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<http://www.customflightcreations.com/>
(813) 653-4989
----- Original Message -----
From: jimpuglise@comcast.net<mailto:jimpuglise@comcast.net>
To: Europa List<mailto:europa-list@matronics.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 6:26 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Seat Cushions
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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