Interior Fabrics - Flame Resistant? DAR check?

[John Bickham]

I was considering covering my interior with a removable indoor/outdoor carpet. I had "discovered" one that is really close to the same weight as Polyfiber fabric. There would be a weight penalty for tab attachment points. This is only my second airplane. The first was before the FAA contracted out inspections to DAR's. My first inspection was a walk into the hangar, handshake, 30 second look at the plane, then "let's get this paperwork done". I was actually a little disappointed due to all the work and prep I had done for the inspection. I'm pretty sure DAR's may be more diligent than my first experience. There is probably a lot variation among DAR's as well.

For those that have been through this, do DAR's dig into the details of interior fabric flame resistance and flame test. I'm going to do a little flame test on a sample soon. I've looked at some of this in PART 23 of the regs. Typical, a lot of room for interpretation. When the recommended covering is poly-fiber fabric, don't think it takes much to reach the same level of flame resistance?

I'm not sure this even applies to Experimental. I was hoping to use the fabric for a few reasons: 1) easy to replace, 2) a little protection to exterior fabric, 3) removable for repairs, inspections, and infrequent SuperSTOL needs.

Any specific reference material??

[N942VT]

The DAR that check me out five years ago didn't want to see any proof of burn tests or anything like that, he was most interested in the overall quality of the build without specific materials used. He seemed to put allot of stake in the tech counselor visits and the IA inspections I had recorded along the way as well as the build standards and thoughtfulness.

[alaskabearhawk]

Mark Scott used some fabric that would sustain flame in his interior, but he treated it with some type of liquid. Maybe something like this: http://www.fireretardantsinc.com/fpr...n_barrier.html. It certainly can't hurt. The question is are you just after passing an inspection or are you really concerned about flammability of interior components?

[John Bickham]

That's a valid question and good point Paul. The real question I was really asking was if this is a checklist item for DAR's. If so, what is needed to document. If I flame test the stuff and it lights up like a roman candle, obviously won't use it. If it burns with torch on it but self extinguishes, I'm in.

The following is strictly my opinion and risk acceptance level. I think the flame resistant fabrics and test are most important and necessary for commuter cabins with multiple passengers. Enough to have a line to get out the door. Have particiapted in both industrial and residential firefighting. The fact is we live and fly with enough bad stuff around us to kill us from the noxious fumes long before they reach ignition temperature. Also fire will make you move if at all possible. Sadly we have all seen what people will do to get away from flames. If you can't move, that 25 gallons of fuel 14 inches from my left ear would be more of a concern that some smoldering fabric.

[marcusofcotton]

Mark Scott used some fabric that would sustain flame in his interior, but he treated it with some type of liquid. Maybe something like this: http://www.fireretardantsinc.com/fpr...n_barrier.html. It certainly can't hurt. The question is are you just after passing an inspection or are you really concerned about flammability of interior components?

Actually, it possibly may hurt. I've heard concerns in the past about some fire retardants being corrosive. On the page linked, this product says it is corrosive to metal. Valid concerns about flammability...

[alaskabearhawk]

Good point. Mark would have to chime in here as to what he used. I didn't look at any product info, just googled it and it came up. I'm sure there are others that may not have the same chemical composition. However, it appears the liquid form is corrosive. One dry, I would doubt it would be corrosive otherwise it would defeat the purpose of treating clothing and other materials with it. A phone call to the manufacturer would clear that up.

[John Bickham]

Conducted flame test. Used a propane torch instead of the specified bunsen burner which probably was a bit hotter flame. Result was a little worse than a kerosene lantern wick.
Now regrouping and exploring other interior covering options. Investigating kydex which is lighter than aluminum. Still got fabric as a choice, as well as no interior covering.

[jaredyates]

I like the last two choices the most! I think you could mitigate most of your concerns and still use aircraft fabric for the interior. It sounds like your biggest concerns have been access and protection. Access can be made with inspection holes, and as for protection, it's really pretty durable stuff.