The lifting service is available for domestic and international jet services only, from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Palmerston North and Queenstown airports.
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Pictured:
Murray Cohen from the Association for Spinal Concerns assisting Air New Zealand and the manufacturer with prototype testing. |
The Process
The device lifts customers (using a sling) from a wheelchair. It then negotiates the aircraft aisle, straddles the aircraft seat and lowers the customer into the seat. It has a certified passenger weight limit of 200kgs. The transfer process from wheelchair to aircraft seat takes approximately five minutes. It is a four step process.
1) Sling Placement
A staff member will assist you to position a lifting sling while seated in your own wheelchair. This takes about one minute. This will generally occur at the airport gate, inside the air-bridge for privacy. If required, we will assist you to lean forward to enable the sling frame to be positioned behind your back, down to the horizontal part of your chair. Then two leg straps cross under your legs, keeping your knees together. This is for personal privacy and safety while transferring down the aircraft aisle. The leg straps are coated with Teflon, to assist placement. A strap is available to assist with restraining the upper body. Pour l'utilisation du dispositif de levage, il est conseillé de porter un short ou un pantalon long pour plus de confort et d'intimité.
2) Aircraft Transfer
Inside the aircraft entrance, the Eagle 2 device will be positioned to allow your wheelchair to be guided underneath the lifting frame (blue). The wheels on your chair and the Eagle 2 are locked in place and a special stability leg is extended. The sling is then attached to Eagle 2 in four places. Two at the rear and two at the front of you. The front straps (lifting your legs) can be height adjusted for your comfort. The electric motor will lift you and your wheelchair will be removed.
3) Aisle transport
The lifting frame is swivelled 90 degrees, so you are now facing toward the cockpit. Then two staff will guide the Eagle 2 device down the aircraft aisle, to your seat. The device will transfer into seats on the right hand side of the aircraft aisle only.
4) Seat Transfer
Your seat will be reclined slightly and the armrest raised. (The armrest may also remain down for the transfer in some cases). The device will then straddle your seat and the lifting frame will gently lower you into the seat.
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Pictured:
Philip Patston Managing Director of Diversityworks during an Air New Zealand training session. |
Questions and Answers
Q: Will my motorised wheelchair fit within the Eagle Lifting device?
A: The Eagle Lifting device's width can be adjusted to suit most wheelchair types, within seconds.
Q: Can I stay in my wheelchair up until the aircraft door and have my wheelchair brought to the aircraft at the destination?
A: On most occasions, if this service is requested, we can provide it. At airports where there are no air bridges, you may be asked to use an airport chair. The Eagle Lifting device may be used to transfer you from your chair to an airport chair.
Q: Is the sling placement and transfer into the aircraft seat done in privacy?
A: Sling placement takes about one minute and will be performed inside an empty air-bridge or similar private area. We will board you prior to general boarding of passengers. Only staff will be on the aircraft at this time.
Q: Why do you recommend that I wear shorts or long trousers?
A: During the sling placement process, there will be contact with your legs, under your knees. This recommendation is for your personal privacy. A female or male staff member may also be requested to assist you to position the sling.
Q: What happens at a remote gate, when there is no air bridge to the jet aircraft.
A: At a remote gate, (where there are stairs up to the aircraft from the tarmac) a high-lift vehicle or forklift platform will be used to transfer you into the aircraft.
Q: Can I board the aircraft earlier?
A: Yes. To ensure a private transfer, you will be given a slightly earlier boarding time.
Q: Should I request the Eagle Lifting device when I make my booking on a jet aircraft?
A: Yes. If you are booking through an Agent, please request the Lifting Device directly. If booking online please choose the "lifting device" option, (after mid October, 2005).
Q: Can I use a support person to transfer, rather than use the Eagle Lifting device?
A: Yes. The Eagle 2 device is merely another transfer option for you. If you have a support person, capable of performing an upper body lift, this is a valid option also. Cabin crew will assist with the transfer of your legs.
Q: What aircraft seating is available?
A: If the Eagle Lifting device is used for your transfer, you must be seated to the right hand side of the aircraft aisle (as you are looking towards the cockpit). Our staff will ensure you have an appropriate seat.
Q: Is there any extra restraint/support for my upper body?
A: Yes, if required we have a comfortable strap that wraps around both you and the sling, just below the armpits, during the transfer. The aircraft also has an upper body harness for your use during the flight.
Q: What about neck restraint during the transfer?
A: We also have available an attachment for added neck stability and comfort.
Q: Do the slings come in different sizes?
A: Yes. Large (L), Medium (M) and Small (S).
Q: Will the slings be clean?
A: Yes, the slings will be frequently laundered by
Air New Zealand and are checked for serviceability and safety before each use.
Q: Why is there no lifting device for the smaller regional aircraft?
A: We are currently trialling an Eagle 3 prototype for use in the new Q300 aircraft and in the existing ATR aircraft.
Q: I am a wheelchair user however I am able to self transfer into the aircraft seat. Previously I had to phone Air New Zealand to make a booking. Can I now make my booking online?
A: Yes, you may make your booking online from mid October 2005. New functionality on our website allows you to select an assistance option - WCHC unable to walk; can self transfer to seat. Please see the new online options.
Q: What is the weight limit of the Eagle Lifting device?
A: The device is certified to carry passengers weighing up to 200kgs.
Q: Is the Eagle Lifting device available during the flight?
A: No the lifting device is based at the New Zealand airports and can not be stowed on board during a flight.
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