leather
 

I just got my seat foam from vans, and i was wondering if i need to cover it with special material, or can i use leather for a car seat?

nick

Foam chaffing away
 

I had my seats done at Oregon Aero. No, they where not cheap, but very well worth it. During the tour of the facility they gave a nice demonstration of how easily the soft foam outer part of the core chafes away. They cover the foam with a special cloth to keep the leather from chaffing the foam into dust. I was shocked at how easily the foam turned into dust when rubbed against a rough surface like the unfinished side of leather.
They also commented on how many customers they get that did their own seats and wonder why the cushions gave out.

I checked with an trim shop in the area and they said that you need to use special material in an aircraft, Is this true or can I use what I would like?

nick

You can use an old empty metal gas can covered in polyester tied to a bic lighter that is attached to your slider canopy so that it lights the polyester material everytime you open the canopy if you wish. :p

Of course I am joking! But the point is you do not have to adhere to any specific requirements in the materials you use for the interior of your airplane.

I had Flightline Interiors make up my interior very reasonable priced and excellent workmanship. I give Abby an A+++++.

3135F 75hrs and going great.

Note to self! Don't ask Steve for a ride!!! :D

Leather is OK - even in certified planes....
 

Apparently, leather is classified as meeting the FAR for certified aircraft seats. It is naturally non-flammable...

gil in Tucson

Gil is correct, leather and natural fabrics are "approved" for certified aircraft. I encountered this while doing the interior of my Baron, ended up with leather seats and wool carpet. And yes, it doesn't "matter" in an experimental but I'm not anxious to survive the fire only to be taken out by the toxic fumes from the vinyl.

John Clark
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
(leather seats, no carpet)
KSBA

Don't just put the leather on without protecting the foam! It will chafe into dust. Take a piece of leather and rub the back side against your seat core and watch the dust fly. It will be doing that under your butt making your cushions less effective over time.

So what do you protect the seat cushion with so the leather won't rub it raw? Thanks. Dave