I'm a newbie here, and I hope that in my few posts I've made by experience (and lack there off) clear while trying to learn from this community and occasionally contribute when appropriate. I have gained a lot from the wisdom of those around, but I've also learnt quickly to tell when someone isn't talking from their mouth...
I've been using other forums for years - I've grown up with instant messaging, and I've got used to picking up tone from a person's message. I'm intelligent enough to be able to take what is said and not just go out and try it, while still adding the knowledge of those around to my own very limited experience. What I do do, is discuss any questions I have with my instructor. What I have done is use discussions on here to do my own research. I know that in the plane I do most of my flying in, unleaded / mogas isn't allowed, and I have read through the POH with renewed interest, while still taking on board the caveats discussed about performance. Spending too much time lurking on here isn't helping me with doing the exams though!
On the issue that prompted this - am I about to go and try a turn back? My instructor discussed turn backs when teaching EFATOs. He was honest. He said that it was possible with specific practice and large amounts of experience, and helped by taking off from a very long runway, but from our conversations I know that I don't have that practice or experience. With one exception. If I'm taking off from Prestwick on 13 it might be possible to turn back onto 21. We have also practised landing back on the same runway as currently taking off from (possible to take off from 1/2 way down 13 (Mike), get to a couple hundred feet, then land again on 13 depending on wind).
That sort of detail wouldn't make sense to discuss here - but thats why I have an instructor - I'm not learning to fly by reading whats here!