Drift down is a flight planning procedure used for flights over mountainous terrain to keep them with in the FAR 121.191 criteria for terrain obstruction. If the a/c cannot maintain altitude with an engine out, the flight plan must be so that during every portion of the flight they maintain clearance, even if it is not the most direct route. There are two drift down criteria: The a/c must be able to maintain 1,000ft of clearance above terrain within 5 miles on all sides of their track. The descent path (engine out) track of the a/c be must have 2,000ft of clearance above terrain within 5 miles on all sides of their track. The a/c must also be capable of maintaining 1,500ft above the elevation of the airport of intended landing with an engine out.