note: After each of these steps, the airports must consult with persons 

464 with disabilities and organizations representing persons with disabilities.

465 2.2.4.3 The airports must then also:

466 1. Take remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination 

467 caused by the violations; and 

468 2. Establish a system for periodically reviewing and updating the 

469 evaluation. All airports must keep the evaluation on file for three 

470 years. (49 CFR §§ 27.11(c)(2) and (3)).

471 2.3 Employment. 

472 Both Title II of the ADA and Section 504 regulations incorporate the prohibition on 

473 employment discrimination from Title I of the ADA. (28 CFR § 35.140 and 49 CFR § 

474 27.19). Both rules also incorporate the EEOC requirements found in 29 CFR part 1630, 

475 including prohibitions on discrimination in job application procedures, hiring, firing, 

476 advancement, compensation, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of 

477 employment, as well as recruitment, advertising, tenure, layoff, leave, fringe benefits, 

478 and all other employment-related activities.

479 2.3.1 DOJ ADA Title I employment provisions apply to private employers and state and local 

480 government (as well as employment agencies and labor unions) that employ at least 15 

481 employees; 

482 2.3.2 DOJ ADA Title II employment provisions apply to all state and local governments 

483 covered, regardless of the number of employees or any receipt of federal funding; 

484 1. EEOC’s standards for compliance can be found in 29 CFR part 1630;

485 2. If the airport operator is not covered by Title I, the standards for compliance are 

486 found at DOJ regulations, 28 CFR part 41, Implementation of Executive Order 

487 12250, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Federally Assisted Programs, 

488 which empowers the DOT to issue regulations to implement Section 504 with 

489 respect to programs and activities to which it provides assistance.

490 2.3.3 Section 504 employment provisions.

491 1. 49 CFR § 27.19 covers employment for operators, regardless of the number of 

492 employees; 

493 2. 29 CFR part 1630 requires compliance with the EEOC regulation. 
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494 2.4 Program Accessibility. 

495 2.4.1 28 CFR § 35.150(a). 

496 An airport operator must ensure that its services, programs, or activities are accessible 

497 to persons with disabilities. 

498 2.4.2 28 CFR § 35.l30(b)(7). 

499 Airports must make reasonable modifications to their policies, practices, or procedures 

500 when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, 

501 unless the airport can demonstrate that the modifications would fundamentally alter the 

502 nature of the service, program, or activity. 

503 2.4.3 28 CFR § 35.150(a)(3). 

504 Airports are not required to take any action that will result in a fundamental alteration in 

505 the nature of a service, program, or activity that would result in undue financial and 

506 administrative burdens. 

507 2.4.4 28 CFR § 35.l50(b). 

508 Existing facilities must be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. 

509 Public entities must give priority to those methods that provide services, programs, and 

510 activities in the most integrated setting appropriate for persons with disabilities.

511 2.5 Physical Accessibility. 

512 The design and construction of new buildings and the alterations and the necessary 

513 structural modifications to existing buildings must comply with accessibility standards 

514 under Title II and Section 504. 

515 2.5.1 Design Standards. 

516 Airports may only use the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 

517 Standards) when constructing a new building or altering/renovating an existing 

518 building. In the past, airports were allowed to use the Uniform Federal Accessibility 

519 Standards (UFAS) or the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (1991 Standards). 

520 2.5.2 Structural Changes. 

521 All airports under Section 504 were required to submit a transition plan to the FAA for 

522 approval "where extensive structural changes" were necessary. Chapter 4 provides 

523 additional information on transition plans.

524 2.5.3 Title II Regulations. 

525 Airports subject to Title II regulations that employ 50 or more persons and need any 

526 structural modifications were to develop transition plans by July 26, 1992. The plan 

527 had specific requirements. The airport was required to provide an opportunity to 

528 interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or organizations representing 

529 individuals with disabilities, to participate in the development of the plan. If an airport 

530 already had developed a transition plan under Section 504, it needed only to review the 
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531 policies and practices not included in the previous transition plan. (28 CFR § 

532 35.150(d)(4)). 

533 2.5.4 Accessibility Standards. 

534 DOJ published its revised final regulations implementing the ADA for Title II (state and 

535 local government services) and Title III (public accommodations and commercial 

536 facilities) on September 15, 2010. The revised regulations have updated the general 

537 nondiscrimination provisions implementing the ADA. (www.ada.gov/). 

538 2.5.4.1 The ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Standards), applicable to 

539 airport facilities, is the standard for accessibility that applies to airports. 

540 (49 CFR § 27.71 (e)). The applicability of the Standards is based on the 

541 construction date of the specific structure. If the structure was built and 

542 not renovated or altered before the 1991 Standards were in effect, then the 

543 entity will not be required to meet the 1991 Standards. Under the 1991 

544 Standards, airports are expected to meet requirements under Section 10.4, 

545 but for new construction and alterations, airports must follow 2010 

546 standards. However, if the facility was built, altered or renovated after the 

547 1991 Standards came into effect, requirements under the 1991 Standards 

548 had to be met. With the establishment of the ADA Standards for 

549 Acceptable Design, airports need to address requirements under these 

550 Standards when a facility is newly constructed, altered, or renovated after 

551 March 15, 2012. These Standards apply to facilities in the private sector 

552 (places of public accommodation and commercial facilities) and to state 

553 and local government facilities, such as the airports, operated by such 

554 entities.

555 2.5.4.2 UFAS. 

556 UFAS Standards are found in 41 CFR part 101-19.6, Appendix A.

557 2.5.5 Historic Preservation. 

558 The DOJ Title II regulation makes allowances for accessibility to historic properties. 

559 (28 CFR §§ 35.150(a)(2), 35.150(b)(2), and 35.151(d)). 

560 2.5.6 Specific Airport Provisions. 

561 Airports must ensure that terminal facilities and services are readily accessible to and 

562 usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs. An 

563 airport is considered to comply with this obligation if it meets the requirements 

564 applying to state and local government programs or activities and facilities under 

565 DOT’s Title II rule. (49 CFR § 27.71(b)).

566 2.5.6.1 Airports must ensure that there is an accessible path between the gate and 

567 the area from which aircraft are boarded. (49 CFR § 27.71(c)).
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568 2.5.6.2 Systems of inter-terminal transportation, including, but not limited to, 

569 shuttle vehicles and people movers, must comply with applicable 

570 requirements of the DOT Section 504 rules. (49 CFR § 27.71(d)). 

571 2.5.6.3 The 1991 Standard, including Section 10.4 concerning airport facilities, is 

572 the standard for accessibility that applies to airports. (49 CFR § 27.71(e)). 

573 For any new construction or alteration, airports must use the 2010 

574 Standards. (28 CFR § 35.151(c)). 

575 2.5.6.4 Contracts or leases between carriers and airports concerning the use of 

576 airport facilities must set forth the respective responsibilities of the parties 

577 for the provision of accessible facilities and services to individuals with 

578 disabilities as required by 49 CFR § 27.71(f)) and provisions of 14 CFR 

579 part 382, as amended, implementing the ACAA.

580 2.5.6.5 28 CFR § 35.136 defines Service Animals and requires public entities to 

581 permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability. 

582 Individuals with disabilities must be permitted to be accompanied by their 

583 service animals in all areas of a public entity's facilities where members of 

584 the public, participants in services, programs or activities, or invitees, as 

585 relevant, are allowed to go. In addition, a public entity must make 

586 reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures to permit the 

587 use of a miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or 

588 perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability; and 

589 2.5.6.6 49 CFR Part 27 mandates that primary airports shall cooperate with air 

590 carriers to provide wheelchair accessible animal relief areas for service 

591 animals that accompany passengers departing, connecting, or arriving at 

592 the airport. In doing so, airports must consult with service animal training 

593 organizations regarding the design, dimensions, materials, and 

594 maintenance of the SARA. Airports must establish at least one relief area 

595 in each airport terminal in the sterile area. If the relief area is located 

596 outside the sterile area consistent with 49 CFR Part 27, the airport must 

597 retain documentation evidencing agreement with the service animal 

598 training organizations and the air carriers about the non-sterile area 

599 location. (49 CFR § 27.71(h)(2) and (3) and 14 CFR § 382.51(a)(5)).

600 2.5.6.6.1 To assist airports in providing SARA and complying with regulations, this 

601 AC includes a set of standards that may be used as 

602 guidelines/recommendations where compliance with this AC is not 

603 mandatory. See 501. b(3) and Appendix A for SARA.

604 2.6 Communications. 

605 Airports are required to take appropriate steps to ensure that their communications with 

606 individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with other individuals, 

607 beneficiaries, and members of the public. In addition, under the 2010 ADA Standards 
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608 for Accessible Design, there are signage requirements that address the need for 

609 directional and informational signs that communicate information about the location 

610 and availability of accessible services including areas of refuge and means of egress. 

611 Airports are also required to enable or ensure that closed captioning is functioning at all 

612 times on all audio visual displays that are capable of displaying captions. (49 CFR§ 

613 27.71(i)).

614 2.6.1 28 CFR part 35 requires the following for persons with impaired hearing, vision, or 

615 speech: 

616 1. CFR § 35.161 requires where an airport communicates by telephone with applicants 

617 and beneficiaries, that equally effective telecommunications systems are used to 

618 communicate with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech 

619 impairments; 

620 2. 28 CFR § 35.162 requires telephone emergency services, including 911 services, to 

621 provide direct access to individuals who use TDD’s and computer modems; 

622 3. 28 CFR §35.163(a) requires access to information about the existence and location 

623 of accessible services, activities, and facilities;

624 4. 28 CFR § 35.163(b) requires signage at all inaccessible entrances directing users to 

625 an accessible entrance or to a location to obtain the information about accessible 

626 facilities; and 

627 5. 28 CFR § 35.163(b) also requires the use of the international symbol for 

628 accessibility at each accessible entrance of the facility. 

629 2.6.2 Section 217 of the 2010 ADA Standards provides standards for public pay telephones. 

630 2.6.3 Section 810.8 of the 2010 ADA Standards provides standards for clocks.

631 2.7 Vehicle and Transportation Systems Accessibility. 

632 Under DOT ADA Title II, Subpart B, and Title III regulations in 49 CFR parts 37 and 

633 38, public entities that provide designated or specified public transportation or intercity 

634 or commuter rail transportation must provide access for persons with disabilities. Since 

635 transportation by aircraft is excluded from the definition of designated or specified 

636 transportation, these regulations have limited applicability to airports. The areas of the 

637 regulation that apply are summarized below. 

638 2.7.1 49 CFR § 37.33. 

639 This section specifically addresses an airport’s responsibilities in reference to airport640 operated transportation systems. If an airport is operating a transportation system that 

641 provides designated public transportation (and connects parking lots and terminals or 

642 provides transportation among terminals) it is subject to the requirements in 49 CFR 

643 part 37 for fixed-route and demand-responsive systems. Airports that operate fixed644 route transportation systems are subject to the requirements in 49 CFR part 37 for 

645 commuter bus service operated by public entities. The provision by an airport of 
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646 additional accommodations (e.g., parking spaces in a close-in lot) is not a substitute for 

647 meeting the requirements in 49 CFR § 37.33(a); and 

648 2.7.2 Fixed-route transportation systems. 

649 Fixed-route transportation systems operated by airports between the airport and a 

650 limited number of destinations in the area that it serves are subject to the requirements 

651 in 49 CFR part 37 for commuter bus systems operated by public entities. (49 CFR 

652 Section 37.33(b)).

653 2.7.2.1 Private Entity Transportation Systems. 

654 Private jitneys (small buses or vans that carry passengers over a regular 

655 route on a flexible schedule) or shuttle services that provide transportation 

656 between the airport and destinations in the area it serves, either in a route657 deviation or another variable mode in a demand-responsive service, must 

658 provide accessible services in accordance with 49 CFR § 37.33(c) 

659 implementing Title III. It is the airport’s responsibility to be aware of 

660 these requirements. 

661 2.7.2.2 Taxis. 

662 Private taxi providers are not required to purchase or lease accessible 

663 automobiles. However, if they purchase a vehicle other than an 

664 automobile, that vehicle must be accessible unless the provider can 

665 demonstrate equivalency as provided in § 37.105. Taxi providers using 

666 only automobiles may not discriminate against persons with disabilities 

667 who are able to use the automobile, in accordance with 49 CFR § 37.29 

668 implementing Title III. It is the airport’s responsibility to be aware of 

669 these requirements.

670 2.7.2.3 Private Entities Not Primarily Engaged in Transportation. 

671 Shuttle systems and other transportation services operated by privately 

672 owned hotels, car rental companies, or other public accommodations are 

673 subject to the applicable sections of 49 CFR § 37.37. It is the airport’s 

674 responsibility to be aware of these requirements.

675 2.8 Aircraft and Air Carrier Facility Accessibility. 

676 Aircraft accessibility is generally addressed by the ACAA, which applies to U.S. and 

677 foreign air carriers. However, Section 504 of the RA does place some responsibility for 

678 access to aircraft (U.S. and foreign air carriers) on the airport operator. (49 CFR § 

679 27.72).

680 2.8.1 Airport Facilities. 

681 Airport terminal facilities include parking and ground transportation facilities, owned, 

682 leased, or operated by commercial service airports that are recipients of DOT financial 

683 assistance. (49 CFR § 27.71(a)). Under 14 part 382, an air carrier is responsible for 

684 accessible facilities to the extent that it controls the selection, design, construction, or 
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685 alteration of the property. (14 CFR § 382.51). It is the airport’s responsibility to ensure 

686 that leases or contracts between airports and air carriers concerning the use of airport 

687 facilities define the respective responsibilities for providing accessible facilities and 

688 services to individuals with disabilities. (49 CFR § 27.71(f)). Carriers have a 

689 reciprocal responsibility regarding such leases and contracts. (14 CFR § 

690 C.382.51(a)(4)).

691 2.8.1.1 Accessible Path. 

692 It is the airport’s responsibility to ensure that a passenger with a disability 

693 can move through the airport to the aircraft boarding area. (49 CFR § 

694 27.71(c)). 

695 2.8.1.2 Shared-use automated airport kiosks. 

696 This paragraph applies to U.S. airports with 10,000 or more annual 

697 enplanements. (49 CFR § 27.71(j)).

698 2.8.1.2.1 Airports that jointly own, lease, or control automated airport kiosks with 

699 carriers at U.S. airports must ensure that all shared-use automated kiosks 

700 installed on or after December 12, 2016, meet the technical accessibility 

701 standards with respect to their physical design and the functions they 

702 perform as detailed in 49 CFR § 27.71(k) until at least 25 percent of 

703 kiosks provided in each location at the airport (i.e., each cluster of kiosks 

704 and all stand-alone kiosks at the airport) meet this specification.

705 2.8.1.2.2 Airports must ensure that at least 25 percent of shared-use automated 

706 airport kiosks they jointly own, lease, or control with carriers in each 

707 location at the airport conform to the technical accessibility standards with 

708 respect to their physical design and the functions they perform as detailed 

709 in 49 CFR § 27.71(k) by December 12, 2022.

710 2.8.2 Boarding Assistance for Small Aircraft. 

711 Lifts, ramps, or other suitable devices not normally used for the movement of freight 

712 must be available, if the terminals at such airports are not equipped with passenger 

713 loading bridges or passenger lounges for boarding and deplaning. (See AC 150/5220-

714 21C, Aircraft Boarding Equipment). Each airport operator must negotiate in good faith 

715 with each U.S. and foreign air carrier serving the airport concerning the acquisition and 

716 use of assistance devices. The airport operator and the U.S. and foreign carrier(s) must 

717 sign a written agreement allocating responsibility for meeting the boarding assistance 

718 requirements of this section between or among parties. The agreement must be made 

719 available, on request, to representatives of the DOT. All U.S. carriers and airports 

720 involved are jointly responsible for the timely and complete implementation of the 

721 agreement. (49 CFR § 27.72(c)(1) and (2)). The airport operator has the responsibility 

722 to train personnel to be proficient in using airport owned or operated boarding 

723 assistance equipment for small aircraft and be knowledgeable of boarding assistance 

724 procedures that safeguard the safety and dignity of passengers. (49 CFR § 27.72(d) and 

725 (e)). Carriers also have responsibilities concerning their written agreements with 
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726 airports to provide the boarding and deplaning assistance required by 14 CFR § 382.95 

727 where level entry loading bridges are not available (also see 14 CFR § 382.99). 

728 2.9 Conditions Not Considered Disabilities.

729 Examples of such conditions include: 

730 1. 28 CFR § 35.104. Sexual behavior disorders; 

731 2. 28 CFR § 35.104. Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, and pyromania; 

732 3. 28 CFR § 35.104. Psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from current 

733 illegal use of drugs; and 

4. 28 CFR § 35.132. Appendix A to 28 CFR part 35: Sensitivity to Tobacco Smoke.3734

 

3 DOJ has declined to state categorically that an allergy or sensitivity to cigarette smoke is a disability because the 

determination as to whether an impairment is a disability depends on whether, given the particular circumstances at 

issue, the impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities (or there is a history of or is regarded as 

having such an effect).
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736 CHAPTER 3. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

737 3.1 FAA Office of Civil Rights and the Airport Disability Compliance Program Staff.

738 ACR, and specifically the ADCP staff, provide technical assistance to airports, other 

739 public airports, and organizations as needed to facilitate compliance with program 

740 requirements. ADCP staff and ACR also provide appropriate assistance to members of 

741 the public who need additional information on compliance requirements, including 

742 copies of the regulations and information on filing a complaint of discrimination or 

743 reporting a violation of the regulations. This office may be contacted at: 

744 Airport Disability Compliance Program (ADCP)

745 Office of Civil Rights

746 Federal Aviation Administration

747 2300 E. Devon Avenue, Suite 440

748 Des Plaines, IL 60018

749 Phone: 847-294-7209

750 Fax: 847-294-7265

751 http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/acr/com_civ_support/

752 Email: 9-AGL-ADA-504@faa.gov

753 3.2 Non-discrimination Legislation. 

754 The following websites contain relevant information concerning disability legislation 

755 and how it applies to an airport setting.

756 5. The Americans with Disabilities Act: www.ada.gov;

757 6. Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs and Activities Receiving 

758 or Benefiting from Federal Financial Assistance (49 CFR part 27): 

759 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text760 idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49cfr27_main_02.tpl.

761 7. Air Carrier Access Act (14 CFR part 382): http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text762 idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title14/14cfr382_main_02.tpl.

763 8. DOT Final Rule Adopting New Accessibility Standards764 http://www.fta.dot.gov/12325_5936.html.

765 3.3 Accessibility Standards. 

766 These web pages contain important information on accessibility guidelines and 

767 standards:

768 1. 1991 ADA Standards: www.ada.gov;

769 2. 2010 Standards: www.ada.gov;
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770 3. ADA Standards for Transportation Facilities: www.access-board.gov;

771 4. Accessibility Specifications for Transportation Vehicles (49 CFR part 38): 

772 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text773 idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49cfr38_main_02.tpl.

774 3.4 Disability/Accessibility Organizations. 

775 These sites provide assistance in learning the priorities of the disability community, 

776 their interpretation of legislation, and the issues they are advocating for. These 

777 organizations have information about the latest technological innovations that will 

778 improve accessibility. 

779 1. American Association of People with Disabilities (www.aapd.com); 

780 2. American Council of the Blind (www.acb.org); 

781 3. American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org); 

782 4. Assistance Dogs International (www.assistancedogsinternational.org);

783 5. Canine Assistants (www.canineassistants.org);

784 6. Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org);

785 7. The Center for Universal Design (www.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud);

786 8. Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (www.adata.org);

787 9. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (www.dredf.org); 

788 10. Disability Statistics Center (www.dsc.ucsf.edu); 

789 11. Gallaudet University (www.gallaudet.edu); 

790 12. Guide Dog Users, Inc. (http://guidedogusersinc.org/);

791 13. International Association of Dog Assistance Partners (www.iaadp.org);

792 14. Job Accommodation Network (www.askjan.org); 

793 15. Leader Dogs for the Blind (www.leaderdog.org);

794 16. Little People of America (www.lpaonline.org); 

795 17. Mobility International USA (www.miusa.org);

796 18. National Association of Guide Dog Users (www.nagdu.org);

797 19. National Association of the Deaf (www.nad.org); 

798 20. National Council on Independent Living (www.ncil.org); 

799 21. National Federation of the Blind (www.nfb.org); 

800 22. National Organization on Disability (www.nod.org); 

801 23. NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans (www.neads.org);

802 24. Open Doors Organization (www.opendoorsnfp.org); 
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803 25. Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org); 

804 26. Paws with a Cause (www.pawswithacause.org);

805 27. Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Accessible Public Transportation 

806 (www.rercapt.org); 

807 28. The Seeing Eye Inc. (www.seeingeye.org);

808 29. United Spinal Association (www.unitedspinal.org); 

809 30. United States Access Board (www.access-board.gov); 

810 31. Working like Dogs (www.workinglikedogs.com);

811 32. World Institute on Disability (www.wid.org).
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813 CHAPTER 4. TRANSITION PLANS

814 4.1 Transition Plan Standards.

815 Transition plans were required for airport facilities owned by airports by November 1, 

816 1996, as part of the amendment to 49 CFR § 27.71(g)). This was to ensure that 

817 facilities, including streets, roads, and walkways achieved program accessibility. 

818 Currently, airports must ensure that their existing facilities meet accessibility 

819 requirements and, if not, to implement a transition plan immediately to assess the 

820 current state and prepare a reasonable plan to achieve program accessibility. An 

821 opportunity for interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or 

822 organizations representing individuals with disabilities, to participate in the 

823 development of the transition plan is encouraged. A self-evaluation to determine 

824 compliance with applicable rules and regulations is the first step in addressing 

825 compliance and then establishing a plan for corrective action. This transition plan for 

826 corrective action should be available for review by ADCP.

827 4.2 Existing Facilities. 

828 Under 28 CFR part 35, an existing facility is one in which construction began on or 

829 before January 26, 1992.

830 4.2.1 28 CFR § 35.150 requires that, subject to certain limitations, each service, program, or 

831 activity operated by an airport operator, when viewed in its entirety, must be readily 

832 accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. An airport operator is not 

833 required to make structural changes to existing facilities where other methods are 

834 effective in achieving compliance. Such other methods include redesign of equipment, 

835 reassignment of services to accessible buildings, and assignment of aides to 

836 beneficiaries.

837 4.2.2 Appendix A to 28 CFR part 35 reinforces these concepts. It states in part that structural 

838 changes in existing facilities are required only when there is no other feasible way to 

839 make the airport’s program accessible. (It should be noted that "structural changes" 

840 include all physical changes to a facility; the term does not refer only to changes to 

841 structural features, such as removal of or alteration to a load bearing structural 

842 member.) The requirements of § 35.151 for alterations apply to structural changes 

843 undertaken to comply with this Section. (28 CFR part 35, § 35.150, and Appendix A,).

844 4.3 Periodic Reviews. 

845 49 CFR § 27.1l(c)(2)(v) requires airports to establish a system for periodically 

846 reviewing and updating the self-evaluation required by paragraph (c)(2) of that Section. 

847 28 CFR § 35.151 requires that new construction and alterations be accomplished in 

848 accordance with appropriate design standards which, depending on the date of 

849 construction, can be the UFAS, 1991 Standards or 2010 Standards.
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851 CHAPTER 5. OVERVIEW OF ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS ACT

852 5.1 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).

853 The following ABA requirements apply to recipients of federal financial assistance 

854 from DOT:

855 5.1.1 ATBCB Final Rule, 36 CFR part 1190, Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for 

856 Accessible Design. 

857 This rule implements section 502(b)(7) of the RA of 1973, which requires the ATBCB 

858 to establish minimum guidelines and requirements for standards issued under the ABA 

859 of 1968. The four standard-setting agencies (GSA, HUD, USPS, or DOD) establish and 

860 enforce standards for design, construction, and alteration of particular types of buildings 

861 and facilities. It is possible that more than one of the standard-setting agencies could 

862 have jurisdiction under the ABA over a given airport. This AC limits its discussion to 

863 the responsibilities of airports receiving federal financial assistance from DOT. These 

864 are the only entities over which DOT has jurisdiction under the ABA. Structural 

865 accessibility is required for individuals with disabilities in buildings or facilities that are 

866 to be constructed or altered by or on behalf of the United States; to be leased in whole 

867 or in part by the United States after August 12, 1968; to be financed in whole or in part 

868 by a grantor a loan made by the United States after August 12, 1968, if such building or 

869 facility is subject to standards for design, construction, or alteration issued under 

870 authority of the law authorizing such grant or loan; or to be constructed under authority 

871 of the National Capital Transportation Act of 1960, the National Capital Transportation 

872 Act of 1965, or Title III of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulatory 

873 Compact. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, an airport operator is 

874 responsible for compliance with the ABA, the UFAS, and any other applicable GSA 

875 regulations. In the event the recipient leases portions of the federally assisted building 

876 to other public or private entities, the responsibility would remain with the recipient. 

877 The recipient, however, could ensure compliance on the part of the lessees through 

878 requirements included in the lease document or other agreement executed. 

879 5.1.2 Exceptions to compliance requirements. 

880 Under UFAS, the following exceptions, waivers, and modifications of standards are 

881 available:

882 5.1.2.1 Exceptions to GSA Standards. 

883 GSA's accessibility standards do not apply to:

884 5.1.2.1.1 The design, construction, alteration, or lease of any portion of a building 

885 which need not, because of its intended use, be made accessible to, or 

886 usable by, the public or by people with disabilities;

887 5.1.2.1.2 The alteration of an existing building if the alteration does not involve the 

888 installation of, or work on, existing stairs, doors, elevators, toilets, 

889 entrances, drinking fountains, floors, telephone locations, curbs, parking 
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890 areas, or any other facilities susceptible to installation or improvements to 

891 accommodate people with disabilities;

892 5.1.2.1.3 The alteration of an existing building, or of portions thereof, to which 

893 application of the standards is not structurally possible;

894 5.1.2.1.4 The construction or alteration of a building for which plans and 

895 specifications were completed or substantially completed on or before 

896 September 2, 1969; provided, however, that any building constructed 

897 under authority of the National Capital Transportation Act of1960, the 

898 National Capital Transportation Act of 1965, or Title III of the 

899 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact must be 

900 designed, constructed, or altered in accordance with the UFAS regardless 

901 of design status or bid solicitation as of September 2, 1969; and

902 5.1.2.1.5 The leasing of space when it is found after receiving bids or offers and 

903 otherwise legally acceptable that a proposal meets most of the 

904 requirements of the UFAS. If no offeror or bidder meets all the 

905 requirements, then preference must be given to the offeror or bidder who 

906 most nearly meets the UFAS. If the award is proposed for a firm other 

907 than the one that most nearly meets the UFAS and whose bid or offer is 

908 reasonable in price and is otherwise legally acceptable, a waiver or 

909 modification of the standards must be obtained.

910 5.1.2.2 Waiver or Modification of Standards. 

911 The applicability of the UFAS may be modified or waived on a case-by912 case basis upon application to GSA by the head of the department, agency, 

913 or instrumentality of the United States concerned only if the Administrator 

914 of the General Services determines that such waiver or modification is 

915 clearly necessary.

916 5.1.2.3 Other UFAS Exceptions. 

917 UFAS also contains numerous scoping and technical exceptions.
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918 APPENDIX A. STANDARDS FOR SERVICE ANIMAL RELIEF AREAS (SARA)

919 A.1 General. 

920 The SARA standards below have been developed in collaboration with nationally recognized 

921 service animal training organizations and groups of users of service animals.

922 A.2 Number. 

923 SARA must be located on an accessible route to each terminal. One relief area may serve two or 

924 more terminals if travel to and from it meets reasonable transit times as defined in paragraph A.3. 

925 A.3 Transit time. 

926 The design transit time from any gate to a relief area is no more than 15 minutes, based 

927 on a walking pace of 200 ft/min. Any expected time spent using transportation vehicles 

928 and waiting time for an escort, wheelchair, or elevators is included in this total transit 

929 time. 

930 A.4 Size and shape. 

931 The SARA may be of any shape, but must be designed to accommodate a person using 

932 a wheelchair handling a service animal on a six-foot leash. In busier locations, a relief 

933 area may be sized to accommodate more than one service animal at one time. 

934 A.5 Surfaces. 

935 A relief area should have at least two different surfaces. One should be hard and 

936 located immediately inside the entrance to allow wheelchair access. This surface 

937 should be delineated in a manner to indicate the portion intended to be traversed by 

938 people, and the portion intended for animal relief. The other should be an appropriate 

939 softer surface, such as gravel or mulch for outdoor areas, and artificial turf specially 

940 designed as an animal relief surface, treated to inhibit the spread of disease, for indoor 

941 (and outdoor) areas. Other artificial turf is not recommended, as it harbors odors and 

942 bacteria. Consider that artificial turf is often perceived as carpet by service animals, 

943 making them reluctant to use it. Avoid surfaces such as sand that will stick to paws and 

944 be tracked outside the SARA. When using mulch, be sure it is not of a species that can 

945 be harmful to animals. Dark colored surfaces should not be used where exposed to the 

946 sun, as they can become unbearably hot. 

947 A.6 Fencing. 

948 Fencing or another suitable barrier, with an accessible gate/entrance, adequate to 

949 contain service animals must be provided. 
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950 A.7 Plumbing. 

951 The SARA must include a sink with a faucet for hand washing. Water must be potable,

952 as it will often also serve as a drinking water supply to fill bowls supplied by service 

953 animal handlers. A separate water supply must be included for use in cleaning the 

954 surface. The surface must be constructed with adequate drainage to facilitate regular 

955 cleaning.

956 A.8 Location. 

957 Outdoor locations are preferred, as all service animals are trained to use outdoor relief 

958 areas. While some service animals are trained not to relieve indoors, at some terminals 

959 it may not be feasible to establish an outdoor relief area within the sterile area. In such 

960 cases, the relief area will have to be constructed indoors. SARA must not be co-located 

961 with a designated smoking area.

962 A.9 Weather protection. 

963 Outdoor SARA must include weather protection from sun and precipitation. If the 

964 SARA is close to operating aircraft, protection from jet blast and prop wash must be 

965 provided.

966 A.10 Scent. 

967 The sense of smell is much more acute in animals than in humans. This can be a help or 

968 a hindrance in encouraging service animals to use a relief area. Pheromone-scented 

969 surfaces or devices can be beneficial, while disinfecting chemicals with strong odors 

970 can be detrimental.

971 A.11 Accessories. 

972 The SARA, at a minimum, must include: 

973 1. A three-dimensional device (e.g. rock or fake fire hydrant) to encourage urination 

974 by male dogs.

975 2. Animal waste bags.

976 3. A waste receptacle.

977 Note: The disposal bags and receptacle must be located just inside the entrance to the 

978 SARA on an accessible route and at a height reachable by wheelchair users.

979 A.12 Wayfinding and Signage

980 A.12.1 Signage Standardization is desirable. 

981 The sign shown in Figure A-1, with or without accompanying text, may be used with 

982 directional arrows to guide users to the SARA. The signage, when used, must be 
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983 included in airport layout maps and in wayfinding instructions provided throughout the 

984 airport. In addition, signing at the SARA should indicate the following:

985 1. The need for handlers to clean up after animals;

986 2. The location of waste disposal bags, and waste receptacles, hand washing facilities, 

987 and any other facilities (e.g. automatic flushing controls);

988 3. Instructions for the operation of any facilities; and

989 4. Contact information for maintenance and assistance.

990 A.12.2 Other guidance. 

991 Signage should be supplemented with means, including auditory announcements, to 

992 guide people with vision impairments. Braille signing must be installed adjacent to the 

993 side of doors and gates opposite the hinges. Airports are encouraged to adopt state-of994 the-art technology (e.g., smart phone applications) as it becomes available.

995 Figure A-1. SARA Signage

996
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998 Advisory Circular Feedback

999 If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for

1000 new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by (1) mailing this form to Manager, 

1001 Airport Engineering Division, Federal Aviation Administration ATTN: AAS-100, 800 

1002 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20591 or (2) faxing it to the attention of the Office 

1003 of Airport Safety and Standards at (202) 267-5383.

1004 Subject: AC 150/5360-14A Date:

1005 Please check all appropriate line items:

1006 ☐ An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph on page 

1007 .

1008 ☐ Recommend paragraph ______________ on page ______________ be changed as follows:

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1012 ☐ In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:

1013 (Briefly describe what you want added.)

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1017 ☐ Other comments:

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1021 ☐ I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me at (phone number, email address).

1022 Submitted by: Date: 

1023