Wheelchair Manual Power (SSR), often abbreviated as WCMP, refers to a specific type of special service request in aviation for passengers who use manually propelled wheelchairs during air travel. This request ensures that airlines and airport staff are adequately prepared to assist travelers who require support in navigating the airport, boarding, and disembarking the aircraft using their manual wheelchairs.
Understanding the significance of Wheelchair Manual Power (SSR) is crucial for both passengers and airline personnel. The WCMP service accommodates passengers who possess the ability to propel their own wheelchairs but may need assistance with tasks like boarding and deplaning, or in situations where the terrain or distance is considerable inside the airport. Proper handling of WCMP requests not only improves passenger comfort but also complies with international aviation regulations such as the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and related standards by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
How Wheelchair Manual Power (SSR) Works in Aviation
Wheelchair Manual Power (SSR) operates by classifying passengers who self-propel their manual wheelchairs yet require standardized assistance during their journeys. Upon booking a flight, passengers can indicate the need for WCMP services by selecting the relevant SSR code, which signals airline staff to prepare appropriate support mechanisms. This includes provision for wheelchair storage on board, coordinated assistance at boarding gates, and wheelchair handling on the tarmac if necessary.
Airports and airlines typically use SSR codes to streamline communication across departments involved in passenger facilitation. The WCMP code ensures that ground handlers provide suitable wheelchair assistance during gate transfers and that cabin crew are aware of the passenger’s mobility needs. For instance, it allows the airline to allocate a seat with specific accessibility features, such as a space near the aircraft door or on an aisle seat for easier access. The International Air Transport Association’s [Passenger Services Conference Resolution Manual](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/passenger-services/resolution-manual/) includes detailed guidelines for handling SSRs like WCMP, underscoring its importance for operational consistency.
Technical Specifications and Safety Considerations of Wheelchair Manual Power (SSR)
Several technical specifications and safety regulations apply to Wheelchair Manual Power (SSR) in aviation. According to FAA and EASA directives, manual wheelchairs used in air travel must be properly secured during flight to prevent injury or damage. The dimensions of a typical manual wheelchair average around 61 cm in width, 107 cm in length, and 91 cm in height, which must be compatible with airline storage compartments or stored in the cargo hold under careful handling.
Importantly, the weight of a standard manual wheelchair can range between 10 to 18 kg, with some models exceeding 20 kg depending on components such as reinforced frames or additional accessories. Airlines need to factor this when planning wheelchair transportation, ensuring that handling does not exceed maximum weight limits established for onboard storage spaces (typically limited to about 150 lbs or 68 kg including the passenger’s weight in mobility aids). Additionally, safety protocols dictate that wheelchairs must be stowed in a way that prevents movement during turbulence or emergency situations. Adhering to these standards helps maintain passenger safety as well as the integrity of the mobility device.
The process of requesting Wheelchair Manual Power (SSR) requires early notification from the traveler — usually at least 48 hours before the flight departure — to allow proper arrangements to be made. Airlines might also perform additional training for ground crews to safely maneuver manual wheelchairs, considering the average force needed to push a wheelchair ranges from 1.5 to 3.6 Newtons over flat surfaces, increasing significantly over inclines or carpeted areas.