Removal of back seat / paperwork required ?

[Billy Dennis]

Hi All,

I was wanting to remove the rear seat on my 180 so I can take my bicycle with me camping. Does anyone have paperwork for this ? Thanks Billy

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Remove it and note weight change in the aircraft weight and balance. You are then legal. Change the W&B back when you reinstall. If you add anything to the floor to make it a hard floor, then you need a 337 for major change of the airframe. Just removing the seat is allowed as long as the W&B and equipment list is correct.
-Zach

[Billy Dennis]

Thanks Zach,

If I lay a piece of plywood across the hole without attaching it would require a 337 ? Thanks

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Billy,
As long as it is not attached, you do not need a 337, however you may be in violation of the FARs if any loose object is not tied down...do what you want and try to be as "safe" as possible and you should not have any issues. Just be warned, if the feds are ramping at any airport you are at, you will probably draw attention as the strange configuration will be of special interest. Have all your paperwork in order and your cargo and floor tied down (seatbelts work great for this and are approved installations hint hint...). Hope this helps!
-Zach