It's never 'no', it's 'how'

Players all the time will look for ways to do things that are outlandish, and are completely out of left field. They will look at you from the front of the GM's screen, and will smile as they glance at their sheet and their fellow players.

"Can I use my Acrobatics to grab the propeller's rod, then run around and around to generate lift?"

The natural reaction is to roll your eyes until they generate an electrical arc, then say with a deadpan retort 'No'. People will get upset, the player will try to say that the +27 they have should allow them to do this feat. But ultimately, you knew the answer was no, and they were able to save the wrist strength on rolling the dice.

These sort of things take control away from the players, even if we know going into the situation that it is going to be a futile attempt. One of the biggest things about TTRPGs is the amount of 'freedom' players have. They are known for being a great escape from the boring, 9 to 5 monotony of the real world. This escape for many is the chance to do things that they would be unable to do. Some want to get swole, grab a sword, and take on 5 to 6 Orcs at once while weathering a sea of blows. Others want to wield arcane magics or serve a deity that blesses them with ultimate power. By itself, the very idea of these capabilities achieve a high level of choice to the characters.

When a player asks you a question you are sure you know the answer to already, avoid saying 'no', but 'how'.

How are you going to pull this one way door open?

How is your Fireball going to cook a row of chickens perfectly with zero error?

How will your character use their excellent Acrobatics skill to turn the propeller on the airship?

This does two things: It gives the illusion of choice, and it also keeps the level of narrative control in the player's hands consistent. Nobody likes being told no, and when it comes to something that is supposed to be an escape, it hurts even more. Players should be allowed to experiment and experience the pain of failure for their characters. In some moments, such an action as the propeller example above in a way make sense. It's a desperate attempt in a life or death situation. It adds tension, and the GM only had to ask how.

While the player is rolling their dice to determine how well they were unable to accomplish their task, you should use this time to plan an explanation that will make their attempt powerful. Players love to hear how well they do, for better or for worse. The key to delivering bad news is doing it with flare. It makes you feel more alive, and it lets your players know that you care.