recurrent training with a competent instructor. You’ll need to know the first few things on the checklist by memory since you may be closer to the ground than usual and may not have time to .. dig out the POH checklists. As you fly along, pick out possible emergency landing sites before any problems arise and form a: con› . tinuously updated course of action so you are prepared if the • • engine reaily does fail. 

The exact procedure to follow when an engine fails is different for each type of aircraft, so know what yours is. In every situation, though, your first duty is to fly the airplane! Next, turn immedi› ately toward lower terrain to increase your altitude above ground and possibly give you a lower (and warmer) site to land. Try to select a site near habitation or a road. 

Your landing site may be on a slope. Landing uphill will reduce the ground roll and reduce the chance of falling off an embank› ment or cliff. 

Landing in a forested area presents some difficult choices. In the western U.S., most of the mountain forests are tall evergreen trees, with a few smaller trees like aspen. If you mush into the tops of tall pine or cedar trees, the airplane may stop, caught in the tree tops, then nose over, falling the last 50 to 100 feet nose first. A bet› ter choice is to select an aspen grove that will have trees that are much more flexible that will dissipate the airplane’s energy with› out doing as much damage to the cabin area. 

Before landing, secure all seat and shoulder belts securely. Open the cabin door and emergency exits to keep them from becoming jammed in the crash. If possible, before touchdown turn off fuel, battery, and ignition switches to reduce the chance of fire. 

## Survival After Landing 

After landing, get everyone out of the aircraft immediately until you are sure there is no chance of fire. Next. make sure that the emergency locator transmitter is turned on. If a handheld radio is part of your survival kit, use it to attempt contact with an FAA facility or an overflying •ircraft. Stay warm and dry, and above all, stay with the airplane! Time and time again, searchers have found people who have survived the crash only to die trying to walk to safety. Carry a good survival kit, plan well, and file a flight plan and your best choice will be to stay vvith the airplane until searchers arrive. 

