I just came across a similar discussion on a helicopter forum (not on pprune).
I agree totally that on occasions you have to think out of the box, and that, while standards, SOPs etc are a Good Thing, sometimes they just don't cut it, and you have to revert to the decision making capability that the authorities assume you have (well, you've got a licence, haven't you?
). Of course, helicopters expect to end up in fields as a matter of course!
On such occasions, the expression "Rules are for the guidance of wise men" is most appropriate.
Phil
TRE/CRMI (Helicopter)