Ron Natalie wrote:



The requirement in general is that the materials be fire retardent. If
you
have a CAR 3 certificated aircraft, then there is NO requirement to use FAA
approved or tested materials.

You may be lucky enough to have a FSDO that will allow that. I have
talked to 5 different FSDO's about new upholstery, because originally I
was told that too and they all say the same thing. Any new upholstery
in any aircraft must meet FAR 23.853.



If you have a FAR23 certificated machine, then you will have to use
approved
materials. There are lots of approved materials out there and even if
not, if
you have a resistant material, having it burn tested isn't too involved
(other
than the charge).

It's actually difficult to find material that doesn't meet the spec from
pretty much any upholstery shop. So in the end the point is moot.