Sierra fifth seat

Ron-
I'm assuming you mean the relatively rare bench seat found in a very few Sierras. The small bench was actually designed to seat two small people (presumably children). There was a weight limit for the seat and in the planes configured for the bench, there was a "foot well" so that a person could sit comfortably.

Does your plane have the "foot well?"

As far as I know, the bench assembly consisted of several pieces so there is no one part number for the bench. These benches do occasionally surface on some of the airplane sites as well as some of the auction sites, but you could be waiting a while for that to occur.

I think you will have to take a very active role in seeking the bench. Look at the Club's "Product Discounts" list for some names of vendors that specialize in Beech parts and you might find a lead on a bench. Here is the link to the "Product Discounts" vendors:
https://vbl.beechaeroclub.org/content.php/41-Product-Discounts

Good luck and let us know how things turn out.
 
I thought I had read somewhere on the site that it is not legal to install a fifth seat in a Sierra not designed for one. Am I wrong?
 
Bill,
I think I recall that too. There is a lot to the sub-assembly involved in mounting and supporting the family seat (as Beech called it) or bench. The shoulder harness mounting points and a lot of other things really complicate the issue.

I supposed one could get all the parts and successfully install the option but the cost would just be over the top and then you'd have to find some way to get it approved.....good luck with that one!
 
Thank you for the reply. No, my Sierra does not have a foot well. Looks like it may not be a good idea to attempt to install one

Ron
 
I have the "family seat" option that consists of the miniature bench seat, two seat belts with inertia reel shoulder straps and the ultra useful footwell. I have used it once (only) and I have to say that it is very unnerving to fly the Sierra that close to the edge of the envelope, with so many souls on board.

Out of it all, I would prefer to ditch the seat and make good use of the conveniently sized hole in the floor for secure stowage aft of CofG and enjoy the flight. If I really needed the additional seating, I would look for a 300hp Bo.

Mark
In Oz
 
Ron, it is my understanding that the 3rd row of seats cannot be added to a Siera that did not have the extra framework installed originally during assembly. I have never figured out why Beech left out the footwell in the Sierras that did not have the 3rd row seats. It really is a great place to store tools and chocks etc while still having a floor over it if you build some kind of a lid.
 
My insurance told me to remove the seat belts and it would significantly reduce the premium! The footwell IS very useful. With A small door it would be hard to get a "200lb" person in there( which mine has).
 
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