May 4, 2001
Boarding assistance on aircraft with 31 or more seats.
This message was e-mailed to major U.S. airlines and aviation associations on May 4, 2001.
By Final Rule issued May 3, the Department of Transportation is amending its rules implementing the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require airports and air carriers to provide boarding assistance to individuals with disabilities by using ramps, mechanical lifts, or other suitable devices where level-entry boarding by loading bridge or mobile lounge is not available on any aircraft with a seating capacity of 31 or more passengers. This final rule parallels the 1996 final rule for aircraft with a seating capacity of 19 through 30 passengers.
This rule is effective on June 4, 2001.
Please make sure that all the appropriate people within your organization are aware of this action.
Norman Strickman
Assistant Director for Aviation Consumer Protection
Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings
Office of the General Counsel
U.S. Department of Transportation