FEATURE/Helicopter tour operators realize increased business and profits with physically challenged passengers; operators proactive to ADA requirements.ESCONDIDO, CALIF.--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--May 16, 1995-- Helicopter tour operators, climbing out of a disappointing 1994, are looking at every opportunity to increase business and profits. One area of business that tour operators are now able to target is the physically challenged physically challenged adj. Having a physical disability or impairment, especially one that limits mobility. See Usage Note at challenged. n. (used with a pl. and elderly -- thanks to a company called Universal Lift Inc. Universal Lift has developed the first mechanical lift that safely boards sightseeing passengers onto the aircraft, giving these individuals increased freedom and accessibility while eliminating the potential of accidents for both ground crew and passengers. Until the UniversaLift, helicopter ground crews had to physically lift and carry the passenger onto the aircraft -- compromising flight schedules and passenger and ground crew safety. Kenneth Testa, director of maintenance for Hawaii Helicopters, said: "Having the UniversaLift opens a whole new side of the business. We've only had the UniversaLift for two months, and we're already seeing an increase in business. Travel agents and tour planners are very excited that we can now accommodate their physically challenged and elderly customers." The first of its kind, the UniversaLift is specifically designed for the popular Astar AS350 BA helicopter and is constructed of high- strength aircraft-quality components and materials. The lift is powered by a maintenance-free Gel-Pak battery source built into the UniversaLift. Its compact size and weight (only 175 pounds) makes it easy to move and store. Rated to handle up to 360 pounds, the UniversaLift is designed to accommodate most aircraft boarding requirements. Era Helicopters in Juneau, Alaska “Juneau” redirects here. For other uses, see Juneau (disambiguation). The City and Borough of Juneau (pronounced [ˈdʒu. , was selected to test and evaluate the UniversaLift. Its evaluation showed that the UniversaLift performed flawlessly flaw·less adj. Being entirely without flaw or imperfection. See Synonyms at perfect. flaw  less·ly adv. and added a high degree of safety to the boarding of their sightseeing passengers. "Many of these people are confined con·fine v. con·fined, con·fin·ing, con·fines v.tr. 1. To keep within bounds; restrict: Please confine your remarks to the issues at hand. See Synonyms at limit. to a wheelchair; others are elderly and require canes or walkers and are unable to board the aircraft by themselves. Before the UniversaLift, we had to physically lift people into and out of the helicopter. The danger of injury to the passengers and our employees was real, and the process was often uncomfortable and undignified for the passenger," commented Era Helicopters Juneau base operator Bill Zeman. Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA Ada, city, United States Ada (ā`ə), city (1990 pop. 15,820), seat of Pontotoc co., S central Okla.; inc. 1904. It is a large cattle market and the center of a rich oil and ranch area. ), qualifying companies who meet ADA requirements are realizing, in some cases, up to 50 percent tax savings. Under Title III Title III Program is a U.S. Federal Grant Program to improve education History The Title III Program began as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which sought to provide support to strengthen various aspects of the schools through a formula grant program to accredited, of the ADA, signed into law in 1990, Helicopter tour operators are subject to ADA provisions under Title III. There are more than 40 million Americans with disabilities Americans with disabilities comprise one of the largest minority groups in the United States. According to the Disability Status: 2000 - Census 2000 Brief [1], approximately 20% of Americans have one or more diagnosed psycho-physical disability. , and accessibility to aircraft is still a challenge. It is Universal Lift's goal to continue to design and develop products that give these people freedom, independence and improved accessibility in the real world. Universal Lift plans to expand its lift for general commuter airlines and cruise ships This is a list of cruise ships, both those in service and those that have since ceased to operate. Both cruise ships and cruiseferries are included in this list. (Ocean liners are not included on this list, see List of ocean liners. , as well as for emergency medical vehicles. To receive an informative video and learn more about the innovative UniversaLift, please contact Whitney Greaves greaves cracklings, an edible raw fat from the meat trade. The skimmings from the preparation of this fat are also called greaves. They represent a low grade of meat meal. at Universal Lift at 619/746-0202. -0- NOTE: Journalists and writers -- video and photos are immediately available. CONTACT: Universal Lift Inc., Escondido Whitney Greaves, 619/746-0202 or Jennings & Associates P.J. Jennings, 619/431-7466 |
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