My brother's first flight as a high level quadriplegic is coming up soon. On his rehab field trip to the airport, the airline said that it was against FAA rules to have a chest strap to keep him upright in the airplane seat. He has very limited trunk stability, and no use of his arms to brace/prop himself in a seat. The airline suggested that his companion could hold their arm across his chest for the duration of the flight! What?!
What do others that need a chest strap when seated upright do when flying? Should he just strap in anyway?
Thanks.
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How Does A Quad Without Trunk Stability Stay Upright In Airplane Seat?
Started by
sisterM
, Jul 10 2011 08:05 PM
8 replies to this topic
Top#2
Trinity
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Posted 10 July 2011 - 08:19 PM
If it's against the rules then I don't think strapping him in anyway is a good idea as the airline may well refuse to fly him. When the plane has taken off you can recline his chair slightly which, although will make you a little unpopular with the people in the seat behind it will help his stability. Landing is always a problem and you are going to need a plan to hold him upright I would have thought. I always get thrown forward on landing and when the plane is breaking on the runway but I have the ability to brace myself against the seat in front
Memento Vivere
Memento Mori
#3
raybonda
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Posted 10 July 2011 - 10:04 PM
hi,
i am c4/5 tetra and fly regularly, i cant balance either.
its much like being in my chair.
the only CAA rule is ......not aisle seat in row 1.
i keep the aircraft lap belt on, but for no particular reason
i have never had any problems
Ray
i am c4/5 tetra and fly regularly, i cant balance either.
its much like being in my chair.
the only CAA rule is ......not aisle seat in row 1.
i keep the aircraft lap belt on, but for no particular reason
i have never had any problems
Ray
#4
wheelchairbarbie
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Posted 10 July 2011 - 10:17 PM
I'm a C5 and I've flown way more times than I want to count. I do have pretty good balance, but when the plane lands my mum would always hold her arm across my chest in case I lost my balance.
#6
Doodle
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Posted 12 July 2011 - 05:06 PM
Reece! Don't be put of by this. As long as you have a good friend/carer to brace you on landing you will be fine!
Everything will be alright in the end, if it's not alright then it's not the end!
#9
mellowgator
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Posted 06 September 2011 - 01:50 AM
sisterM, on 23 August 2011 - 02:45 AM, said:
My brother had a safe flight. . . turns out not too much of an issue.
Looking forward to more travels!
Looking forward to more travels!
i never had a problem with stayin in my seat either.
hi fellow gimps! i'm a c 6/7 quad and have been injured since 1986. i was in a roll over hydroplane accident and it took hours for the paramedics to get me out of the car in the pouring rain. that definately wasn't my day. but alas life goes on!
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