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We all learn the very important procedure of forced approach.  One of the most important parts of the procedure is choosing the field.
The video below shows that generally, there are three kinds of fields that you will have to choose from: dark brown, light brown and green. Do you know the characteristics of each that makes them a suitable or unsuitable landing spot?
For example, did you know that a green field with cattle grazing will mean that the surface will generally be smoother than if there was no cattle?  Obviously the cattle will present an obstacle to be avoided, but an area on the same field with no cattle will likely be a good landing surface.
A dark brown field will often mean that the surface is usually freshly plowed, and will to too soft for landing, often causing your aircraft to flip.  Your best bet is often a light brown field.  Oh, and how about roads and dealing with obstacles such as power lines?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XX3Jd_gNrA
Once we have selected a field we must find a way of getting down to the ground. One of the most popular methods we are taught is the low key / high key procedure, though there are other methods.
The Smart Pilot website features many aviation safety related videos and are well worth a watch! We are happy to post their videos here too, so keep checking back for more.

Alicja Gados

I was born in Europe (Poland) and moved to Calgary as a young kid and grew up in Canada. I began graduate school in Edmonton, Alberta where I also began ground school and my private pilot’s license training at Edmonton city centre, the now closed, Blatchford field, CYXD (most operators have moved a short way west to Villeneuve). I moved to the rocky mountains, I transferred flight schools to very busy, and windy Springbank airport – CYBW near Calgary. This move was overwhelming, at best. This is a blog about my experience learning to fly, acquiring more flight experience and ratings but also about general aviation topics, news and gear reviews. I’ve discovered that flying takes a lot of studying, work and dedication, but is very rewarding! I started flying just out of graduate school, so I have struggled with paying for my lessons, and as a result, I have to take many breaks, which means that getting licensed has taken many more hours than normal. I am a commercial and multi IFR rated licensed pilot. I completed my PPL and CPL in Calgary-Springbank and multi IFR (group one) ratings in Abbotsford, BC at Chinook Helicopters. If you are learning to fly, interested in learning to fly or just interested in aviation, please join us. I trained as an economist before becoming a pilot and switching to aviation full time. I enjoy climbing, mountaineering, hiking, camping and backcountry skiing. It’s a great time to be in aviation. The industry is growing.

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