SCCA seat rule clarification

[Scott]

Can someone offer some insight about the SCCA's FIA seat rule. I have read that they expire after 5 years, and I have also read that they do not expire. I find the wording in the CCR somewhat confusing (unlike w/ NASA) I am saving for a containment seat and I do not want to be caught off guard at my first SCCA event. Anyone?

[tac911t]

Where is the GCR do you find wording on the FIA certification of the seat expiring? I only found wording pertaining to the seat back mounting for non-FIA seats.

[Scott]

SCCA: 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

NASA: 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, or use of a seat back brace, for any seat more than five (5) years old.

FIA: 8855-1999 is 5 years with a 2 year extension if the seat is re-certified by the manufacturer. 8862-2009 is 10 years.

That is where my confusion is. NASA specifically says that after 5 years you have to use a back brace or replace the seat, while the SCCA is more gray in that area. I want to do the VIR event in 2 weeks, but I do not want any surprises when I go through tech

[aged racer]

I wouldn't fool with that FIA stuff, just buy a good seat and plan on doing a seat back brace.

Steve

[tac911t]

My understanding is that SCCA does not expire the FIA seats. If the seat has the FIA sticker, then a seat back bracket is not needed. As Steve said, add the bracket as a safety measure.