Why, after all this time, all these posts, and all the inquiries, is it that the exact orders for the use of the aircraft are not known to the public?
Bearing in mind that so much has been made by the “Campaign” of the possible unserviceability of the aircraft, why has it not been clearly established why an HC2 was used that was the first of its type in service, that had only arrived in the area a few days prior to the flight, and that the captain had such reservations about?
Even if there had been a Mk1 available, is it certain that the captain would indeed have had the option of using it?
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If it was planned to use an HC2 well in advance for this particular flight (in advance of its being in the area), should not the “Campaign” have established why?
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If there had been alternatives but there was an order that the HC2 be used, should not the existence of such an order and the reason for it have been established some time ago?
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While there is much conjecture around, these points should have been able to have been established by now with no doubt whatsoever.
Surely, any such constraints on the captain’s planning of the task should have been made clear when he has been so unjustly blamed?
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Any objections by the MOD to releasing all such information (this far down the track when operational security cannot be a reasonable consideration) in a case where so many interested parties feel so strongly surely would point to there being something to hide.
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Did it have to be an HC2?