I had to say ‘no’ to my boss before. This was when I was with the FAA. They understood the aircraft flying part when I said, ‘NO’… but when I said no to certifying a ground air traffic control radar system I was hung out to dry and punished, eventually losing my job and my livelihood.
Yes, I was homeless once for saying ‘NO’ when I thought it wasn’t safe. Even when to jail because I couldn’t pay the demanded child support…
And this was the FAA.
So, yes, this pilot was in a horrible position.