Originally Posted by
martindo
I see that "abort" was too technical a term and "take off" is too narrow a time frame. I meant that the plane would return to the terminal after pushing back. Alternatively, could an apparently small problem discovered after takeoff cause a divert to a nearby airport to land and fix it?
In general terms the aircraft's airworthiness is the primary factor in determining to fly or not fly. However, in passenger airplanes other factors come into play such as lavatories and other systems that can impact the comfort and safety of passengers. Part of that decision process would be understanding how the flight will be conducted, i.e., length, and such. Thinking along the lines of "can I fly in this condition" and taking all factors into consideration as to how a problem will impact the flight will determine if the plane goes back to the gate, lands at an alternate airport, or continues to destination.
I'm not sure there is a cut and dried answer to your question.