I have a 1946 415C and plan to fly it, with my brother as co-pilot, from Riverside, California to Tea, South Dakota. I originally planned the trip for May, 2010, but it has been delayed and now planned to start on June 19, 2010. My original plan for the May flight was a route through Southern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, then NE thru the corner of Texas, then NE thru Kansas and Nebraska into South Dakota.
Now that the trip has been delayed to the middle of June, I am concerned about the possible 100+ degree temperatures in Arizona and New Mexico and my Ercoupe close to maximum load with about 400# of pilot and co-pilot. When I land for fuel, I may not be able to take off at high elevation airports and 100 degree temperature. Can someone please advise if there is a logical alternate route going North in California and crossing the mountains thru a pass east from Oregon or Washington? Another complication is that I don't want to fly higher than 8000 feet. I know the Ercoupe will go higher but I don't feel good at higher altitudes. I will appreciate any advice or help that anyone can supply. Thanks, Dennis Hatfield N2738H
