The recommended approach procedure is to fly the following  legs in the pattern: 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] 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. Figure 8-18.  Off-field landing approach. 8-19 •  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 off-field landing approach offers a good view of the landing area from all sides.