- Any suggestions for a professional aircraft rental outfit based in California?
www.angelcityflyers.com or California Flight Center, Inc.
- What would be a comfortable/suitable yet forgiving aircraft? (bearing in mind 3 male pax + bags)
DA40GT or T182T
- Would you recommend an aircraft with a glass cockpit (for example G1000)? Is it easy to get used to if you fly jet aircraft with EFIS?
Yes if you have used Garmin products before. Also get Traffic info (TIS / TCAS). Most have this anyway.
- Do most rental companies let you fly out of state?
Yes
- Is it sensible flying around/over the Rockies with limited previous mountain flying experience?
No. Get some moutain flying in. You can be checked out by the above.
- How straightforward is the process of applying for a temporary FAA PPL? Is it still the same procedure as 2/3 years ago?
Yes
- When arriving on a small GA airfield how easy is it arranging transportation (car rental)?
Easy. This is the land of the car !
- Would April/May be a good time to fly around the Western states?
Are your IR'd? Maybe some June Gloom in California but should be ok.
- Is it easy to fly into some of the National Parks (Redwoods, Yosemite, Grand Canyon)?
You can certainly get close. Grand Canyon has an airport and you can fly over it at altitude.
- Any recommendations on must-see places?
Too many!!!
- Is there any useful pilot guide available for this particular area?
Pass.....