Caravan Straddle Bench

[rushmc 18]

I am trying to get some information to help a DZO here build a set of straddle benches for his new plane. A Grand Caravan freight modle. Materials, construction tips, anything that can help. Anybody know someone who can give me some tech support for building these? PM me if you feel that is the best way and thanks in advance for your help

Marc

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[diablopilot 2]

Custom cut high density styrofoam cores, 1/8 plywood to protect, outdoor carpet covering w/ 2" closed cell foam for the seat.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[lekstrom10k 0]

I would check with Paul Fayard at Carolina Sky Sports. listed in the Drop zones of North Carolinas. If it has anything to do with planes he has the plans and paper work.Ours is strictly Styro- foam with a layer of spongy foam on top, no wood. A nice touch is the strap sewn parallel to the floor about 8 to 10 inches at 6 inch intervals. Its to keep the seat belts off the floor when you slide down with tandems. Tecumseh has a pocket for the port side rear to keep the last seldom used belt from going out the door.We shift ours as much as we can forward so the tandem rig is on it for the climb.Unless you have different height pilots it can pretty much stay there.Mark Mc manamay just made seat covers I was told maybe he can help you . Ours are also just Velcroed to the floor.

[Beerlight 0]

Not sure, but isn't there an STC for this?

diverdriver usually has some good info on things like this.....

[Gawain 0]

Whatever you think is missing from whatever advice you get here, you can try and contact Joe Weber at Skydive Oregon, his Caravans have straddle benches.

I don't know about the core, but the outside is a poly-vinyl type material.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[rushmc 18]

Quote

Whatever you think is missing from whatever advice you get here, you can try and contact Joe Weber at Skydive Oregon, his Caravans have straddle benches.

I don't know about the core, but the outside is a poly-vinyl type material.

thanks.

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[rushmc 18]

thanks to everyone responding. I will be able to get the info needed from those with some history with the benches. Hopfully this will save me some time and pain.

Thanks again to all!!!

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[riggerrob 561]

14 to 16 inches high and about the same width.
Height will vary depending upon how much headroom you want.
Make them out of Styrofoam, with a firmer layer of upholstery foam on the top.Wrap in heavy-duty, upholstery vinyl.
Velcro to the floor.
You do not need an STC as they are considered "cargo."
If the FAA gives you a hard time, just toss them out the door!

[rushmc 18]

Quote

14 to 16 inches high and about the same width.
Height will vary depending upon how much headroom you want.
Make them out of Styrofoam, with a firmer layer of upholstery foam on the top.Wrap in heavy-duty, upholstery vinyl.
Velcro to the floor.
You do not need an STC as they are considered "cargo."
If the FAA gives you a hard time, just toss them out the door!

With or without a parachute?

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[vegasjoe 0]

Why waste a parachute on the FAA?, or were you referring to the bench?

[rushmc 18]

Quote

Why waste a parachute on the FAA?, or were you referring to the bench?

shhh, they may track me down

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[rushmc 18]

Once again. Thanks to everyone who responded, PM's emailed and shared plans, ideas, suggestions and advice. If I can't help the DZO build the best dam straddle bench ever built now I don't think I ever could.

That is what I love about this site. It is full of skydivers. The best people on (above) the planet. They will always help anyway they can!

Thanks again

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln