Clyde 15F2820 Commercial Aircraft Passenger Stairs, 88" to 161"

The Clyde 15F2820 passenger stairway is designed to service a range of common narrow-body commercial aircraft, including the DC-9, MD-80, Boeing 727/737/757, and Airbus A318-A321. This broad coverage makes it useful for FBOs, MROs, and airport ground handling teams that support multiple aircraft types. It’s still best practice to confirm your aircraft door sill height and boarding requirements before use.

Platform height is adjusted using the integrated hand pump, which raises the stairway to the desired height. Clyde’s operating procedure recommends raising the stairs slightly above the target height and then lowering until the safety locks engage. This helps ensure the stairway is mechanically secured before passengers step onto the platform.

Clyde instructs operators to visually inspect safety lock engagement on both the left and right sides before allowing passengers to board. The lock engagement is a critical safety step because it confirms that the platform support struts are properly secured. Completing this check helps reduce the risk of unintended lowering or movement during boarding.

The operating instructions specify cranking the stabilizer jacks down until the weight is off the front casters before raising the stairway. Stabilizer jacks help improve balance and reduce unwanted movement during height adjustment and boarding. This added stability supports safer passenger loading, especially on uneven ramp surfaces.

To lower the passenger stairs, the operator must pull and hold a release handle while opening the needle valve. The stairway will only lower while the release handle is pulled. This design helps prevent unintended lowering if the valve is opened accidentally.

The passenger stair is stable over its full range of motion in winds up to 78 mph (125 km/h), at which point overturning motion begins. While this provides useful guidance, operators should always follow local ramp safety procedures and wind restrictions. Wind and weather planning is especially important when stairs are positioned near aircraft doors and passenger traffic areas.

Yes! The 15F2820 is a towable passenger stairway, designed to be repositioned around the ramp as operational needs change. The manual notes the towbar is mounted on the left side at the factory, but can be moved to the right side if desired. This flexibility can help operators match their preferred towing configuration or ramp traffic flow.

Clyde recommends charging the battery after each use by connecting to a 110-volt source, and the charger can remain connected indefinitely without overcharging. The manual notes that a completely drained battery typically takes about eight hours to charge. It also features a battery level gauge; however, the charger cord must be disconnected for accurate readings.

Clyde recommends greasing major pivots every six months using the installed grease zerks and applying a few drops of oil to pivot points every 90 days to prevent binding. The manual also recommends removing the wheels annually to repack hub bearings with grease. Following these intervals helps reduce wear, maintain smooth operation, and extend equipment service life.

The manual recommends checking the hydraulic oil level annually, with the stand in the lowest position. It specifies that oil should be no more than 1.5” down from the top of the hydraulic tank, and recommends Mobil DTE-11 or equivalent if additional fluid is needed. Maintaining proper hydraulic fluid level supports safe lifting and consistent platform adjustment.

Clyde recommends replacing the hydraulic filter cartridge annually to support clean hydraulic operation. The manual provides a replacement cartridge part number: 15O3050. Regular filter replacement helps reduce hydraulic contamination and supports consistent performance during lifting and lowering cycles.

Clyde recommends load-testing the stand every five years, or after significant damage and repairs. The procedure involves placing a load twice the rated load at the center of the platform, with the platform in its lowest position, and observing for material or weld failures. Load testing helps confirm structural integrity and supports long-term safe operation.