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jimpuglise(at)comcast.net
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 Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 2:39 pm Post subject: Seat Cushions |
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I had an upholsterer in today to look at making seats for my Europa. I have used Zolotone on the interior and my intent is to use snap in and velcroed seat cushions. Couple of questions: 1) Have most builders used aircraft qualified foam? He said it is easily available but a little heavier than marine foam. 2) have builders used 2 or 3 inch foam? My guess is 2 inches.
The plane came back from the painter yesterday and looks great.
Thanks --
Jim Puglise A-283
Punta Gorda, FL
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budyerly(at)msn.com
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:12 pm Post subject: Seat Cushions |
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<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> Jim,
As most guys around here know I use Rob D'nick in Lakeland. He is a certified upholsterer and reasonable. Rob (actually Scott) and I will pick the foam type and density based on the sitting height and weight of the client. Build the cushion with bolsters and then have the client sit in it for two hours in the shop as un-upholstered foam test cushions. That is what makes a cushion choice that lasts for years, is your comfort.
Aircraft foam is more expensive and heavier, but not always good for floatation. Some like memory foam. Very heavy and quite comfortable. I know Oregon Aero has some really comfortable cushions from this, but they weigh about 10 pounds per cushion. I strongly suggest you base your criteria on the answers to the following questions:
Do I need floatation?
Do I need specialized fitting for my back or butt?
Do I need flame and gas resistance?
Will the foam hold up over time?
How much does it weigh?.
Fitting questions:
After two hours, did it cut off my circulation?
Do I have any pressure points or hot spots?
Do the bolsters hold me reasonably centered and lined up with the rudders without undue pressure on my thighs, back, butt?
Most guys look at two inch foam and say yea make it from that, and it is OK, for short flights but most of the time not too comfortable for the long flight. For my rear cushion, I only need about 3/4 inch of foam for my upper back (headrest area) and a contour to fit my lumbar and the curvature of the cockpit with sockets for the wing pins. I am only 5-10 but 180 lbs, so my seat cushion is about 2 inches at the center to the bolster point (edge of my butt) and contours to 2.5 inches for the bolster to keep me in the seat with support on my sides... Makes a nice pleat and roll foundation also. Shorter guys may need 3 inches or go with the two and add a foam and glass booster when some tall guy wants to fly. My back cushion starts at 4 inches and contours to fit my back and the bulkhead, then tapers as it rises to 3/4-1 inch inch at the top of the back. If you go with a full 2 inches on the back cushion, you may find it leans you more forward than you like.
Many builders, myself included, just go purchase some foam based on the criteria above and take the bandsaw and some contact cement and fabricate a cushion to suite them. Then take that to the upholsterer, or sew it themselves with excellent results. Any seamstress sewing machine can do a cushion of cloth. Leather and some vinyl's require an upholstery or sail makers sewing machine, so going to a pro is probably a good thing for a one time use. I like a seam or zipper in the bottom or back of the cushion to allow me to open up the back and cut the foam out of the bottom if I have a pressure point because the foam is too thick or too firm in one spot. This leaves a nice flat cushion and allows it to contour with weight on the cushion. When you egress, the cushion flexes back leaving a good smooth looking seat.
Drive up to the shop one day and sit in some of the Europa's here with my test cushions.
Best Regards,
Bud Yerly
Custom Flight Creations, Inc.
www.customflightcreations.com
(813) 653-4989
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fklein(at)orcasonline.com
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:05 pm Post subject: Seat Cushions |
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I used a combo of memory foam and med. density upholstery foam. I'm 6-1", 190#. Seat cushion is 1" green "crash" (very dense) memory foam + 1" blue memory foam + wedges of upholstery foam. Seat back is but 1" uphostery foam + wedges, rolled over as shown w/ memory foam inserts for lumbar supports. Seat back will be velcrowed w/ straps going down backside of CM...it's pictured w/ a pink foam temp. support. Seat cushion is 18" x 23.5" and extends forward of FG thigh support, but remains clear for full movement of control stick.
This really feels comfortable for my bod, particularly w/ the wedges and the forward thigh supports.
I did have, however, a major hiccup when I took it to an uphosterer who wants $400/cushion...way above budget...but thanks to youtube, I believe I'll be able to do a credible job of making patterns and sewing it up myself...wish me luck!
Fred
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