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 on a solo cross-country flight successfully aborted a takeoff due to significant engine power loss, demonstrating crucial decision-making under pressure.
The experience highlighted the importance of pre-flight decision-making briefings, including specific abort criteria for abnormal situations, to ensure timely and safe responses.
The pilot learned the value of communicating abnormal situations with Air Traffic Control (ATC), who acted as professional and supportive 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.