Constructing the Seats

[18 hrs]

Constructing the Seats: 20 & 21 December

Having purchased the delux interior finish with the BushCaddy monogram in each of the two seats, constructing the frame takes a little time and but worth the effort as the seats are adjustable and lock into position sliding along the bottom rail on nylon runners. TIP: Construct the seats before securing the rails that hold the trim control to the frame to make sure the seats slide on the runners without obstruction.

Cut all the sections as set out in the drawings, fit and hold with clecos to make sure the seats at square and at the right angles. After cleaning, deburring, etching and reassemble, start the solid riveting process always checking to make sure the seat remains square.
TIP: When securing the top angle that stops the seat from coming out, place a scrap piece of 0.025" skin between the runner and the bottom aluminum rail before drilling and riveting the top retaining angle into position. This will ensure the seat slides without hindrance.

February 8 & 11

With the rails now fitted into position with the trim controls and the locking pin able to allow the seat to be slid in and out, back and forward to suit the pilot and passenger, fitting the 3 point aircraft approved seat belts is the next task.
TIP: Make sure they don't interfere with the seat, or the control cables from the foot pedals going through the cabin to the vertical stabilizer.

September 26 2003

I have read incident reports regarding aircraft with adjustable seats where for one reason or another, the seat has released allowing the seat to slide backwards during takeoff. As a result, the pilot has pulled back on the stick making the aircraft to stall. While I am not saying that this will happen to the BushCaddy, I have decided to put a stopper at the end of each rail and a stronger spring under the seat to bring greater pressure on the adjustment leaver.

The compression spring pushed over two 3/16" nuts and the angle bracket screwed to the bottom of the seat with the bottom of the spring making contact with the top of the lever arm making sure the pin remains in the rail hole

T6 aluminum angle has been cut to size and fitted into position using counter sunk solid rivets leaving a small gap between the seat in the fully extended position and the stopper bracket.
TIP: I would suggest fitting the stopper while constructing the seat so there is no gap between the rail and the stopper.

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