There’s an old saying: “Landings are mandatory; takeoffs are optional.” Like so many other phrases we hear in the pilot lounge, it’s cute while trying to be educational. Although I’ve had to abort a takeoff before, and demonstrated them many times when transitioning to various multi-engine airplanes, I’d never really understood the truth of the saying itself until the other day.
There was a strong wind that day, 16 knots, with gusts to 22. But it was right down the runway, so the only real challenge was getting into takeoff position. Taxiing on the ramp wasn’t difficult, but the long runway was in use, which means a lengthy taxi. Of course, with the wind right down the runway, using a parallel taxiway means a tailwind on the ground. Even at reduced power settings, the airplane can pick up momentum without notice, making directional control and braking greater challenges than normal.
