US Patent 11560212 System for operating an aircraft door

Systems and methods for operating an aircraft door including an airstair are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a hinge configured to pivotally couple a lower portion of the door to a fuselage of an aircraft, a lift mechanism and an interlock. The lift mechanism causes a movement of the door relative to the hinge between a lowered position and a lifted position. The interlock is configurable between: a locked configuration where the movement of the door relative to the hinge is prevented; and an unlocked configuration where the movement of the door relative to the hinge is permitted.