FWA NATCA
If pilots cannot handle emergences they should, as you suggest, seek assistance ASAP. All qualified pilots need to be able to handle emergences on there own with the wife and kids in the aircraft.
My worry about your post was one of currency. Most qualified pilots with access to there own aircraft, or a group share, do not fly regularly with instructors. I see a growing trend in these pilots not to practice, as it is dangerous to do so. The result is a lot of people will not even do stalls solo, let alone PFL’s. It is very important that an emergency is handled quickly and accurately. The ONLY way to do this is to practice and test yourself frequently. If you judge you are not performing OK and you need help, then an instructor is the next step. All the correct procedures are well covered in the checklists, flying books and aircraft manuals.
Chimbu chuckles
Respect man! There is a lot of truth in your post. I too have turned back and lived to fight another day. In my case it was water ahead or dry land behind. The problem is I used my Gliding experience to do it and PPL’s are not trained in the same way. Most of the PPL’s that have attempted a turn back have died. I know of some military types who were taught turn back on the Bulldog, and have used it for real.