That is pretty much the crux of it - EVERYTHING is broken down into a step by step approach to make a decision path easier. For instance, (as you yourself woul

That is pretty much the crux of it - EVERYTHING is broken down into a step by step approach to make a decision path easier. For instance, (as you yourself would have been taught), one of the first things I remember my instructor hammering home to me in the case of an engine failure (in our single engine trainer) was: 1. DO NOT be tempted to do a 180 and turn back to the runway, as it will result in almost guaranteed death. 2. Immediately push the nose down to maintain airspeed. 3. Look for a road/field/clearing 30 degrees to each side of the nose to put the aircraft down in Just remembering those 3 critical things as soon as you hear the engine cut out just eliminates those crucial seconds of wavering and indecision which could mean the difference between life and death. Just starting the process off by doing these 3 things kick starts your brain into 'problem solving' mode, instead of flailing around in panic mode. There are a LOT more steps afterwards, including ascertaining WHY the engine failed, communicating with the tower etc., but they are all moot unless you maximise your time in the air by doing especially (2) and (3).