4.  Failure to consider emergency landing areas. 5.  Failure to select a specific landing spot. 6.  Failure to consider how wind and turbulence could  affect the approach. 7.  Improper takeoff and climb technique for existing  conditions. 8.  Failure to maintain safe clearance distance from  obstructions. Figure 10-9.  When flying an approach to a pinnacle or ridgeline,  avoid the areas where downdrafts are present, especially when  excess power is limited. If downdrafts are encountered, it may  become necessary to make an immediate turn away from the  pinnacle to avoid being forced into the rising terrain.  Takeoff Approach and Landing Pinnacle and Ridgeline Operations Groundspeed during a pinnacle approach is more difficult to  judge because visual references are farther away than during  approaches over trees or flat terrain. Pilots must continually  perceive the apparent rate of closure by observing the apparent  change in size of the landing zone features. Avoid the  misperception of an increasing rate of closure to the landing  site. The apparent rate of closure should be that of a brisk  walk. If a crosswind exists, remain clear of down-drafts on  the leeward or downwind side of the ridgeline. If the wind  velocity makes the crosswind landing hazardous, it may be  possible to make a low, coordinated turn into the wind just  prior to terminating the approach. When making an approach  to a pinnacle, avoid leeward turbulence and keep the helicopter  within reach of a forced landing area as long as possible. A pinnacle is an area from which the surface drops away  steeply on all sides. A ridgeline is a long area from which  the surface drops away steeply on one or two sides, such  as a bluff or precipice. The absence of obstacles does not  necessarily decrease the difficulty of pinnacle or ridgeline  operations. Updrafts, downdrafts, and turbulence, together  with unsuitable terrain in which to make a forced landing,  may still present extreme hazards. On landing, take advantage of the long axis of the area when  wind conditions permit. Touchdown should be made in the  forward portion of the area. When approaching to land on  pinnacles, especially manmade areas such as rooftop pads,  the pilot should determine the personnel access pathway to  the helipad and ensure that the tail rotor is not allowed to  intrude into that walkway or zone. Parking or landing with the  tail rotor off the platform ensures personnel safety. Always  perform a stability check prior to reducing rpm to ensure  the landing gear is on firm terrain that can safely support  the weight of the helicopter. Accomplish this by slowly  moving the cyclic and pedals while lowering the collective.  If movement is detected, reposition the aircraft.  If there is a need to climb to a pinnacle or ridgeline, do it on  the upwind side, when practicable, to take advantage of any  updrafts. The approach flightpath should be parallel to the  ridgeline and into the wind as much as possible.  [Figure 10-9] Load, altitude, wind conditions, and terrain features  determine the angle to use in the final part of an approach.  As a general rule, the greater the winds are, the steeper the  approach needs to be to avoid turbulent air and downdrafts. A pinnacle takeoff is considered an airspeed over altitude  maneuver which can be made from the ground or from a  hover. Since pinnacles and ridgelines are generally higher  than the immediate surrounding terrain, gaining airspeed  on the takeoff is more important than gaining altitude. As  airspeed increases, the departure from the pinnacle becomes  more rapid, and helicopter time in the  avoid  area of the  height/velocity area decreases.  [Figure 11-3]  In addition  to covering unfavorable terrain rapidly, a higher airspeed  affords a more favorable glide angle and thus contributes to  the chances of reaching a safe area in the event of a forced  landing. If a suitable forced landing area is not available, a  higher airspeed also permits a more effective flare prior to  making an autorotative landing. On takeoff, as the helicopter moves out of ground effect,  maintain altitude and accelerate to normal climb airspeed.  When normal climb speed is attained, establish a normal  climb attitude. Never dive the helicopter down the slope after  clearing the pinnacle. 10-11