Craig Kruckeberg, CEO of Stinar Aviation discusses the company’s new solution to help FBOs serve passengers with mobility challenges
What specific accessibility challenges prompted the development of this Limited Mobility Lift?
To some passengers the stairs on a small or mid-size aircraft pose an impediment to flying. Those with mobility challenges, the elderly, individuals with limb difference, or persons with neuro-degenerative conditions find aircraft stairs intimidating, dangerous or impossible to ascend or descend.
The Limited Mobility Lift from Stinar is designed to make private air travel more accessible for passengers with limited mobility. This lift provides a safe and convenient way for individuals to board and disembark smaller aircraft and business class jets, ensuring a safe and dignified experience for all travelers.
How does this lift differ from standard accessibility equipment available at airports and FBOs?
The Limited Mobility Lift from Stinar is a testament to innovation, accessibility and enhancing the experience for all clientele. We are first to market with equipment designed and manufactured specifically for use by FBOs to provide a stable and secure platform for passengers to embark and disembark from smaller aircraft and business class jets. Every FBO will be able to leverage accessible friendly boarding and deplaning with the Limited Mobility Lift from Stinar. Passengers will no longer be required to go up or down stairs when boarding.
What was the research and development process behind creating this lift solution? Were there any challenges?
Market research and development included passenger assessments, FBO interviews, tradeshow discussions and field observations.
The Stinar engineer and design team curated aircraft specifications and performed numerous site visits testing multiple prototypes on our journey to a proven piece of equipment ready for mass production.
Our team was diligent in gaining access to aircraft for pre-production study and measurements as well as prototype testing. Arranging access was logistically challenging. We required authentic experiences with numerous aircraft to assure the process was proven in real market situations.
Can you walk me through how the lift operates from the passenger’s perspective?
With a versatile height range up to 6 feet, the lift is compatible with a wide variety of aircraft, from mid-size to long range cabin configurations. Passengers can easily step onto the platform, utilize the integrated seat and lap belt or stand, hold boarding rails, and be lifted to or lowered from the aircraft without having to use stairs. Once raised, the operator extends the lifting platform to meet the airplane entrance. The reverse is done for egress. This provides an enhanced travel experience. The lift provides a stable and secure platform for passengers to embark and disembark from the aircraft.
What safety features have been incorporated into the design?
The lift includes seat belts, safety railings, sensors and emergency stops, braking system on the caster wheels and emergency lowering or raising control.
What training do staff members receive to operate the Limited Mobility Lift?
Onsite training occurs with every sale. Stinar staff will complete a thorough review of the operation and maintenance of the unit. Ideally this would be completed on available aircraft, so the simulations are authentic.
How does the lift perform in adverse weather conditions?
The Limited Mobility Lift from Stinar is weatherproof. It performs in warm and cold climates and during inclement weather. The profile allows for use in windy conditions as well. We do recommend an umbrella in the event of rain though!
What maintenance protocols ensure the lift remains reliable for daily operations?
We pride ourselves on delivering equipment that is highly durable and easy to maintain. The Limited Mobility lift requires regular charging when not in use and lubrication at regular intervals as outlined in the operation manual.
How is the lift transported between locations?
While heavy, the lift is easily rolled on heavy-duty casters from one location to another by one person. This distance can be relatively lengthy. If the Limited Mobility Lift is being utilized at multiple facilities, a trailer may be preferred for transport over longer distances.
The Stinar team is currently working on a motorized prototype. This model will allow for easier movement of the unit over longer distances.
