Metallic Ladder has introduced the Aero Ladder, a high-quality, American-made aluminum specialty aircraft maintenance ladder for mechanics to reach electrical equipment bays, pylon panels, wheel wells, and other hard-to-reach areas on aircraft like the Boeing 777 and McDonell Douglass MD-11, while protecting the surface of the plane.
“The Aero Ladder is 100-percent better than competing designs because of its sturdiness, width, price, and quality of build,” said Michael Romanowski, an aircraft maintenance manager for a logistics company. “When it’s wintertime, raining, or there’s intense heat, Aero Ladder is dependable and functions properly.
“If Skydrol hydraulic fluid gets on this ladder, there’s still sufficient grip for us to safely move up and down and do our work,” added Romanowski. “Our fiberglass ladders have to be replaced every few years as they deteriorate due to the weather and exposure to Skydrol.”
The new ANSI-rated Type 1A Aero Ladder is a free-standing ladder made of aerospace grade aluminum. Aero Ladder comes in six-, eight- and 10-foot sizes and includes heavy-duty, five-inch wheels, reinforced heavy-duty gusseting on all steps for maximum stability, and cast aluminum as well as slip-resistant rubber feet. The specialized ladder also includes a tray for tools and parts and optional double aluminum handrails for added safety.
According to aircraft mechanics who’ve begun using Aero Ladder, the new product easily accommodates not only the weight of a 250-lb. technician but also a worker hoisting a 70-lb. battery for installation in an aircraft’s electrical equipment bay. Despite its sturdiness, mechanics can easily move the lightweight ladder from gate to gate or fold up its legs for storage.
“We’re replacing our fiberglass ladders with Metallic Ladders because they last,” Romanowski said. “We have other models of the company’s ladders that are 20 years old.”
Aero Ladder will withstand year-round outdoor storage and use regardless of the weather. Airlines and logistics company mechanics can quickly order and receive replacement parts.
“We designed the Aero Ladder for easily and safely accessing things like engine pylon panels and opening up a cowling where a mechanic needs to get a ladder underneath the wing or get to the top of the engine,” said Patrick Reagan, president of Metallic Ladder. “Sometimes, maintenance professionals need to get creative about using ladders; our aim is designing ‘dangerous’ out of ladders.”