Transporting By Air; Air Transport - Permobil Chairman HD Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual Chairman HD Transportation

Air transport

When transporting your chair by air, you should be aware of three things above
all: the batteries, the dimensions and weight of the wheelchair and that the seat
can be damaged when handled as it is placed together with luggage and other
goods in a narrow space.
Batteries
If the wheelchair is equipped with maintenance-free gel batteries: in some airli-
nes it is not necessary to remove the batteries from the wheelchair during the
flight. However, the electrical connections to the battery must be disconnected
and insulated. Check with your airline which rules apply.
If a wheelchair is equipped with acid batteries, most airlines require that the bat-
teries shall be removed from the wheelchair and transported in special boxes
provided by the airline.
Some airlines refuse to take acid batteries aboard at all, so always check with
the airline in question which rules apply.
See page 39 for how to remove the batteries.
The dimensions and weight of the wheelchair
The weight and dimensions of the wheelchair are significant in relation to the
type of airplanes in which the wheelchair is to be transported. Always check with
the airline in question which rules apply.
Preventing damage
Cover the control panel with soft, shock-absorbing material (foamed plastic or
similar) and fold it in towards the back rest. Protect other salient objects in simi-
lar fashion. Tape any loose cables to the seat or covers.
NB!
To ensure that the chair is transported safely and that no nasty surprises pop up
at the last minute, always contact the airline with which you are travelling
beforehand.
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