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 young pilot on a solo cross-country flight safely aborted a takeoff due to significant engine power loss, making a critical decision despite the subtle nature of the problem.
The experience highlighted the importance of proactive decision-making through pre-flight briefings for abnormal situations, ensuring actions like aborting a takeoff are predetermined.
It also underscored the value of clear communication with air traffic control during abnormal events, finding controllers to be professional partners in safety and dispelling any reluctance to speak up.
The author emphasizes that subtle issues and situational pressures can quietly lead to poor judgment, reinforcing the need to always prioritize safety and never rationalize power loss.

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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.