[pas]

How would you know? How would they know? Okay, sure you will have a hunch based on the answer, but it seems something that only experience can tell. (Okay, you can ask them about their experience.. and who know how forthcoming and honest and relevant their answer will be, right?)

[Retric]

Pilots aren’t limited by experience, they know a great deal about aircraft systems and the mechanics of flight. Procedure is incapable of handling every single edge case because the possibilities are endless.

So when do you deviate from procedure? When the edge case you’re in is well outside the scope of exit procedures which requires detailed understanding of the procedures and their justifications.

[ryandrake]

Pilots are also allowed to deviate from any procedure and even violate federal regs in the event of an emergency.

14 CFR § 91.3(b) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.