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For many pilots, there is a strong temptation during the off-field landing process to select a landing location based primarily on the ease of glider retrieval. The convenience of an easy retrieval is of little consequence if the landing site is unsuitable and results in damage to the glider or injury to the pilot. Select the landing site with safety as the highest priority. During an off-field landing approach, the precise elevation of the landing site is usually unavailable to the pilot. This renders the altimeter more or less useless. Fly the approach and assess the progress by recognizing and maintaining the angle that puts the glider at the intended landing spot safely. If landing into a strong headwind, the approach angle is steep. If headwind is light or nonexistent, the approach angle is shallower unless landing over an obstacle. When landing with a tailwind (due to slope or one-way entry into the selected field due to terrain or obstacles), the angle is shallower. Remember to clear each visible obstacle with safe altitude, clearing any poles and wires by a safe margin. Always keep in mind that from the air, wires are basically invisible until they are right in front of you, whereas towers are visible from a distance. Any time there are two supporting structures (telephone poles) it is safe to assume that there are wires connecting them. 

Select a field of adequate length and, if possible, one with no visible slope. Any slope that is visible from the air is likely to be steep. Slope can often be assessed by the color of the land. High spots often are lighter in color than low spots because soil moisture tends to collect in low spots, darkening the color of the soil. If level landing areas are not available and the landing must be made on a slope, it is better to land uphill than downhill. Even a slight downhill grade during landing flare allows the glider to float prior to touchdown, which may result in collision with objects on the far end of the selected field. 

Knowledge of local vegetation and crops is also very useful. Tall crops are generally more dangerous to land in than low crops. Know the colors of local seasonal vegetation to help identify crops and other vegetation from the air. Without exception, avoid discontinuities such as lines or crop changes. Discontinuities usually exist because a fence, ditch, irrigation pipe, or some other obstacle to machinery or cultivation is present. Other obstacles may be present in the vicinity of the chosen field. Trees and buildings are easy to spot, but power and telephone lines and poles are more difficult to see from pattern altitude. Take a careful look around to find them. Assume every pole is connected by wire to every other pole. Also assume that every pole is connected by wire to every building, and that every building is connected by wire to every other building. Plan the approach to overfly the wires that may be present, even if you cannot see them. The more visible the landing area is during the approach, the fewer unpleasant surprises there are likely to be. 

The recommended approach procedure is to fly the following legs in the pattern: 

• Crosswind leg on the downwind side of the field 

• Upwind leg 

• Crosswind leg on the upwind side of the field 

• Downwind leg 

• Base leg 

• Final approach 

This approach procedure provides the opportunity to see the intended landing area from all sides. Use every opportunity while flying this approach to inspect the landing area and look for obstacles or other hazards. [Figure 8-18] 

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