emergency landing. If an actual engine failure should  occur immediately after takeoff and before a safe ma- neuvering altitude is attained, it is usually not advis- able to attempt to turn back to the field from where the  takeoff was made. Instead, it is safer to immediately  establish the proper glide attitude, and select a land- ing area directly ahead or slightly to either side of the  takeoff path. Complete the landing in accordance with  the next section. In the event of an engine failure on initial climb-out,  the powered parachute is typically at a high pitch  angle with the cart well in front of the wing. When  the engine fails, the cart swings back under the wing  and the wing can surge forward bringing the PPC  into a temporary and potentially dangerous dive. If  the engine-out occurs close to the ground, and the  wing starts to surge out in front of the cart, it is neces- sary to immediately flare the wing to slow the surge.  Gradually release the flare when the forward surge is  controlled and the wing is back overhead in a normal  flying position. When planning any  over-water flight, wear a life vest.  Maintain an altitude that will allow you to safely glide  to land should the engine fail. [Figure 12-8] If you  consistently fly over water, consider attaching an au - tomatic, inflatable device or pontoons to the bottom of  your PPC (i.e., so it becomes a PPCS with pontoons,  as opposed to a PPCL in water). Carry a line-cutter  that is easy to access, yet placed so as not to cause  additional injury upon impact. Practice emergency  procedures so you are prepared and brief your pas- sengers on evacuation procedures prior to any over- water flight. Never fly over something you cannot land on (con - sidering your altitude and glide slope) and remain  constantly aware of the surrounding terrain and hence  potential landing zones. If you adhere to these rules,  an in-flight  engine failure will not directly correlate  to an accident or incident. If this happens, continue  to fly the aircraft. You simply glide it away from all  obstacles and toward the safest landing area.  The safest  landing zone may perhaps be in the middle  of the flight park if you have a lot of altitude. Or, the  best landing zone may be straight ahead if you are  below 100 feet. If at all possible, set up your landing  approach so you touch down into the wind—but the  number one priority of an engine-out scenario is safe  terrain (not ground wind direction). Wind direction is  a secondary concern. Land into the wind if possible;  otherwise land downwind. Crosswind is the least fa - vorable wind direction to land into. When you are about one second from touchdown, be- gin applying a full flare. [Figure 12-7] With a single  1-2-3 rhythmic timing motion, push both foot steer- ing bars completely forward and hold that position as  the rear wheels touch the ground. You can increase  the amount of flare before landing, but you cannot  release it when you are close to the ground and with- out power! Once on the ground smoothly release the  flare and pull down the canopy (since the engine is  already off). If you find yourself over water with an engine failure,  too far to glide to shore, remain strapped in so the cart  can provide some impact protection. It is possible you  will become disorientated, as the PPCL will likely flip  over when you hit the water and settle upside-down in  the water. You may become entangled in the wing and  lines as it descends upon the craft and the occupants.  Figure 12-7. Engine-out, beginning full-flare about one  second above the ground.  Figure 12-8. You should not fly over water beyond your  glide slope to the shore.  Engine Failure in a PPCL Engine Failure In Flight 12-6