Seat Fabric

[koda2]

I decided to build my own seats (what was I thinking).

I am getting close to finishing and they look like they are going to work pretty well, but I can't seem to find any reasonably priced aircraft seat fabric that will meet the certs. Anyone have any suggestions for a source? (Maybe "reasonably priced" and "aircraft" don't belong in the same sentence.)

I did try several local upholstery shops to see if they would do the work, and the minute the word aircraft came out, excuses came out of the woodwork at Vne.

Dave A.
6A

[midwest rv-10]

yea, call Abby at Flightline interiors... Problem solved

[bkilby]

You don't need to meet any "certs" for seat fabric.

[cfiidon]

Get samples of the fabric you want to use and do your own burn test. Search on line for the criteria.

Tell them the seats are for a boat.

[koda2]

Originally Posted by cfiidon

Tell them the seats are for a boat.

How 'bout a Recreational Vehicle?

The certs on the fabric I was referring to were the FARs and burn testing.

Dave A.

[bkilby]

The certs on the fabric I was referring to were the FARs and burn testing.

Dave A.[/quote]

Yeah, that's the same certs I was referring to as well. Your seat covering choice does not have to meet any certification. You could cut up old t-shirts and have your seats covered in that if you wanted to.

[carolsyracuse]

The clarification that I think is needed is that in experimental aircraft you do not need fabric that meets the aviation standards. However, if you do want the certified and plan to use leather or sheepskin I know that
http://www.dipi.com/ supplies the certificate with their sheepskin and probably with their leather as well.
However, I think all leather and sheepskin would meet the standards.
Auto fabrics must meet the car manufacturers guidelines. Several years ago I contacted one of the rv seat cover suppliers mentioned a lot to request samples since I thought I would get the aircraft grade fabric. That particular one used auto fabric. You could contact the seat cover suppliers to see if they use aviation fabric. Most likely they would sell you fabric by the yard. If they are using auto fabric you probably would do better price wise to purchase it yourself.

[Mike D]

Do a search for Allante, Rave, Symphony, or Ultraleather and you should find some good prices. Something from $12 to $30 a yard.

The difference in price has mostly to do with the durability. (number of rubs before damage)

All have some form of flammability resistance and toxic fume tolerance. But If your seats are on fire, you have bigger issues.

[aerhed]

Two materials are accepted on certified aircraft with no added flame retardant required. Leather & wool.

[clevtool]

We use fabrics with the California Fire Test Rating. It is more stringent than the FAA regs. believe it or not. They are listed for nearly all commercial fabrics that you buy. There is also a 'double rub' rating that will let you know the durability.