Committee Studying Wheelchair Securement Systems on Airplanes Convenes
By PVA National Staff
The Board, in partnership with the Transportation Research Board (TRB), is studying the feasibility of installing wheelchair securement systems on commercial aircraft as directed by Congress under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
A Committee of experts TRB organized to conduct this assessment held its third public meeting on August 11.
At the meeting, the Committee members received presentations from airline engineers on technical issues and aircraft interior design considerations; wheelchair manufacturing and design experts; and Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, who addressed how securement systems could provide passengers with disabilities an equivalent level of service and safety in air travel.
During her remarks, Ms. Ansley stated that an equal level of service would be the ability to board an aircraft in a safe, dignified manner in the way the passenger chooses, while receiving assistance as needed from trained assistants.
The meeting also included a panel on the operational implications of using wheelchair securement systems, which included speakers representing airlines, flight attendants, and contract service providers who routinely assist passengers with disabilities in the boarding process.
The Committee plans to hold its next meeting in October. Further details will be released at a later date.
For further information, visit TRB’s website or contact Anusha Jayasinghe of TRB at AJayasinghe@nas.edu or (202) 334-2401.
