F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

[RobertP]

Hi all,

I have just received an early 1991 UK Pilot magazine which featured a flight test on the two F22 aircraft which flew across The pond. I own the one Tri gear aircraft and the other Taildragger sister is based at Leicester. This latter aircraft is mentioned in the article as being a model known as the "classic". The article mentions that one of the available extras was a folding rear seat which was approved by the FAA? Does anyone know if such a seat was fitted in any aircraft of that model? The article goes on to say that the rear passenger does not affect the centre of gravity! Seems a good way to make use of the 200lb payload in the luggage compartment! I have tried searching the FAA site without success. Any information would be helpful.

Regards,

Bob P (UK)

[O.Taylor]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

Maybe approved by STC, but i don't see it in the type certificate, wish you the best with your ever so sweet little plane, g.

[RobertP]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

Hi,

Thanks - Any idea how I search for this possible STC? Is it via the FAA site? I am not familiar with FAA site & wouldn't know where to start?

Regards,

Bob P (UK )

[RobertP]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

Hi Guys,

Getting any interest out of you tribe (with a view exceptions of course!) for anything post 1940's is like pulling teeth slow and very painful! I can't believe you guys & Gals at the home of Mr Taylorcraft don't have some information or stories to tell on this particular aspect? Spare a thought for your UK cousin no suppliers of parts in the the UK, The black hole and ring of death from the factory (Forrest I thought you had some update?) and then dreading every daily check in case spares needed, due to being on the CAA register and the onerous repair regime which is designed to prevent everyone posible flying unless they are a millionaire!

Seriously now having woken you all up! it would be nice to get a bit of enthusiasm for the F22 series as I am sure there is loads of info some of you could tell even if it dosn't relate to split pins, washers and dare I say Tank leaks! A bit of info on the rear seat would help to convince the wife that my buy was worth giving up 6 years annual holidays for or perhaps that the factory has finally totally died and the type certificates are back with the FAA (I wish! lets face it no one has made a proper fist of it since MR Taylor or is likely to in the future IMHO ) Then I can at last convince the CAA to give me a Permit so that I can carry out my own repairs and have some chance of keeping the not so old bird flying!

Regards,

Bob Preston (in a gridlocked UK caused by 2 inches of snow! )

[shawn coleman]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

my 22 seat folds forward assumed that was just a standard of the model

[RobertP]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

Shawn,

I am talking about a fitted rear seat? Doe's your aircraft have one? if so do you know the relevant FAA STC's or whatever they may be for this fitting? My front seats on my aircraft fold forward which I understand to be standard. IMHO the 200lb load for the baggage area could be better used up by fitting a rear seat.

[Robert Lees]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

My understanding is that the F22 was designed for a "baby seat", but that it was never approved under the original Type Certificate, probably due to the lack of egress door for emergency exit purposes. I have seen no STC for it either.

The rear baggage compartment (where this was intended to be fitted) is approved for 200lb and well strong enough for the load.

Ironically, some Austers have rear seats without egress doors, but the regs in the different countries might have been different at the time.

[shawn coleman]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

sorry misunderstood your question, it seems like I heard the rumor of a third seat as well probably never developed it due to lack of aircraft after all I think there are only about five models I have also heard of patroller doors has anyone ran into those?

[RobertP]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

Rob,

Any idea what would be involved in getting approval from the CAA to fit a rear seat? probably a daft suggestion knowing them but seems worth asking seeing as my aircraft seems to be something of a "one Off" in Europe at least! I know nothing about approvals, Type certificates or STC's etc so don't ridicule me too much as you have to ask someone!

[Robert Lees]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

The only way I can think is to go through their "Major Mod" process (I don't know where you would start this off). You would be looking at changing the Type Certificate from 2 seats to 3. A structural analysis of the airframe would be required, as would copies of the drawings & technical design data.

The CAA charge about £250 per hour. If one was to conservatively estimate 100 hours of design & approval work...


...that's a lot of money.

Alternatively, they might just say no. The best bet is to ask them...talk to your maintenance people (CAMO?) and ask them how to start the Major Mod process.

[RobertP]

Re: F22 Classic rear folding passenger seat

Rob,

Thanks will look into it and give the CAA a ring to find out what I can. Could be an interesting challenge after getting the aircraft from EASA rules back on to an Annex2 CAA schedule! but a whole lot harder I guess!