I've got a 1973 C182 and I'm looking for info on removing the factory rear overly reclined and damn near permanently installed futon before adding it to a 135 certificate. I'd like to install seat rails in the back and C206 middle seats, as I've heard of this mod before. Has anybody seen this done? Any help would be great. I hate Atlee Dodge folding seats, they're installed in our C180.

Not an answer to your question, but was curious what you did not like about the Atlee Dodge seats. I just got my 185 out of annual and had new Atlee Dodge seat installed. Hated the factory rear seat and liked the option of only removing one single seat, for fishing excursions. Have only flown it home and not used the new seats yet. Your thoughts? Thanks. Steve

They are horrible if everything was not installed exactly right. The Atlee seats in the 180 I fly take pounding, shoving, cursing, and jerking to remove from the rails. Installing them anywhere other than the very forward notch is impossible. Could be the rails weren't installed correctly, but I won't take that chance with my airplane. Atlee charges a lot for their furniture too.

Why would you remove the Atlee Dodge seats?? They fold up against the side wall so you don't HAVE to remove them... BAS makes a similar seat as well. I've used several sets of BAS and Atlee Dodge seats and never had a problem with them. Then again, I've never actually SAT in one of them, either. I doubt they're really very comfy.

I've never heard of an STC to install seat rails in the back of a Cessna that wasn't born with them, but who knows? I suspect, since that's serious structural, though, that you won't find a field approval.

The later model 180/185 airplanes had nutplates installed in the aft door post and along the side panel to permit attachment of the removable Cessna single seats. Those airplanes had two sets of nut plates. If you could find a set of those seats, you MIGHT be able to get the FAA to permit you to install a similar mounting arrangement??? Those seats just rest on the floor, and attach to the side wall in two places, forward and aft.

MTV

Several years ago, I got a field approval to install a single one of those 180/185 jump seats in the back of my 170. Easy installation, and the paperwork was no big deal either. Of course, it wasn't for part 135 use either.

I have not moved these seat yet, so I cannot comment on how they come out, but I will be very dissapointed if they don't work good (for the price). My seats were installed side by side in the back, on rail systems with various forward-aft positions available. I had assumed they would be mounted, one on a side, facing each other and was surprised when I saw them in this configuration, but that is what one gets for assuming (I just never learn). I am sure they cannot be any less comfortable than the factory seat, but won't be used for long flights anyway. I will check out how they work in the next couple of days and report back. Thanks for the thoughts. Steve

Here is something from the 180 Club website.

We did the Kenmore Air STC on our C180 for 206 middle seats on rails instead of the factory bench seat. Not sure about an STC for the 182. Absolutely fantastic mod. More comfortable than Attlee Dodge but heavier. Lots of options depending on loads and passengers. Both forward, both back, one forward one back, both in, both out, one in one out etc...

Jamie