paco...
I guess I phrased that badly too huh?? (Note to self---quit posting in the early hours of the morning...)
In reality, I think it comes down to knowing your aircraft's capabilities. I attempt to have an idea of the capabilities of my aircraft prior to launching. Working for the USFS, we are required to work out a "load calc" daily, and for each specific mission.
For initial attack, we do a baseline daily calculation which will tell us the highest weight we can accept for a given alt/temp which is normally selected based upon worst case for the day.
We also are required to factor in a "weight reduction" or download based upon aircraft type---which for the L4 is 180lbs.
I have yet to land at a place where I could not get out. And why is it wrong to be inside the "dead man's curve"?