Mike Manning
Mike Manning has been doing upholstery work for more than 30 years. He’s a private pilot, SEL and glider, and he’s instrument rated with all three launch endorsements for his glider ticket.
The Owner Assisted Interior
Working with an upholstery expert can save you money and time when designing and installing an interior in an Experimental aircraft. By Mike Manning.
Cover Story: Carpet and Panels
Now that you've fabricated your seat upholstery, its time to tackle the rest of the interior with a look at carpeting and door panels.
Cover Story: Seat Cover Conventions
Now that the foam is cut and glued, we’ll learn how to make the pattern, choose and cut the fabric, and sew the cover.
Cover Story: Building a Custom Cushion
Learn how to measure, cut and assemble the foam pieces that constitute the seat cushion.
Cover Story: Designing Men
In this first installment of the upholstery series, the author looks at the basics: sewing machines, scissors, needles and thread, and more.
In Case You Missed It
![[Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSC_0053.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Pre-War Porterfield")
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook takes a moment to put lifes challenges in perspective as Senior Editor Bob Fritz enters the fight of his life with his characteristic positive attitude.
Ask the DAR
When can a project be registered as Experimental? Can a non-complying airplane be registered as an LSA? How is the 51% criterion determined? Answers to these questions come from DAR Mel Asberry.
