Student Pilot Learns Value of Making Quick Decisions

Pre-briefing for abnormal situations could have made all the difference after aborted takeoff.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

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The author asked himself: ‘Do I want to take this problem with me into the air or abort and figure this out on the ground?’ [Image: Joel Kimmel]

Key Takeaways:

A student pilot safely aborted a solo cross-country takeoff after detecting unexpected engine power loss, prioritizing ground resolution over continuing with a compromised aircraft.
The experience reinforced the critical importance of pre-flight decision-making preparation, such as establishing clear abort criteria, to act swiftly and safely in abnormal situations.
It also taught the pilot the value of clear and confident communication with air traffic control during unusual events, recognizing controllers as crucial partners in safety.

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I was 17 years old, halfway through my private pilot training, and loving every minute of it. I would read the PHAK during my high school classes just for fun. I couldn’t get enough and still can’t.

It was time for my solo cross-country and my instructor and I planned for me to fly from Lincoln (KLHM) in Northern California to the towered airport in Chico (KCIC), over to Willows (KWLW) and back to Lincoln.