An embodiment rotorcraft structure includes a step disposed at an exterior of the rotorcraft, and an emergency kit installed into the recess of the step. The step is faired into a skin on the exterior of the rotorcraft. The emergency kit includes a container and a life raft. The container includes a container body that has a storage cavity, a container panel, and a first attachment element. The container body is disposed in the recess of the step, attached to the step, and has a storage cavity. The container panel is disposed at a bottom of the storage cavity, and the life raft is disposed in the storage cavity. The first attachment element releasably couples a first edge of the container panel to the container body, and encloses the life raft in the container under the step.

Systems and methods for allocating flights to aircraft stands are provided. In one example aspect, a system includes one or more computing devices. The computing devices are configured to generate a stand recovery plan that reallocates flights to available aircraft stands following a flight schedule disruption. Flights associated with an aircraft stand conflict can be reallocated to aircraft stands that are available within a determined time slot, by ensuring that the available aircraft stands meet one or more scheduling constraints or criteria, and based at least in part on a determined weighted total walk time. The weighted total walk time takes into account the estimated walk time between aircraft stands and/or their associated gates as well as the connecting time between flights. Once aircraft stands are reallocated to flights associated with the identified aircraft stand conflict(s), a stand recovery plan can be generated in real time.

Systems and methods for allocating flights to aircraft stands are provided. In one example aspect, a system includes one or more computing devices. The computing devices are configured to generate a stand recovery plan that reallocates flights to available aircraft stands following a flight schedule disruption. Flights associated with an aircraft stand conflict can be reallocated to aircraft stands that are available within a determined time slot, by ensuring that the available aircraft stands meet one or more scheduling constraints or criteria, and based at least in part on a determined weighted total walk time. The weighted total walk time takes into account the estimated walk time between aircraft stands and/or their associated gates as well as the connecting time between flights. Once aircraft stands are reallocated to flights associated with the identified aircraft stand conflict(s), a stand recovery plan can be generated in real time.

The current invention concerns an improved system for cargo delivery through (unmanned) aerial vehicles (preferably UAVs or drones) to specifically designed home stations. Additionally, a method is described according to which the system of the invention functions.

The current invention concerns an improved system for cargo delivery through (unmanned) aerial vehicles (preferably UAVs or drones) to specifically designed home stations. Additionally, a method is described according to which the system of the invention functions.

The present disclosure provides an aircraft security door as well as methods, systems and apparatus for handling an aircraft security door. In one implementation, a method for installing an aircraft security door onto an aircraft is disclosed. The method includes transferring the aircraft security door to an aircraft service stair, supporting the aircraft security door by a bridge crane coupled to the aircraft service stair, positioning the aircraft service stair in proximity to a fuselage of the aircraft adjacent to an opening in the fuselage, positioning the aircraft security door relative to the opening using the bridge crane, and securing the aircraft security door to the opening.

The present disclosure provides an aircraft security door as well as methods, systems and apparatus for handling an aircraft security door. In one implementation, a method for installing an aircraft security door onto an aircraft is disclosed. The method includes transferring the aircraft security door to an aircraft service stair, supporting the aircraft security door by a bridge crane coupled to the aircraft service stair, positioning the aircraft service stair in proximity to a fuselage of the aircraft adjacent to an opening in the fuselage, positioning the aircraft security door relative to the opening using the bridge crane, and securing the aircraft security door to the opening.

The present disclosure provides an aircraft security door as well as methods, systems and apparatus for handling an aircraft security door. In one implementation, a method for installing an aircraft security door onto an aircraft is disclosed. The method includes transferring the aircraft security door to an aircraft service stair, supporting the aircraft security door by a bridge crane coupled to the aircraft service stair, positioning the aircraft service stair in proximity to a fuselage of the aircraft adjacent to an opening in the fuselage, positioning the aircraft security door relative to the opening using the bridge crane, and securing the aircraft security door to the opening.

The present disclosure provides an aircraft security door as well as methods, systems and apparatus for handling an aircraft security door. In one implementation, a method for installing an aircraft security door onto an aircraft is disclosed. The method includes transferring the aircraft security door to an aircraft service stair, supporting the aircraft security door by a bridge crane coupled to the aircraft service stair, positioning the aircraft service stair in proximity to a fuselage of the aircraft adjacent to an opening in the fuselage, positioning the aircraft security door relative to the opening using the bridge crane, and securing the aircraft security door to the opening.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an entry assist system for an aircraft doorway. The system includes a securement member configured to be secured into at least one aperture of the doorway, a handle portion pivotally attached to the securement member, and a releasable locking feature for locking the handle portion. A mounting device is used for securing the stationary member to an existing aperture in the doorway and for removing the entry assist system when no longer needed. The securement member forms a stationary portion along an inner edge of the doorway. The handle portion includes a hub configured for rotating about an axle that is coupled to an interface of the securement member. The hub and interface interconnect to form the releasable locking feature for locking the handle in a collapsed position adjacent the securement member or in an extended position protruding outside the doorway.