The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a
motorized vehicle, such as a wheelchair, between the loading bridge and
cargo bin of an aircraft in a timely manner. According to one embodiment
of the invention, a metal cage assembly is implemented with a drop down
ramp at the front and an adjustable floor that is raised by a lever
handle on either side, outside of the frame. The assembly can be attached
to an end of aircraft cargo belt loader by a strap that is wrapped around
the belt frame and tightened via a ratcheting clamp. The adjustable floor
can be raised or lowered at one end to offset the angle of the belt
loader when it is raised to an upright position, for example, to reach a
galley door of an aircraft. Angling of the adjustable floor can allow the
floor to be substantially parallel to the loading bridge or aircraft
cargo bin, thereby enabling the easy transfer of a motorized wheelchair
to and from various compartments of the aircraft. The present invention
can eliminate injuries to employees, prevent damage to the customer's
motorized wheelchair and provide prompt service to physically impaired
airline customers.