Seat Heaters? - Page 2

Jekyll · #11 02-16-2012, 09:24 AM

For those with finished interiors who wished they had installed seat heaters:

My buddy didn't put them in his 7A but, he found some portable car seat heaters that plug into a standard panel power plug. He says they work great and makes for a much more comfy flight in cold weather. Check out auto supply locations.

Toobuilder · #12 02-16-2012, 09:48 AM

...heated clothing is also a viable option.

johngoodman · #13 02-16-2012, 09:59 AM

I put auto seat heaters in the front seats of my RV-10. hi/off/lo switches on the console between the seats. Both running on high raise the amps around 7. Great for sitting in a cold hangar doing software updates.
Got mine here:

http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/seatheatac.html

John

vfrazier · #14 02-16-2012, 11:01 AM

Wow, thanks for the kind words guys. It's nice to be appreciated.

Ha ha... needful things. Mike's comment made me laugh. It's all part of my evil plan to run Aircraft Spruce out of business. ;-) If only! I've still got my day job and no plans to leave it!

But seriously, the amperage on most seat heaters isn't that bad, typically about 6 amps per seat on high. Not 6 amps per pad (there are usually 2 pads per seat), but 6 amps total per seat.

Also, if your interior is finished, you can often add seat heaters easily, particularly at the condition inspection when it's all open anyway.

Many seats are closed with a zipper along the back or bottom edge. You can often simply slip the seat heater inside and simply let the wiring come out from the tiny hole at the end of the closed zipper.

In my plane I installed a couple quick disconnect jacks in the floorboards so I could easily remove the seat cushions without any wiring issues.

Anyone who can build or maintain a plane can install these things PDQ. And your wife will love you for it!!!

NickAir · #15 02-16-2012, 06:10 PM

Thanks Vince. I will likely do your method. My wife will love it!

AltonD · #16 02-16-2012, 06:59 PM

The wifey was cold on a trip to SC. It was fifty degrees outside at altitude. Go figure. This was her first cross country flight. I showed here where the seat heat switch was and she turned it on. After 15 minutes or so, I figured it was not working because she still had it on. I stuck my hand between her and the seat back. It was quite toasty. She said she was really comfortable. Money well spent. I have tested them a few times, but reall have never had a need for the extra heat. The wifey is happy, we are all happy.