What is the maximum weight rating for the main cabin air stair door?

• A. 1,000 lbs or 4 passengers
• B. 2,000 lbs
• C. 1,500 lbs
• D. 500 lbs

Answer: (A)

The main concept is the door’s load rating—the maximum weight the main cabin air stair assembly is certified to support during use. This rating is set to ensure the stairs and door stay safe and functional when passengers and crew are boarding, deplaning, or using the stairs in an emergency.

The maximum rating is 1,000 pounds, which is stated as equivalent to four passengers. That means the stairs are certified to carry up to about four people at once without structural failure or unsafe operation. Ratings like 2,000 pounds or 1,500 pounds would imply a much heavier, more costly design than necessary for typical use, while 500 pounds would be insufficient for multiple people on the stairs at the same time.

Understanding this helps you know why the door/stair system is designed to support roughly four people at once and how it aligns with safety requirements for aircraft access.