The British Disabled Flying Association has recently purchased the new ERGOS hoist from Smartlift and it is proving to be a real success. It is a completely mobile unit that has been adapted to move pilots of up to 20st (125kg) without any additional manual handling input. Unlike existing hoists, the ERGOS has a long lifting range that can lift pilots from their wheelchair with greater smoothness, comfort and security and lower them into the cockpit without any other manual support. The pilot can then remove the hoist from the area by remote control and is able to taxi off without the equipment being in the way.
“It is an amazing piece of equipment, which has enabled the BDFA to get many more people flying,” enthuses Simon Rapkin, glider pilot and chairman of the BDFA. “It is very simple to use, very safe and stable and we are delighted to be able to offer trial flights and flight training to people who otherwise would not be able to get into an aircraft.”
The standard version of the ERGOS hoist is designed with a lifting capacity of 250kg.