Non-ambulatory pax

[cvsfly]

We got a charter request for an elderly lady who is reportedly in a wheelchair and needs assistance - ie dead weight, on and off the plane (BE-200). Her husband is travelling with to help (how old I don't know). My first reaction was to suggest an air ambulance (I used to fly). They said they did not need an air ambulance service. (Money?). My concern of course is for emergency evacuation and possible injury if we try to assist normal boarding and off-loading with no real equipment on-hand. I don't know if she will end up needing a backboard or what to get on and off. What is the liability exposure here? Any regulatory reference that addresses this as far as emergency evac.? My company is concerned that if we refuse that might discrimantory (sp?). As a non-sched. Part 135 can we refuse anybody on any grounds or is AARP, ACLU, etc going to have problems with this?

 

[JediNein]

Good question:

The regs at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_99/14cfr382_99.html

and the aviation consumer disability hotline at 1-800-778-4838 might have more information.

Others with more definitive answers?

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[ultrarunner]

We consider those that are not abulatory a safey issue, and refuse them service in accordance with 382.31, paragraph (d) and comply with paragraph (e) when applicable.

If you consider this a safety issue, you have an out.

 

[Shamus]

It's a shady area. I know some Lear 55 Air Ambulance operators use a "conveyor" belt to get patients into the plane, and the argument is that in an emergency you would not be able to use the conveyor belt therefore the Pax could not exit the plane.

 

[iflyabeech]

I wouldn't think twice about carrying this old lady. I have done that many times. You must be pretty cold hearted to deny her. This world is a crappy place that has us too worried about lawsuits! The ACLU would be the first one whining if you didnt take her and the first one whining if you did. The ACLU should screw off and not be a factor in any decision!

 

[Hawker rider]

yes, not too big of a deal! the airlines do it all the time too, carrying people like that on regular flights, so why wouldn't you? especially if she has somebody to go with her

 

[Singlecoil]

In my bush flying days, I would regularly carry elderly folks into the 207 and place them in their seats. Today in airline flying, we regularly haul para- and quadraplegics. They are travelling at their own risk. I'm sure they are fully aware that the will have a harder time heading for the exit, especially those who are disabled and obese. If airlines can do it, I'm sure you could too.

 

[cvsfly]

.... They are travelling at their own risk. I'm sure they are fully aware that the will have a harder time heading for the exit, especially those who are disabled and obese. If airlines can do it, I'm sure you could too.

Airlines have flight attendants. They also have ground support equipment and other people to help. We don't. Do the disabled relize they are "at their own risk"? Do they sign a disclaimer? Probably not. I'm trying to look out for the best interest of the pax. Just seams that an Air Ambulance would be a better choice.
I don't think the companion will be much help if they are both elderly. I flew air ambulance and we would brief the nurse crew on evacuation, so I guess I'm just over-thinking this one.

 

[iflyabeech]

Airlines have flight attendants. They also have ground support equipment and other people to help. We don't. Do the disabled relize they are "at their own risk"? Do they sign a disclaimer? Probably not. I'm trying to look out for the best interest of the pax. Just seams that an Air Ambulance would be a better choice.
I don't think the companion will be much help if they are both elderly. I flew air ambulance and we would brief the nurse crew on evacuation, so I guess I'm just over-thinking this one.

Dude, I have hauled many folks single pilot who I had to carry on and off the plane myself. I had noone to help me unless I happened to be at home base or have a helpful bunch of other passengers. Are you a lawyer or what? --No disclaimers, just common sense, and common courtesy. I can't believe that you would worry about this. This is what is wrong with the world today. People are too worried about stupid stuff like this. Would you feel better if the pax walked to the destination? I mean really, this is absurd! Help her on and off the plane, and smile when you do it! It will make her day if you are not worried about her!

 

[cvsfly]

All right, I'll call you to help dead lift a 170 lb woman into a BE-200,....dude.