My brother & I are planning a cross country trip (with my 85hp 415C) which will require one or two take offs at airports with altitudes 4000 to 4500 feet and temperatures up to 100 degrees F. Density altitude probably at about 6500 feet or possibly higher. Runways are 6000 feet long and the Ercoupe will be loaded to maximum at 1320 pounds.
Considering all the above information, the 415-D flight manual charts (pages 10 and 11) show that it will take 3950 feet to take off and we will climb at 330 feet per minute. My problem is that I have never done this. My normal take off roll when I am alone and it's 70 degrees F. takes me 1000 feet or less. What I really need is someone who is very experienced in these long take off rolls to help convince me that the Ercoupe will really take off at 3950 feet and then climb at 330 feet per minute. Of course, if it isn't at take off speed at 3950 feet of the 6000 foot runway, I still have time to abort the take off. I will really appreciate any information or advice you can provide. Thanks, Dennis Hatfield
