have to disagree, on that one. A proficient pilot never puts himself in a
situation like that, in the first place, ideally.

Yeah, that sounds great - in theory.

The difference between theory and practice is much greater in practice
than it is in theory.

In theory, it may be possible to become a capable, experienced, and
proficient pilot by taking a cautious approach, not making boneheaded
mistakes, and not scaring oneself. But in practice, I've never seen it
happen. In practice, capable and proficient pilots are the ones who
survive their many little crises - usually of their own making, at
least in part.

Michael