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Air Carrier Access Act

Air Carrier Access Act. 14 CFR Part 382 Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel. 29 April 2009 Heidi Giles MacFarlane & Richard Gomez. The ACAA Rule What to Expect from the DOT on May 13 Importance of Training Respiratory Assistive Devices. Today’s Discussion.

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Air Carrier Access Act

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  1. Air Carrier Access Act 14 CFR Part 382 Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel 29 April 2009 Heidi Giles MacFarlane & Richard Gomez

  2. The ACAA Rule What to Expect from the DOT on May 13 Importance of Training Respiratory Assistive Devices Today’s Discussion

  3. 14 CFR Part 382 Effective May 13, 2009… “no air carrier may discriminate against any otherwise qualified individualwith a disability…” U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

  4. The ACAA Rule EFFECTIVE: 13 MAY 2009

  5. How MedAire Complies • Closely monitor regulations worldwide • Respond to medical-related NPRMs • Understand and comply with regulations • Help airlines mitigate medical risk

  6. What to Expect • More passengers with unique needs • Passengers with disabilities who are aware of the new rule • Affected persons who may file a complaint • Monitoring by the DOT • Inspections and potential fines

  7. What to Expect from the DOT

  8. Compliance Activities • Role of DOT’s Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings • Attend and review CRO training classes offered by U.S. and foreign carriers • Purpose of review • Use compliance reviews to address problems encountered by persons with disabilities when they travel

  9. Enforcement • Pursue enforcement action based on: • Pattern and practice of discrimination • Egregious cases • Maximum civil penalty for ACAA violations ($27,500 per violation) • Committed to ensuring carrier compliance • Working with airlines to achieve the common goal of accessibility in air travel.

  10. § 382.141 • Train to proficiency • General understanding of the rule • Knowledge of procedures • Knowledge to safely operate equipment • Ability to respond to requests • Consult with disability advocacy groups • Ensure contractors provide adequate training

  11. Develop a Training Plan

  12. Respiratory DevicesUse Must be Allowed on Aircraft*: • CPAP-Continuous positive airway pressure device • POC- Portable oxygen concentrator • VENT-Respirator / Ventilator *Aircraft with 19 or more passengers

  13. Why these Devices? • Common denominator: chronic medical conditions • Sleep apnea affects 18 million* • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 16 million* • Congestive heart failure (CHF) affects 4.8 million* • Neuromuscular / musculoskeletal disorders • In-flight risk is relative to dependency on the device *Statistics are for people in the United States

  14. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices • CPAPs • Used commonly to treat sleep apnea • Delivered via a face mask • Eases breathing by opening the airways during sleep • Low risk use on board In the event of a decompression, users will need to use the drop down masks

  15. Portable Oxygen Concentrators* • Treats low oxygen levels in the blood (COPD, CHF) • Settings to be based on altitude • Risk during depressurization • Power supply depletion • Alternatives during device failure (emergency oxygen bottle) Seven POC devices are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration

  16. Respirators/Ventilators • Breathes for someone who can’t breathe by themselves • Usually devices is connected by tube in neck (tracheostomy) • Risk during depressurization • Power supply depletion • Device failure requires manual ventilation

  17. An Airline’s Responsibility • Training on these devices is not required • However, you should: • Recognize approved devices • Understand criteria for acceptance • Know how and why assistive devices are used • Be comfortable • Implement normal and non-normal emergency procedures

  18. In Conclusion • To enhance access to the skies: • Read the rule: know what to expect • Share your plan with the DOT • Educate your workgroups to proficiency • Integrate respiratory assistive devices into your current procedures

  19. For Further Questions Contact: Heidi Giles MacFarlane heidi.giles@MedAire.com OR VISIT BOOTH #228

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