Cessna 172E – Full Interior Refurbishment
The Project
This project involved a complete interior refit of a 1963 Cessna 172E aircraft, carried out by Generation Global. The refurbishment encompassed:
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Plastic trim repairs and side paneling restoration
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New decals
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Floor coverings
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Headlining replacement
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Seat upholstery overhaul
Before-and-after shots have been provided to showcase the impressive transformation. All of these parts are available for purchase via Generation Global’s online shop.
Before – The Original Condition
The aircraft, a 1963 Cessna 172E, was acquired by the Marlborough Aeroclub in 2012 to engage young pilots and share the thrill of flying. Originally imported from Arizona, USA, where it had spent nearly 50 years, the aircraft is now based at Omaka airfield, home to a wide variety of classic aircraft, including a significant collection of WW1 aircraft at the Aviation Heritage Centre.
While the aircraft had historical charm, the interior needed significant repairs to restore its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Seat Refurbishment
The seats were completely overhauled, including:
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Frame stripping and repainting
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Replacement of foam cushions and seat diaphragms
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Installation of new seat dress covers
The seating configuration features two non-articulated front seats and a rear bench seat with split backrests and headrests. The seat diaphragms were crafted from a specialist material with multi-directional stretch for durability, while the cushions were designed for both comfort and support.
The seat covers were made from ‘Lead Grey’ (ADI-1111) aviation leather, with perforation in the seat inserts for breathability. A vertical seam with double stitching runs along the center of the inserts, adding a refined touch to the seats.
After – The Refined Interior
After the refurbishment, the interior of the Cessna 172E was transformed with carefully selected materials and attention to detail.
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Floor and Lower Sidewall Panelling
The floor and lower sidewalls were completed in Zimmer carpet, which was matched to the aircraft’s interior. The edges were finished with black mesh binding for a clean look. The darker carpet on the bottom of the sidewalls helps mask irregularities like air vents. -
Upper Sidewall & Upholstery
The upper sidewalls were covered with ‘Athena’ (012) synthetic leather, providing a lighter contrast to the darker materials used below. The piping along the seam where the carpet meets the leather ties the whole design together. The upper sidewalls also feature two horizontal break lines in Lead Grey leather, extending the full length of the cabin. -
Plastic Trim Restoration
The plastic trims were removed, repaired, and repainted to match the sidewalls and headlining. Any cracks and damage were fixed, leaving the trims looking as good as new. -
Headlining
A suspended ribbed vinyl headlining in ‘Athena’ (100) was installed, slightly lighter than the sidewall material to brighten the cabin. -
Additional Details
New door pull handles, control yokes, and decals were added to the instrument panel, completing the refurbishment.
This project breathed new life into the Cessna 172E, providing a modern, fresh interior while preserving the aircraft’s historical charm. The aircraft is now ready for many more years of flying, with a welcoming and professional cabin environment.
