Aircraft Upholstery Vinyl — FAR 25.853(a) Listed, Documentation Available by Request
Since 1932 · High Point, NC
Recovering an aircraft seat or cabin interior? Carolyn Fabrics supplies upholstery vinyl listed by the manufacturer as meeting FAR 25.853(a) flammability requirements — and manufacturer burn documentation is available when requested with the order. Made-to-order, no minimums, ships in 1–2 business days.
What "aviation-grade" upholstery vinyl actually means
Aircraft cabin materials must pass the flammability standards in FAR 25.853(a) — a vertical-burn test measuring how a material ignites, how long it burns, and how far the flame travels after the source is removed. Materials that pass are listed by the manufacturer as meeting FAR 25.853(a).
Our aviation vinyl, Spirit Millennium, is listed by the manufacturer (Naugahyde®/Uniroyal) as meeting FAR 25.853(a) — and we provide that burn certification when requested with the order so your shop or A&P has the documentation on file. That paper trail is the part most suppliers make you hunt for. We don't.
The documented aviation vinyl: Spirit Millennium
A durable contract vinyl in a deep range of cabin-appropriate colors — the same material trusted in commercial and hospitality interiors, listed by the manufacturer as meeting FAR 25.853(a) cabin flammability requirements. Order a $5 swatch to check the color and feel before you commit; request manufacturer burn documentation with the order if you need it.
Aviation Interior Kit — vinyl + matched thread, documentation by request
Skip piecing it together. The kit bundles 3 or 5 yards of Spirit Millennium in your color with bonded polyester thread we match to your vinyl for you — and the burn certification documentation is available when requested with the order. From $128.99.
Foam-free by design — aircraft seat foam must be fire-rated for your application, so you source that separately.
Slipstream Aviation Leather — FAR 25.853(a) Certified Hides
Some interiors call for real leather. Slipstream is our aviation upholstery leather — pre-treated top-grain that passes the FAR 25.853(a) 12-second vertical burn test, with independent lab burn documentation available for every hide. Sold by the whole hide (50–55 sq ft), shipped free, in 32 cabin-ready colors. Order the $25 sample deck to confirm your color in hand before committing to a hide.
Built for the people who sign the logbook
How ordering works
- Sample it — order a $5 swatch (free shipping) to confirm color and texture.
- Order your yardage — by the yard, no minimum. Not sure how much? Use our project builder.
- Get the cert — request your burn certification documentation with the order.
- It ships in 1-2 business days for in-stock material.
A note on foam: aircraft seat foam must be fire-rated for your application, and FR sew foam is not something we stock — so aviation orders are vinyl and thread; you source aircraft-rated foam separately. We'd rather tell you that up front than sell you the wrong foam.
Aviation upholstery FAQ
Is Spirit Millennium FAA approved?
It's listed by the manufacturer as meeting FAR 25.853(a) flammability requirements, and we provide the burn certification documentation when requested with the order. Final airworthiness and installation compliance for your specific aircraft are determined by your installer/A&P per applicable FAA regulations.
What is FAR 25.853(a)?
It's the FAA flammability standard for materials used in aircraft cabin interiors — including a vertical-burn test for ignition, burn time, and flame travel. Cabin upholstery typically must meet it.
Do you provide burn certification?
Yes — the burn certification documentation is available when requested with the order, at no extra charge.
Can I get a sample first?
Yes. A $5 swatch ships free so you can check the color and feel before ordering yardage.
Do you sell FR (fire-rated) foam?
No. Aircraft seat foam must be fire-rated for the application, and we don't stock FR sew foam — so we supply the documented vinyl and thread, and you source aircraft-rated foam separately.
How fast does it ship?
In-stock material ships in 1-2 business days from High Point, NC.
Ready to recover that interior?
Carolyn Fabrics supplies upholstery materials and the manufacturer's flammability (burn) certification documentation. We do not determine airworthiness. Final compliance, installation, and airworthiness determinations for your aircraft are the responsibility of the installer/owner and certifying mechanic under applicable FAA regulations.