Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

[M Towsley]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Lyle, the Aircraft Spruce seat sling is made in-house and is of very nice quality. It is $126.95, link: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...seatslings.php

Good luck with your plane and welcome to the Forum.

[astjp2]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Meh, just a little paperwork. Others have covered my possible comments. Oh and that was my 337....Tim

[N96337]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Lyle, who are you using for a mechanic? Is Chas Bunch still around? He could get it straightened out for you if he is.
John

[AeroCapture]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Thanks for all the insight and info, weighing options now...

- Lyle

[AeroCapture]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

We did some investigating today and found that the "L" metal beam that makes up the lower part of the seat mod is simply welded to the metal door frames. It would appear that there isn't much structural integrity in that design (and no paperwork to speak of either.) While I was poking around, I came up with another question. Are the metal door frames meant to be removable from the actual fuselage frame tubing? Mine have been welded in place.

- Lyle

[Guest]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Hi Lyle,

You have my curiosity. Usually the metal door frames are aluminum and screwed in. That makes me think that your door frames are steel, is that right? I have never seen that.

Dave

[AeroCapture]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Dave, Yes, the frames are welded to tabs that are welded to the tubes. I'll upload here shortly.

[astjp2]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

That looks like a bed rail from the local widow's home...

[Guest]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

I never knew that some door frames were steel, that has to be heavy.

Yes Tim it does look like a bed frame part I think that I see the flanged rivet remains that are used to adjust width.

[AeroCapture]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Ok, my next question would now be, if the steel door frames are not original and welded to the fuselage, would that be considered a major modification? There is no paperwork or logbook entry for anything mentioning door frames...

[Guest]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

I would not consider steel door frames as a major alteration.

Dave

[Guest]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Also, I was only expressing surprise at my ignorance of them not being critical of them other than possible weight increase.

Dave

[AeroCapture]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Well Dave,

I have been searching online for the past few hours and have not come across any airframe restoration photos were the door frames are permanently attached to the fuselage which leads me to believe it's not part of the original design.

I hope I am wrong and someone can help shed some light on this for me otherwise, I think I might have a mess on my hands.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

However,

This probably meets the definition of Major Repair because it involves welding and it is done on a main seat.
CFR 43, Appendix A, paragraph (b)(1).
and for the is a Major Repair IAW
CFR 43, Appendix A, paragraph (b)(1)(xv)

[3Dreaming]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

I have seen steel frames before, it is not to uncommon.