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GLWP-55A-2 – Gorilla Ladders Aluminum Heavy-Duty PRO Slim-Fold Work Platform
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The Gorilla Ladders GLWP-55A-2 is a professional-grade, heavy-duty PRO aluminum work platform engineered for the rigorous demands of aircraft line maintenance, structural inspections, and composite repair environments. While categorized as Ground Support Equipment (GSE), the GLWP-55A-2 distinguishes itself through a high strength-to-weight ratio and a 375 lb. (Type IAA) load capacity, making it an essential tool for technicians requiring a stable, elevated workspace that exceeds the limitations of standard step ladders.
Designed with a massive 55 in. x 12 in. standing area, this platform allows for significant lateral movement, reducing the need for frequent repositioning during long-duration tasks such as de-icing, leading-edge inspections, or rivet patterns on narrow-body fuselages. The "Slim-Fold" technology allows the unit to collapse to a mere 2-inch depth, facilitating rapid stowage in crowded hangars or mobile maintenance vans where spatial efficiency is paramount.
Key Features
Adjustable Quad-Height Logic: Features independent leg adjustments allowing for four distinct heights (20 in. to 30 in.), enabling a perfectly level workspace on uneven hangar floors or ramps with drainage gradients.
PRO Grade 375 lbs. Load Capacity: Rated for ANSI Type IAA duty, accommodating a fully geared technician plus heavy pneumatic tooling or specialized testing equipment.
Oversized Non-Slip Deck: The expansive 4.6 ft. x 2.5 ft. footprint utilizes a multi-directional traction pattern to maintain grip in the presence of Skydrol, turbine oil, or water.
Dual-Lock Safety Latches: Employs a positive-locking mechanism on each leg to prevent accidental collapse under shifting loads.
Non-Marring Feet: Equipped with high-durometer, impact-resistant feet designed to provide high friction on polished concrete without leaving surface streaks or damaging sensitive floor coatings.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: GLWP-55A-2
Manufacturer: Gorilla Ladders
Component Type: Adjustable Height Work Platform
Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy (Structural Grade)
Duty Rating: Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty)
Load Capacity: 375 lbs. (170 kg)
Platform Dimensions: 55 in. x 12 in. (Standing Surface)
Adjustable Heights: 20 in., 23 in., 26 in., 30 in.
Folded Depth: 2 inches (Slim-Fold Technology)
Governing Specifications: ANSI A14.2, OSHA compliant
Weight: Approx. 22 lbs.
Aircraft Compatibility
General Aviation (GA): Ideal for wing-top inspections and engine bay access on Cessna 172/182 and Beechcraft Bonanza.
Business Aviation: Perfect height for windshield cleaning and pitot-static probe inspections on Learjet, Phenom, and Citation series.
Rotorcraft: Essential for blade inspections and transmission deck access on light-to-medium helicopters.
Commercial Line Maintenance: Used for tire pressure checks and lower fuselage access on Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.
Note: Ensure the platform's height does not interfere with sensitive sensors or pitot tubes during positioning.
Applications
The GLWP-55A-2 is specifically utilized for Mid-Level Airframe Access. It bridges the gap between floor-level work and tall tripod stands. Its primary applications include:
Wing Leading Edge Maintenance: Providing a stable surface for polishing or de-icing boot inspection.
Avionics Rack Access: Allowing technicians to stand comfortably while working behind instrument panels in taller cockpits.
Composite Structural Repair: Enabling consistent pressure application during vacuum bagging or heat lamp placement.
Why Choose GLWP-55A-2?
Choosing the Gorilla PRO series over standard consumer platforms ensures compliance with OSHA and ANSI safety standards required in certified repair stations (Part 145). The use of 6061-T6 aluminum provides superior strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance against common aerospace chemicals. Unlike fixed-height benches, the GLWP-55A-2’s adjustability prevents technician fatigue and musculoskeletal strain by allowing for an ergonomically correct working height relative to the aircraft hardpoint.
The structural integrity of the GLWP-55A-2 is rooted in its use of precipitation-strengthened aluminum alloys. The platform utilizes 6061-T6 aluminum, which undergoes a solution heat-treatment and artificial aging process to achieve a yield strength of approximately 35,000 psi. This material choice is critical for preventing elastic deformation when a technician reaches the maximum rated load of 375 lbs. The leg geometry is designed to resist torsional buckling, maintaining a rigid vertical axis even when lateral force is applied during heavy torque applications (e.g., breaking torque on a stubborn fastener). The "Slim-Fold" hinge mechanism utilizes a high-shear-strength steel pin assembly, ensuring that the repetitive stress cycles of folding and unfolding do not result in fatigue cracking at the pivot points.
Note: This is professional-grade Ground Support Equipment. Ensure all four legs are locked into the same height detent before ascending. Do not exceed the 375 lb. rated capacity. Inspection of the non-slip deck and locking latches should be performed prior to every shift. This unit is conductive; do not use in proximity to live electrical circuits or during lightning storms on the ramp.
