MC1211514-2 – McFarlane FAA-PMA Forward Seat Rail for Cessna Caravan
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Overview
The McFarlane MC1211514-2 is a flight-critical, FAA-PMA approved, primary structural seat rail for the pilot and copilot forward positions on the Cessna 208 and 208B Caravan. This is not an ordinary track; it is an engineered component designed to perform two critical safety functions: to provide the secure locking points for the crew seat during normal operations, and to withstand the immense inertial loads of the occupant during a survivable crash sequence. Worn, cracked, or elongated holes in a seat rail are a major airworthiness concern that can prevent the seat's locking pins from properly engaging, potentially leading to the seat coming loose during critical phases of flight.
McFarlane Aviation, a leader in FAA-PMA parts, has engineered this rail to meet or exceed the performance of the original. It is precision-extruded and machined from high-strength 7075-T6511 aluminum alloy, the premier material for this application due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue resistance. As a primary structural component that directly affects occupant safety, the McFarlane MC1211514-2 has undergone rigorous FAA analysis and testing to guarantee it is an airworthy and superior replacement for the original Cessna part.
Key Features
FAA-PMA Certified Primary Structure: A fully certified, airworthy replacement for Cessna P/N 1211514-2, approved for this critical structural application.
High-Strength 7075-T6511 Aluminum: Fabricated from a premium, stress-relieved aluminum alloy extrusion, providing the maximum possible strength and resistance to fatigue and cracking.
Precision Extruded and Machined: Manufactured to exacting tolerances to ensure a perfect fit to the airframe floor and precise geometry for the seat locking pin holes, preventing "slop" and ensuring positive engagement.
Superior Wear and Corrosion Resistance: Anodized for a hard, durable surface finish that resists wear from the seat rollers and locking pins, and protects against corrosion.
Improved Design: McFarlane parts often incorporate improvements in material or manufacturing processes to increase service life and durability over the original OEM components.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: MC1211514-2
Component Type: Forward Crew Seat Rail (Primary Structure)
OEM Manufacturer: McFarlane Aviation, Inc.
Certification: FAA-PMA (Replaces Cessna P/N 1211514-2)
Material: 7075-T6511 Aluminum Alloy Extrusion
Finish: Anodized (e.g., per MIL-A-8625 Type II)
Aircraft Compatibility
Cessna (Textron Aviation): 208 Caravan, 208B Grand Caravan
Note: This compatibility list is for general reference. Applicability can vary by aircraft serial number. The McFarlane eligibility list and the aircraft's specific Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) are the final authorities.
Applications
Crew Seat Installation: Provides the primary structural track and locking points for the pilot and copilot seats.
Crashworthiness: Engineered to secure the seat and occupant to the airframe floor and withstand the high-G forward loads specified in FAA crash safety standards.
Airworthiness Directive (AD) Compliance: Replacement of worn seat rails is often mandated by FAA ADs to resolve unsafe conditions.
Why Choose MC1211514-2?
The seat rail is the direct structural link between the pilot and the aircraft. Its failure is not an option. McFarlane has a world-renowned reputation for producing FAA-PMA parts that are not just equivalent, but often superior to the originals. This seat rail is manufactured using the highest-strength material and most precise methods available. The FAA's approval of this part for a primary structural application is the ultimate testament to its quality and safety. Choosing the McFarlane MC1211514-2 is a direct investment in the structural integrity of your aircraft and the safety of your flight crew.
The material specification for the MC1211514-2, 7075-T6511 aluminum, is an explicit engineering choice for a high-stress, fatigue-critical application. The 7075 alloy is an aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper composition that achieves its strength via precipitation hardening. The -T6511 temper is particularly critical. The -T6 portion involves solution heat-treating and then artificially aging the material to grow fine precipitates ($$\eta'$$phase,MgZn2) within the aluminum's grain structure. These precipitates act as obstacles to dislocation motion, giving the alloy its very high yield strength. The crucial "-511" suffix denotes that the raw extrusion is stress-relieved by a controlled 1.5% to 3% permanent stretch after quenching but before aging. This process minimizes residual internal stresses from the manufacturing and heat-treating processes. The result is a material that is not only exceptionally strong but also dimensionally stable and highly resistant to distortion during the final machining of the rail, ensuring a perfectly straight and true final part.
Note: The MC1211514-2 is a primary structural airframe component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P/IA mechanic, strictly in accordance with the Textron Aviation Cessna 208 Series Maintenance Manual and any applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs). All mounting hardware must be new and torqued to the specified values. A full functional check of the seat's travel and locking pin engagement in every hole must be performed before the aircraft is returned to service.
Documentation
McFarlane Aviation, Inc. Website: Full eligibility lists, installation instructions, and technical notes for this FAA-PMA part are available on the McFarlane Aviation website.