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.  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.  Survival After Landing  14 