I gave my (soon-to-be) new acquisition a 7 hour "look-over" this week, signed the agreement and gave'em a check, we close on the 1st of Dec. It's a '46 7AC conv DC, C85-12. Very complete logs from day-one, 50 hr inspections (an FBO owns it), I've already received the Title search today and I'm waiting on the CD, (but not expecting anything) It's a bit on the "cubby" side, ...starter, alternator, no bounce, wide back seat and a couple of other things, it "clocks in" empty at 974 lbs., but I'm cool with that and lookin' forward to havin' some fun. This is a whole new deal for me, I've been flying for 33 yrs., (19 and counting with the Airlines) so I thought it was time to "step-up" to a Champ. Thanks again for all ya'll help while lookin' ...this is a GREAT site! I'm sure I'll have many questions to come, but for now, just one…
First thing I'd like to do is pull the upholstery (it's tired) and I'm not "into" painted aluminum interior panels, what's you experience with upholstery, how do you get a "burn certificate" for fabric or do I just go down to the local Aircraft Interiors Shop and pay a "ga-Zillion" dollars for 4 yards? I'd like to cover the interior panels with just a simple layer of upholstery, no foam padding, no pleats, no nothing, just material glued flat to the panel. …any ideas? Thanks, Jim
Upholstery
Jim,
Congrats and you will fall in love with the old Aeronca's. Like you I fly for a living but the old taildragger will teach you a lot. Please be sure to get someone who is very experienced in taildraggers to give you a fair amount of dual before taking it on alone, especially in crosswind times. This plane will make you remember where the rudder pedals are!
Now, on interiors. There is one name that keeps coming up in everyone's conversations about interior. Airtex has been doing this for years.
You can get your own fabric approved by doing a burn test but for something like yours its not really worth all the hassle and expense. Take a look at what they have and feel that you will be happy with that.
Now, one last comment. You really might want to look at spending the extra bux and get the expensive confor foam for the seats, or at least your seat. This is the stuff that NASA developed years ago and costs something like $75-100 a seat but is really worth it, especially on a 2-3 hour flight.
Joe A
Congrats and you will fall in love with the old Aeronca's. Like you I fly for a living but the old taildragger will teach you a lot. Please be sure to get someone who is very experienced in taildraggers to give you a fair amount of dual before taking it on alone, especially in crosswind times. This plane will make you remember where the rudder pedals are!
Now, on interiors. There is one name that keeps coming up in everyone's conversations about interior. Airtex has been doing this for years.
You can get your own fabric approved by doing a burn test but for something like yours its not really worth all the hassle and expense. Take a look at what they have and feel that you will be happy with that.
Now, one last comment. You really might want to look at spending the extra bux and get the expensive confor foam for the seats, or at least your seat. This is the stuff that NASA developed years ago and costs something like $75-100 a seat but is really worth it, especially on a 2-3 hour flight.
Joe A
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Jody Wittmeyer
- Posts: 591
- Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2004 13:47
- Location: Kewanee, IL. (EZI)
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Congrats, Jim. Wonderful purchase. I just had a 20,000 hour airline pilot up today and he absolutelt loved the champ. Said it was the first time in 30 years he actually felt like he was flying again. After a few botched take offs and landings, he joked that he really must not know how to fly. <G>
The interior material only has to meet the current automotive standars, as that was all (Automotive) our planes had when they were certified. If you request a statement of the fire (burn) standards, usually they will fax or send you a copy. Your A/P can also do a burn test. The materials you need may burn, somewhat, while the flame is on it, but has to extinguish when the combustion source is moved away. Flame resistant.
I had a freelance upholserer from the local furniture store do the seats for my champ. He even had some Corinthian leather from a recover, that he used. $125.00 for 2 complete seats. He used church foam. I just bought 3 full sheats of tempur foam (only way to get 36" width) for the Chief. Can't wait to try it. They are being recovered now.
Hope you got your questions answered!
The interior material only has to meet the current automotive standars, as that was all (Automotive) our planes had when they were certified. If you request a statement of the fire (burn) standards, usually they will fax or send you a copy. Your A/P can also do a burn test. The materials you need may burn, somewhat, while the flame is on it, but has to extinguish when the combustion source is moved away. Flame resistant.
I had a freelance upholserer from the local furniture store do the seats for my champ. He even had some Corinthian leather from a recover, that he used. $125.00 for 2 complete seats. He used church foam. I just bought 3 full sheats of tempur foam (only way to get 36" width) for the Chief. Can't wait to try it. They are being recovered now.
Hope you got your questions answered!
Blue Skies and Stay Safe, and preserve 'em