Today I received a message from a potential customer who asked this question: “… would I be able to use this at an event and have a server wheel it around to serve drinks? Or is it meant to be more stationary?”
This one was easy to answer: “Yes, of course, this is exactly what the SkyCart™ and all airline trolleys are made for. They are designed to be used in a flying commercial airliner and will be pushed up and down the aisles all the time.”
Then, I noticed, that on our web site we do not really explain this in detail. So, the question is very valid and it only comes up because of a lack of detailed explanation on our web pages. This will change. In the interim, here are some details and examples of how to use the SkyCart™ in a dynamic environment.
Airline trolleys (they are also called galley cart, food/drink cart or airline service cart) were developed in the late 1960s. Airplanes had become bigger and it was no longer feasible to deliver food and drinks by hand. The design is a classic example for “form follows function” and little was changed from the original inception up to now.
For use on board of an aircraft, the airline trolley has to pass a design certification by the appropriate aviation authorities. Trolley on board of US airliners carry an FAA certifcation, those on European airplanes are EASA certifed. By law they can only be maintained by a certified aircraft mechanic. The rules for airline equipment are quite strict.
Here are some interesting technical details, using the SkyCart™ airline trolley (technically a “half size” trolley) as an example:
Outside Dimensions: W 12″, H 41″, D 16″
Empty Weight: 29.5 lb
Max. Gross Weight: 132 Lb***
*** This is the maximum allowable gross weight aboard an aircraft. However, the trolley was tested for G-loads at gross weight of 9G forward, and 10.05G upward and downward acceleration - that would be more than 1300 lb. On the ground a SkyCart™ will not be subject to any G-forces and we consider it safe to load a SkyCart up to 250 lb for ground use.
It is safe to roll the SkyCart™ around on a resonably smooth, hard ground. Carpet is not a problem. It can easily handle a slope. In fact, aboard an airliner the aisles are hardly ever flat. Most of the time there will be a more a less mild slope forward or backwards. No problem, his is why a SkyCart™ has brakes. Stairs can be challenging. The wheels are too small to be helful to overcome stairs. If it is not too heavily loaded, it can be carried up and down staircases.
The SkyCart™ is in use at many restaurants and is also an indispendable piece of equipment for many catering companies. Here are some examples:
SkyCart™ in the VIP Lounge at Soldier Stadium, Chicago
This SkyCart™ is being used in the VIP Lounge of a football stadium. A hostess moves it around to cater to the guests.
This one is used during a corporate event. The hostess (in flight attendant uniform) rolls it around to distribute give-aways.
Another shot from the same event.
These SkyCarts were used in the VIP Lounge during Superbowl 2018.
Folks gathering around a SkyCart™ during a reception
It does not always have to be alcololic drinks. This one is used to roll cupcakes around - for dessert, where it is needed.