Sure, there are hard laws of physics. Until you get to those, you'd be surprised how far some creativity with weight distribution, getting rid of unneeded carg

Sure, there are hard laws of physics. Until you get to those, you'd be surprised how far some creativity with weight distribution, getting rid of unneeded cargo or even plane parts, using stuff to your advantage, and a little daring to push the plane to its limits, goes... Way beyond what the "by the book" pilot who isn't creative can achieve in times of need.