Consider what that means if your engine quits. You have a heck of
along time to find a nice big field, and it can be miles away!

I would think that, when circling over an airport, one wouldn't bother
looking for a nice big field to land in, especially if it meant landing
miles away.

I meant, and should have said, "... if your engine quits when you're
on a cross-country--especially over mountainous terrain."

Out where Jay lives, you're over an "airport" no matter where you
are--except perhaps downtown Des Moines.

vince norris