I have been thinking about some fascinating but challenging situations — events you hope never to encounter that involve decisions and require reactions to life-or-death consequences. “When to give up,” a decision not naturally part of most pilots’ DNA, has been rattling around in my brain for a long time, so here goes.
Don’t Always Keep On Keeping On
Key Takeaways:
- The article explores the challenging and counter-intuitive decision for pilots to "give up" in life-or-death aviation situations, prioritizing safety over saving the aircraft or reputation.
- It contrasts two takeoff incidents: one pilot instinctively aborted a takeoff with a failing engine, accepting extensive damage but saving lives, while another tragically crashed trying to "make it fly" after an uncommanded gear retraction.
- The author emphasizes that pilots must mentally prepare to choose the less attractive option—such as damaging the aircraft—if it minimizes catastrophic outcomes, rather than pushing on with unrealistic hope, pride, or ignorance.
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