initial climb will be at the best rate of climb lAS until reaching at  least 1,000 feet AGL, then a smooth transition to cruise climb.  There are some conditions, such as climbing out of airports in deep  mountain valleys, when you may need to use the best rate of clitnb  airspeed until reaching cruise altitude, but those conditions are rel› atively rare. Monitor pitch attiturle., "irspeed, and climb rate dur- •  ing the climb to make sure you are getting the best performance  from the airplane.  An engine failure right after takeoff is a serious situation any time.  In almost every case, with less than 500 feet of altitude. you should  not attempt to return to the airport. Make an off airport landing  straight ahead, maintaining control of the airplane until landing.  Ridge and  Pass  Crossing  On most mountain flights, you  will  need to cross at least one ridge  or pass. Experienced pilots recommend crossing a ridge or pass at  the ridge elevation plus at least 1,000 feet.  If  the winds at moun› tain top level are above 20 knots, increase that to 2,000 feet. Plan to  be at that altitude at least three miles before reaching the ridge and  stay at that altitude until at least three miles past it. This clearance  zone will give you a reasonable safety zone to avoid the most  severe turbulence and down drafts in windy conditions.  If conditions or airplane performance dictate, you may need to  fly  along the windward side of a ridge to find updrafts for gaining  altitude before crossing a ridge. You may also need to circle before  reaching the ridge if climbing out of a valley airport.  When you actually cross a ridge, you should do so at a 45•  angle to  the ridge. This allows you to turn away from the ridge quicker if  you encounter a severe downdraft or turbulence. Once you have  crossed the ridge, turn directly away from it at a go•  angle to get  away from the most likely area of turbulence quickly. Plan your  crossing to give yourself the ability to turn toward lower terrain  quickly if necessary.  As you fly your mountain trip, continually visualize what the  weather and winds are doing so you can take best advantage of  them. For example,  if  flying in a valley, it is usually best to fly on  the side of the valley that will have the updrafts, the side the wind  Enroute Considerations  11 