In a deteriorating situation, what should a pilot do according to PA.VIII.E.R2?

• A. Seek assistance or declare an emergency.
• B. Continue the flight and reassess at destination.
• C. Return to departure airfield regardless of declaration.
• D. Request priority handling from ATC only.

Answer: (B)

In a deteriorating situation, the emphasis is on making a careful plan and using decision points to reassess safety before escalating to an emergency. Continuing to the destination and re-evaluating there gives you more information to work with—fuel status, weather updates, terrain, and ATC guidance—so you can choose the most appropriate action without overreacting early.

This approach keeps options open. If, during the flight, the situation worsens to the point where you can no longer maintain safe flight, or you determine you cannot continue to the destination safely, you would then declare an emergency or seek the needed assistance. Declaring an emergency too soon can add unnecessary complexity if you still have a viable path to a safe outcome.

Returning to the departure airfield or only requesting priority handling from ATC doesn’t address the full need to reassess the situation and compare safe alternatives at a real decision point.