In an emergency requiring immediate action, a pilot may:

In situations requiring immediate action, a pilot is empowered to deviate from any rule as necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. This flexibility is provided under regulations that recognize the critical nature of emergencies. For instance, if a mechanical failure occurs or if there is an imminent collision threat, the pilot must have the authority to take whatever actions are required, such as changing altitude or heading, even if those actions would typically violate standard operational procedures.

The primary responsibility of a pilot is to ensure the safety of the flight, and sometimes that means making swift decisions that may not align with regulations designed for normal circumstances. This authority is grounded in the understanding that the rules, while important for orderly aviation, must not override the necessity of responding effectively to life-threatening situations.

This approach stands in contrast to the other options, which would not prioritize immediate safety over procedural adherence, potentially placing the crew and passengers in greater danger.