A pilot experienced a strong burning smell shortly after takeoff, prompting an immediate return to the airport, despite a momentary, self-admitted "stupid" hesitation to continue the planned flight.
The cause of the burning smell was later discovered to be a mouse nest built on the engine, highlighting how unexpected issues can arise and demand caution.
The author uses this experience, alongside other aviation anecdotes, to emphasize the critical importance of conservative decision-making, immediate action when safety is compromised, and prioritizing safety over adhering to plans.
When the poet Robert Burns wrote, “the best laid schemes o’ mice and men, gang aft a-gley,” what he meant was that things often don’t work out the way we intend.
The well laid plan was for Robert Goyer to fly up to Columbia County to take some pictures of me with my Cardinal. That was the plan.
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