Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft: Part 1; Reopening of Comment Period and Public Meeting
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Issuing agencies
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT), jointly with the Architectural Transportation Barriers and Compliance Board (Access Board or Board), is hosting a public meeting, to be held virtually, on a DOT notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued on January 2, 2020, and on Access Board's proposed advisory guidelines for aircraft onboard wheelchairs issued on August 20, 2019. The NPRM proposed specific measures for improving accessibility of lavatories on single-aisle aircraft for passengers with disabilities. The public meeting will focus on one aspect of this NPRM--improvements to the aircraft's onboard wheelchair (OBW). The meeting will also serve as a means for the Access Board to gather additional information on onboard wheelchair loads and onboard wheelchair casters before finalizing its advisory guidelines for aircraft onboard wheelchairs, which potentially could be a means of complying with OBW performance standards established by the Department. A Notice relating to this joint public meeting and the Access Board's reopening of the comment period for its OBW guidelines is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 221 (Friday, November 19, 2021)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 221 (Friday, November 19, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64836-64839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25000]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 382
[Docket No. DOT-OST-2019-0180]
Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft: Part 1; Reopening
of Comment Period and Public Meeting
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary (OST), Department of Transportation
(DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period;
public meeting; request for public comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT),
jointly with the Architectural Transportation Barriers and Compliance
Board (Access Board or Board), is hosting a public meeting, to be held
virtually, on a DOT notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued on
January 2, 2020, and on Access Board's proposed advisory guidelines for
aircraft onboard wheelchairs issued on August 20, 2019. The NPRM
proposed specific measures for improving accessibility of lavatories on
single-aisle aircraft for passengers with disabilities. The public
meeting will focus on one aspect of this NPRM--improvements to the
aircraft's onboard wheelchair (OBW). The meeting will also serve as a
means for the Access Board to gather additional information on onboard
wheelchair loads and onboard wheelchair casters before finalizing its
advisory guidelines for aircraft onboard wheelchairs, which potentially
could be a means of complying with OBW performance standards
established by the Department. A Notice relating to this joint public
meeting and the Access Board's reopening of the comment period for its
OBW guidelines is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register.
DATES:
Public Comments--The comment period on the proposed rule published
at 85 FR 27 (Jan. 2, 2020) is reopened from December 16, 2021 (date of
public meeting) to January 17, 2022.
Public Meeting--The virtual public meeting is scheduled for
December 16, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3
p.m., Eastern Time. Requests to attend the meeting must be received by
December 9, 2021. Communication access real-time translation and sign
language interpretation will be provided, but requests for additional
accommodations because of a disability must be received by December 9,
2021. Requests to submit written materials to be reviewed during the
meeting must also be received no later than December 9, 2021. If you
wish to speak during the meeting, you must submit a request by December
9, 2021. See below, ADDRESSES and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, for
the point of contacts for these requests.
ADDRESSES:
Public Meeting--Requests to attend the meeting must be submitted to
<a href="https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8PChAZcLQsmDm1xathLEjw">https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8PChAZcLQsmDm1xathLEjw</a>.
Requests for additional accommodations because of a disability must be
submitted to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f4bbb6a3848196989d97999191809d9a93b4909b80da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="29666b7e595c4b45404a444c4c5d40474e694d465d074e465f">[email protected]</span></a>. Requests to submit written
materials to be reviewed during the meeting must be submitted to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90dfd2c7e0e5f2fcf9f3fdf5f5e4f9fef7d0f4ffe4bef7ffe6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6b9b4a18683949a9f959b9393829f9891b6929982d8919980">[email protected]</span></a>. If you wish to speak during the meeting, you
must submit a request to DOT at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2d626f7a5d584f41444e4048485944434a6d494259034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="97d8d5c0e7e2f5fbfef4faf2f2e3fef9f0d7f3f8e3b9f0f8e1">[email protected]</span></a>. The virtual
meeting will be open to the public, subject to any technical and/or
capacity limitations, and held via the Zoom Webinar Platform. Virtual
attendance information will be provided upon registration. An agenda
will be provided to registered participants and placed in the docket in
advance of the meeting.
Public Comments--You may file comments identified by docket number
DOT-OST-2019-0180 by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
<bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Building
[[Page 64837]]
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Instructions: You must include the agency name and docket number
DOT-OST-2019-0180 or the Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) for the
rulemaking at the beginning of your comment. All comments received will
be posted without change to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any
personal information provided.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments received, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and follow the
online instructions for accessing the dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To register and attend this virtual
meeting, please contact the Department at: <a href="https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8PChAZcLQsmDm1xathLEjw">https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8PChAZcLQsmDm1xathLEjw</a>. For further information,
contact Robert Gorman, DOT Senior Attorney at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82f0ede0e7f0f6ace5edf0efe3ecc2e6edf6ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d5f424f485f59034a425f404c436d494259034a425b">[email protected]</span></a> or
202-366-9342. You may also contact Wendy Marshall of the Access Board
by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#660b0714150e070a0a260705050315154b5a07460e1403005b" http: board.gov">board.gov</a>">marshall@access-<a href="http://board.gov">board.gov</a></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
In April 2016, the Department established and appointed members to
the Advisory Committee on Accessible Air Transportation (ACCESS
Advisory Committee or Committee) to negotiate and develop proposed
regulations addressing, among other things, accessible lavatories on
single-aisle aircraft.\1\ During the first meeting, the Department
committed to the Committee that if it came to a consensus on the terms
of a proposed rule and the Department does not cast a dissenting vote
on the consensus product, the Department would exercise good faith
efforts to issue a proposed rule reflecting that consensus to the
extent possible. The Committee gathered data, conducted meetings and
site visits, and engaged in negotiations from May 2016 through November
2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A full list of ACCESS Advisory Committee members and other
information on the Committee may be found at <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/access-advisory-committee">https://www.transportation.gov/access-advisory-committee</a>; see also <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=DOT-OST-2015-0246">https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=DOT-OST-2015-0246</a> (ACCESS Advisory
Committee docket).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On November 22, 2016, the ACCESS Advisory Committee reached
consensus on recommendations for new regulatory proposals to improve
the accessibility of lavatories on single-aisle aircraft and the
Department did not cast a dissenting vote.\2\ The accessible lavatory
Term Sheet included agreements for both short-term and long-term
accessibility improvements. The short-term improvements would be
required on new single-aisle aircraft delivered three years after the
effective date of the DOT final rule that implements the agreement. The
short-term improvements included a proposed requirement that single-
aisle aircraft with 125 or more passenger seats would have at least one
lavatory with a number of accessibility features, including accessible
door locks, flush handles, call buttons, faucets, and assist handles.
Single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more passenger seats would also be
required to include an OBW that: (1) Permits passage in the aircraft
aisle; (2) fits within an available certificated OBW stowage space; and
(3) accomplishes its functions without requiring modification to the
interior arrangement of the aircraft or the lavatory. The Term Sheet
called on the Department to ``consult with advocates, airlines,
aircraft manufacturers, manufacturers of OBW, flight attendant
association(s) and other stakeholders in developing these standards,''
and to ``include the proposed new standards for an OBW and replacement
of OBW on existing aircraft as described above in its notice of
proposed rulemaking.'' \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/office-general-counsel/negotiated-regulations/final-resolution-access-committee">https://www.transportation.gov/office-general-counsel/negotiated-regulations/final-resolution-access-committee</a>.
\3\ <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/Annex%20A.Lav_.Agreed%20Text.pdf">https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/Annex%20A.Lav_.Agreed%20Text.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Department determined that the most appropriate method for
developing initial OBW design standards was to seek technical
assistance from the Access Board.\4\ The Access Board is a Federal
agency that specializes in producing accessibility guidelines and
standards for the built environment, transportation systems,
information and communication technology, and medical diagnostic
equipment. On August 20, 2019, the Access Board published in the
Federal Register ``Proposed Advisory Guidelines for Aircraft Onboard
Wheelchairs,'' and sought public comment.\5\ The Access Board's
guidelines provide design criteria for onboard wheelchair seats, back
support, armrests, footrests, movement, stowage, stability, loads,
caster wheels, assist handles, and torso and leg restraints. These
guidelines provided for the OBW to be backed fully into the lavatory
and positioned over the closed toilet so that the lavatory door can be
completely closed. The guidelines also provided for the OBW to be
maneuvered partially into lavatories in a forward direction to allow
users the option to make a stand-and-pivot transfer to the toilet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ https://www.access-<a href="http://board.gov">board.gov</a>.
\5\ See 84 FR 43100; <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/20/2019-17873/advisory-guidelines-for-aircraft-onboard-wheelchairs">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/20/2019-17873/advisory-guidelines-for-aircraft-onboard-wheelchairs</a>. The Access Board's Docket for OBW standards is found at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=ATBCB-2019-0002">https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=ATBCB-2019-0002</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Access Board held a public hearing on these advisory guidelines
on September 12, 2019. In response to its proposed guidelines, the
Access Board received over 40 comments from various interest groups and
stakeholders, including people with disabilities, advocacy groups,
aircraft manufacturers, trade associations, manufacturers of onboard
wheelchairs, researchers, and others.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ See Docket No. ATBCB-2019-0002 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ATBCB-2019-0002">https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ATBCB-2019-0002</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On January 2, 2020, the Department published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) titled ``Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle
Aircraft: Part 1.'' \7\ This NPRM included proposals for short-term
improvements to lavatory accessibility, including new proposed
requirements for OBWs. In developing its own proposed rules for OBWs,
the Department started with the Access Board's design-based guidelines
and adapted them into more flexible performance standards. The
performance standards were designed to allow manufacturers to find
efficient and innovative means for meeting performance expectations. At
the same time, the proposed rule states that airlines may use the
Access Board's advisory guidelines for technical assistance in
furnishing an OBW that meets the Department's performance standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ See 85 FR 27; <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/02/2019-27631/accessible-lavatories-on-single-aisle-aircraft-part-1">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/02/2019-27631/accessible-lavatories-on-single-aisle-aircraft-part-1</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the proposed rule, OBWs meeting the new standards must be
installed on new single-aisle aircraft with an FAA-certificated maximum
capacity of 125 seats or more that enter service three years after the
effective date of a final rule issued by the Department in this
proceeding. The proposed rule would require the OBW to be designed in
such a manner as to enable the OBW to completely enter the lavatory in
a backward orientation. Specifically, the proposed rule would require
the OBW to fit over the closed toilet lid in a manner that permits the
lavatory door to close completely. It is anticipated that the attendant
would push the OBW backward into the lavatory by means of handles on
the front of the OBW. After the OBW is situated over the closed toilet
lid, the
[[Page 64838]]
door would be closed and the passenger would be able to perform non-
toileting lavatory functions in privacy.
The proposed rule would also require that the OBW be designed such
that it could, at a minimum, partially enter the lavatory in a forward
orientation. The purpose of this provision is to facilitate a stand-
and-pivot maneuver from the OBW to the toilet seat, for passengers who
are able to do so. With a stand-and-pivot maneuver, the passenger would
partially enter the lavatory by means of the OBW, stand up, and pivot
180 degrees to reach the toilet seat.
The proposed OBW rule also contained safety elements. For example,
the proposed rule would require that the height of the OBW seat must
align with the height of the aircraft seat to the maximum extent
practicable, in order to permit a safe transfer between the OBW and the
aircraft seat. The proposed rule would require the wheels of the OBW to
lock in the direction of travel, in order to avoid contact with
aircraft seats and other obstructions as it moves down the aisle. Any
other moving parts of the OBW would need to be capable of being secured
such that they do not move while the occupied onboard wheelchair is
being maneuvered. The wheels would also be required to lock in place so
as to provide stability during transfers. The OBW would be required not
to tip or fall in any direction under normal operating conditions when
occupied for use.
The OBW would also be required to have a padded seat and backrest,
in order to preserve skin integrity, and to prevent spasticity and
injury.\8\ The proposed rule would also require the OBW to be free of
sharp or abrasive components. The OBW would also be required to have
arm supports that are sufficient to facilitate transfers; arm supports
that are repositionable to permit unobstructed transfers between the
OBW and the aircraft seat; torso and leg restraints to ensure stability
and prevent injury; as well as a unitary foot support that would
provide adequate clearance over the lavatory threshold and also allow
for an unobstructed transfer between the OBW and the lavatory. Under
the proposed rule, restraints would be operable by the passenger in
order to permit the passenger the option to adjust the restraints
unassisted. Finally, the proposed rule would require the OBW to have
instructions prominently displayed for proper use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ DOT specifically sought comment on whether the proposed rule
text adequately conveys the degree of back support and seat support
necessary to properly accommodate passengers with disabilities, and
if not, whether additional standards should be specified.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In keeping with the ACCESS Advisory Committee's Term Sheet,
airlines would not be required to modify aircraft interiors, including
lavatories and existing OBW stowage spaces, in order to comply with
these OBW provisions. The Department sought comment on all aspects of
this critical issue of OBW stowage space. Specifically, the Department
sought further data regarding: (1) The folded dimensions of OBWs
currently in use on single-aisle aircraft; (2) the locations and
dimensions of current OBW stowage spaces; and (3) the feasibility of
designing and constructing an OBW that meets the listed performance
standards, particularly including the ability to enter the lavatory in
a backward orientation, while fitting into the existing OBW stowage
space for that aircraft. The Department also sought comment on an
alternative proposal: Whether to require OBWs to meet the new
performance standards set forth in the NPRM even if stowage space must
be expanded to accommodate the OBW. The Department sought comment on
the costs of expanding OBW stowage spaces to meet these performance
standards.
Again in keeping with the ACCESS Advisory Committee's Term Sheet,
the proposed rule provided that an airline would not be responsible for
the failure of third parties to furnish an OBW that complies with these
proposed standards, so long as the airline notifies and substantiates
to the Department the efforts it expended to obtain compliant OBWs. The
Department recognized that, at present, no commercially available OBW
exists that permits backward passage into an aircraft lavatory, and
that while airlines may seek to procure an OBW that meets the
Department's performance standards, airlines do not design or produce
OBWs themselves.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ The Department sought comment on whether there should be a
deadline for an airline to notify the Department that the airline
has expended its efforts to obtain compliant OBWs, and if so, how
many days after an airline becomes aware of such commercial
unavailability (e.g., 30 days) would be appropriate for airlines to
notify the Department. The Department also recognized the
uncertainties surrounding the issue of whether OBWs meeting the
Department's new standards can fit within existing OBW stowage
spaces. The intent of the proposal was to encourage innovation in
meeting the proposed standards by affirmatively requiring airlines
to engage in reasonable efforts to obtain compliant OBWs from third
parties. The Department sought comment on whether the ``reasonable
efforts'' clause is the most appropriate means of reaching the
overarching goal of ensuring that OBWs with the new accessibility
features are acquired.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, the proposed rule provided that if an airline replaces an
OBW on an aircraft with an FAA-certificated maximum capacity of 125
seats or more three years after the effective date of the rule, then
the replacement OBW must comply with DOT's new OBW standards. The
Department sought comment on all aspects of the OBW proposal, including
costs, benefits, and feasibility.
The comment period to the NPRM closed on March 2, 2020. The
Department received relatively few comments about OBW design, and
almost no comments that estimated the costs of developing or
manufacturing an OBW that would comply with the standards set forth in
the proposed rule. Certain disability advocates argued, among other
things, that the Department's OBW standards should have tracked more
closely the Access Board's design standards.\10\ Representatives of the
airline industry contended that the Department failed to take into
account considerations such as aviation safety and the impact on flight
attendants of unpacking, using, and stowing the OBW while in
flight.\11\ They also argued that the Department failed to adequately
consult with stakeholders before issuing its OBW proposal.\12\ The
Department received no comments from OBW manufacturers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ See, e.g., Comment of Paralyzed Veterans of America,
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2019-0180-0335">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2019-0180-0335</a>, at 5.
\11\ See, e.g., Comment of Airlines for America, <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2019-0180-0337">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2019-0180-0337</a>, at 2-3.
\12\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement of Public Meeting
Under these circumstances, the Department is of the view that it is
appropriate to hold a public hearing to gather additional information
on all aspects of OBW design before issuing any final binding
regulation on the topic. The Department also finds that the public
meeting will be an appropriate vehicle for the Access Board to gather
additional information before it finalizes advisory guidelines for
OBWs.
Questions Relating to DOT's NPRM Regarding OBW Design
The Department seeks further information on all aspects of its NPRM
relating to OBW design, including but not limited to:
<bullet> Whether the proposed OBW design elements adequately
address accessibility concerns;
<bullet> The cost and feasibility of designing, manufacturing, and
implementing compliant OBWs;
<bullet> The cost of developing and implementing procedures for
training
[[Page 64839]]
crew in unloading, using, and stowing the OBW;
<bullet> The dimensions of current OBW stowage spaces in single-
aisle aircraft;
<bullet> Whether OBWs that meet the Department's proposed
accessibility standards can be stowed in existing stowage spaces; and
<bullet> Aviation safety considerations relating to unloading,
using, and stowing the OBW while in flight.
We specifically invite disability advocates, airlines, aircraft
manufacturers, manufacturers of OBWs, flight attendant associations,
and other stakeholders to participate in the public meeting. We also
encourage stakeholders and participants to file written materials in
the docket when the comment period reopens, which will be from December
16, 2021 (date of public meeting) to January 17, 2022. The Department
considers this public meeting, along with its prior actions in this
matter, to satisfy the consultation provisions set forth in the ACCESS
Advisory Committee's Term Sheet.
Questions Relating to Access Board's Proposed Voluntary Design
Standards
As stated earlier, the public meeting will also allow the Access
Board to gather additional information regarding its advisory
guidelines containing recommended dimensions and other technical
specifications for a comfortable and functional aircraft onboard
wheelchair. More specifically, the Access Board is seeking additional
information regarding onboard wheelchair loads and onboard wheelchair
casters.
Onboard Wheelchair Loads
The overall weight capacity or load of current onboard wheelchairs
varies greatly and ranges from approximately 200 to 800 pounds. In
trying to determine the appropriate load, the Board looked to its
Guidelines for Aircraft Boarding Chairs (1987), which recommends that
seats support at least 723 pounds (weight of a 99th percentile male
with a 3.0 safety factor). See <a href="https://www.access-board.gov/research/completed-research/guidelines-for-aircraft-boarding-chairs">https://www.access-board.gov/research/completed-research/guidelines-for-aircraft-boarding-chairs</a>. Using
updated anthropometrics, the weight of a 99th percentile male with a
3.0 safety factor would be 826 pounds. See Department of Health and
Human Service Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults: United States,
2011-2014, Table 6, Line 1 (Aug. 2016). However, the boarding chair
(used to transfer a passenger from their personal wheelchair to the
airplane seat) is different than the proposed onboard wheelchair, in
that a boarding chair does not need to fold for storage on the aircraft
or require a cantilever design.
The Board is not aware of existing industry standards for onboard
wheelchairs that are designed to allow over-the-toilet positioning. In
its proposal, it reserved provisions for loads pending further
information as to what loads are appropriate for an onboard wheelchair
design that accomplishes the proposed functions.
Comments from the public, including aircraft manufacturers,
recommended that the Board's guidelines reference load specifications
in standards issued by SAE International, ``Foldable On-Board
Wheelchairs for Passengers with Disabilities,'' ARP 4120C (Stabilized
2013).'' The SAE standard specifies loads for onboard wheelchair seats,
seat backs, arm and foot supports, wheels, and assist handles. These
referenced provisions are publicly available (read-only, not for
distribution) until the close of the comment period on January 17,
2022, on SAE International's website at: <a href="https://www.sae.org/binaries/content/assets/cm/content/standards/arp4120c_review.pdf">https://www.sae.org/binaries/content/assets/cm/content/standards/arp4120c_review.pdf</a>.
Based on its review of the comments on the proposed guidelines, the
Board is considering referencing the SAE International's standard for
loads for seats (3.2.9.1), arm supports (3.2.9.3), foot support
(3.2.9.4), casters (3.2.9.2), and assist handles of onboard wheelchairs
(3.2.9.6). The Board seeks comment on whether the loads specified in
the SAE International ARP 4120C Standard are appropriate for an onboard
wheelchair design that allows the chair to be positioned over the
closed lavatory toilet. Alternatively, what other loads should be
specified?
Onboard Wheelchair Casters (Size)
The guidelines require that caster wheels of onboard wheelchairs
move independently to facilitate maneuvering within the confined space
of aircraft aisles and lavatories. For safety and stability, the
guidelines also require each caster to have wheel locks and swivel
locks. In its proposal, the Board sought comment on whether the
guidelines should specify a minimum size for caster wheels so that they
are large enough to readily travers thresholds at lavatory entrances.
Most commenters recommended that the guidelines specify a performance
requirement instead of a minimum caster size. However, the impact of
thresholds may be significant since the front assist handles will be
used to back occupied onboard wheelchairs into lavatories and to pull
them back out. What is the minimum caster wheel diameter that would
ensure stability of the occupied onboard wheelchair and allow the chair
to easily traverse the lavatory doorway threshold pushing it in and
pulling it out of lavatories using only the front assist handles? The
Board also requests information on the standard height of lavatory
thresholds on single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more passenger seats.
Viewing Documents
You may view documents mentioned in this notice at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. After entering the docket number (DOT-OST-2019-
0180), click the tab labeled ``Browse & Comment on Documents,'' and
choose the document to review.
Issued in Washington, DC, on or about this 9th day of November,
2021.
John E. Putnam,
Deputy General Counsel, U.S. Department of Transportation.
[FR Doc. 2021-25000 Filed 11-18-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.