Navy SH-3A,D,G & H Seaking, USCG HH-3F Pelican  & USAF HH-3C/E Pilot and Crew Seat Restoration and Conversion

Navy USCG USAF H-3 Helicopter Pilot Crew Seat Crew Seat Office Chair Conversion Plans

I used Rustoluem Automotive Sandable Primer Gray to paint my H-3 seat followed by Rustoleum Smoke Gray Gloss paint as the top coat. Pretty darn close to good ole Navy Gray paint. I purchased fabric for the seats purchasing Byrne Woolen 55 Performance Tweed, 3 yards and Bryne Black Magic 55YRRL Performance Tween for the second seat. I purchased 3 yards for each seat based on the trim shop recommendations after reviewing my drawings made of a Siller Brothers Helicopters H-3/S-61 Pilot Seat and back cushion. I could not find the proper 3 inch thick styrofoam base material and instead purchased 3 inch thick foam (stiffest available) for use as a basis for the seat and back cushions with additional comfort foam.

Now that two sets of cushions have been made, the trim shop indicates a set of these cushions would only require 2 yards versus 3 yards of material.

RADM John Higginson’s Navy SH-3A, D, G & H Pilot Seat

Many thanks to CDR Bob “Higgie” Higginson, USN (Ret.), the Admiral’s son for sharing pictures of his father’s H-3 Pilot Seat which the Wardroom of HS-10 presented to him when he finished his tour as the Commanding Officer.

Mike,

Good to see you the other day.  As promised, here are some pictures of my dad’s H-3 seat that was given to him when he left HS-10 (bound for the Naval War College).  At the time, it was a tongue in cheek comment that his flying days were over and he was going to be flying a desk for the rest of his career.  The chair served as my dad’s office chair at home until his death. When my mom died, my brother Pat claimed the chair.  The chair currently resides at Capestrano High School where Pat teaches.  He uses it to peak his students’ interest when they first show up for class. 

Hope all continues to go well for you.  Tell anyone that knows me that I said hello.

Cheers,

Bob

Navy H-46A Helicopter Pilot and Crew Seat Restoration and Conversion

Mike Strobach’s Navy H-46 Pilot Seat and conversion.

Navy SH-3A,D,G & H Seaking, USCG HH-3F Pelican  & USAF HH-3C/E Pilot and Crew Seat Restoration and Conversion

Navy USCG USAF H-3 Helicopter Pilot Crew Seat Crew Seat Office Chair Conversion Plans

I used Rustoluem Automotive Sandable Primer Gray to paint my H-3 seat followed by Rustoleum Smoke Gray Gloss paint as the top coat. Pretty darn close to good ole Navy Gray paint. I purchased fabric for the seats purchasing Byrne Woolen 55 Performance Tweed, 3 yards and Bryne Black Magic 55YRRL Performance Tween for the second seat. I purchased 3 yards for each seat based on the trim shop recommendations after reviewing my drawings made of a Siller Brothers Helicopters H-3/S-61 Pilot Seat and back cushion. I could not find the proper 3 inch thick styrofoam base material and instead purchased 3 inch thick foam (stiffest available) for use as a basis for the seat and back cushions with additional comfort foam.

Now that two sets of cushions have been made, the trim shop indicates a set of these cushions would only require 2 yards versus 3 yards of material.

I purchased the seat fabric from Keystone Brothers in San Diego, a large upholstery wholesaler for all types of Upholstery.