rushmc 18 #1 August 15, 2007 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #2 August 15, 2007 Custom cut high density styrofoam cores, 1/8 plywood to protect, outdoor carpet covering w/ 2" closed cell foam for the seat.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lekstrom10k 0 #3 August 15, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #4 August 15, 2007 Not sure, but isn't there an STC for this? diverdriver usually has some good info on things like this..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #5 August 15, 2007 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! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 18 #6 August 15, 2007 QuoteWhatever 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 18 #7 August 15, 2007 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 561 #8 August 15, 2007 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! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 18 #9 August 15, 2007 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vegasjoe 0 #10 August 17, 2007 Why waste a parachute on the FAA?, or were you referring to the bench? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 18 #11 August 17, 2007 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 18 #12 August 18, 2007 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites