Aztec and 337 cross the Pacific!
Yup, Bevan, that's the kind of view I'd like to see once in my life.
Thanks for all the kind offers of PMs and so on. Since I'm kinda piggybacking on Conways's thread, and he and I are corresponding, I won't double up on anyone just yet, but will save the thread so maybe I can follow up later, after exchanging notes with Conway.
One Q, though, for Buck Rogers. Do I understand you correctly that engines and props on transpac ferries must be new or newly overhauled? That certainly seems to be what you're saying. If so, seems a little counter intuitive, in that I was under impression most genuine engine failures (ie not fuel related) actually occur in first few hundred hours of service, and NOT on high time engines, which are well worn in and all that. I seem to recall a Lycoming comment to this effect, anyway. Would you mind clarifying?
Thanks for the encouragement, and warnings. Both are being taken on board.