“Beware the ides of March” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar but it has become a widely used phrase warning of looming and inevitable danger. With DoT Regulation 14 CFR Part 382.65 amendment coming into force on 2nd October 2026, it’s a six-month warning that airlines should now be heeding.
The requirements of the regulation include compatibility with accessible lavatories, improved safety, and user-friendly features to allow passengers with disabilities to transfer safely. Let’s look at the other key requirements of the 14 CFR 382.65 amendment.
Compliance Deadline: By October 2, 2026, new, large single-aisle aircraft (125+ seats) delivered to carriers must have an on-board wheelchair that meets updated accessibility standards.
Operational Standards: The wheelchair must be capable of being operated in the cabin aisles by an attendant.
Design & Safety Standards:
- Locking Mechanism: Wheels must lock in the direction of travel and lock in place for transfers.
- Stability: The chair must not tip or fall in any direction when occupied.
- Comfort/Safety: Must have a padded seat and backrest and be free of sharp or abrasive components.
Lavatory Access: The wheelchair must facilitate access to, and use of, an onboard accessible lavatory.
Replacement Requirements: If a carrier replaces an onboard wheelchair on an aircraft with 125+ seats after October 2, 2026, it must be replaced with one that meets these updated standards.
Storage: Existing stowage space does not need to be expanded, but the chair must fit within current requirements.
The fast-approaching deadline for compliance means a lot to Sarah McOnie of Airchair, “This [The forthcoming DoT Regulation 14 CFR Part 382.65 amendment implementation] is a significant moment for us at Airchair. Since 2007 we have been building onboard wheelchairs and have been pretty much a lone voice asking for their specification to be mandated by law. We believe that every passenger aircraft should have an aisle chair. Initially our campaign was focused on the dignity of those needing special assistance but more latterly our argument has become combined with the fact that having a compliant aisle chair is as much about commercial sense as it is passenger comfort and safety.”
Introduced at AIX in 2025, the Airchair II is fully compliant with the new DoT regulation. To meet the demand for the DoT compliant Airchair II the company opened new, expanded manufacturing facilities at the end of 2025 and is now able to make and ship more products than ever before.
“However”, warns Sarah McOnie, like the Soothsayer from Shakespeare’s play about the great Roman Emperor, “while we have expanded our capacity, we’d advise airlines to act as far in advance of the deadline as they possibly can to beat the rush we expect as the deadline draws nearer.”
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