FIA Seat Clarification

#1

I just spent another rowdy lunchtime reading the NASA CCRs. The following section on seat back supports caught my attention, particularly because I just purchased matching FIA-certified seats that have never been used/installed, but were produced in 2001. Prior to purchase I researched whether seats had an expiration like harnesses, and they did not. Now, it seems that they do–do others agree with this assessment?

Thanks,
Sasha

15.6.22 Seat Back Support
A seatback support must be made to hold the seat from going back in the event of a
crash. A plate should be used to distribute the load. No bolts, corners, or sharp objects
should be placed is such a manner that could lead to a possible puncture of the driver in
a high impact crash. Proper design and installation is crucial to safety and it is
recommend that the driver employ the services of a professional race car builder for this,
as well as all other vehicle safety items. An exception may be made for those seats
homologated to, and mounted in accordance, with FIA 8855-1999 standards. Those
seats that qualify for the aforementioned exception must conform to the entire FIA 8855-
1999 set of regulations. This includes a mandatory seat replacement of any seat more
than five (5) years old. Please reference the FIA regulations. http://www.fia.com/ :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

#2

my take is that if it is a non-FIA seat or an FIA seat that is more than 5 years old, it must have a seat back brace on the driver’s seat.
cheers,
bruce

#3

That is correct. FIA seat certifications expire 5 years from manufacture date, as do FIA certified harness belts. Harness belts need to be replaced while seats can continue to be used, if a seat back brace is installed.

#4

Chris Schimmel said NASA tends to follow SCCA rules (as does BMW CCA Club Racing), but after just reviewing the SCCA GCR’s, apparently NASA is more strict becasue SCCA doesn’t require a seat support if the seat is FIA, regardless of manufacturing date.

Sasha

#5

Sasha,

I have a used one if you are interested.

JP

#6

Sasha,
I believe that an expired FIA seat no longer meets the FIA standard, and hence would need a seat back brace in SCCA. I have had SCCA techs comment that I only had one more year on my current seats.
thanks,
bruce

from SCCA GCR:
8. The driver’s seat shall be firmly mounted to the structure of the
car. In cars where the seat is upright the back of the seat shall
be firmly attached to the main roll hoop, or it’s cross bracing, so
as to provide aft and lateral support. Seats homologated to and
mounted in accordance with FIA standard 8855-1999 or higher
need not have the seat back attached to the roll structure. The
homologation labels must be visible. Seat supports shall be of
the type listed on FIA technical list No.12 (lateral, bottom, etc).

Ex36 wrote:

[quote]Chris Schimmel said NASA tends to follow SCCA rules (as does BMW CCA Club Racing), but after just reviewing the SCCA GCR’s, apparently NASA is more strict becasue SCCA doesn’t require a seat support if the seat is FIA, regardless of manufacturing date.

Sasha[/quote]

#7

JP,

Is your used seat support a bolt-in or weld-in? Also, do you want me to send along that key fob?

Thanks,
Sasha

#8

It’s a bolt in.

Are you going to the THSCC DE at VIR in Feb? I could just get it then, or I’ll just let you know when I’ll be in Durham next. I may actually be there Sat. at Chris’s.

JP

Post edited by: 155MPH, at: 2006/01/26 22:11

#9

Let’s meet in Durham some time. I’m working on my car at Chris’s on Sunday, so you could leave the seat support there and let me check it out if you don’t mind. I won’t be at VIR for the THSCC event, unfortunately.

Sasha