Physiological - Other; Troubleshooting; Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Company Policy; Equipment / Tooling
I have several concerns on the handling of assistance devices as some specialty wheelchairs can weigh up to 400 lbs.  Lifting them onto or off the belt loader requires 4 or 5 people to safety lift it.  Once it is on the belt loader there is a concern that it may fall off. (Especially on 757s; Airbuses and wide body aircraft) Getting them to and from the passenger takes a lot of time as elevators and not always readily available.
Reporter describes problems with loading specialty wheelchairs that weigh in up to 400 pounds into an aircraft.