Would a FJ sqn cdr/flt cdr/staish be allowed to refuse to deploy ac (say to the Falklands/Red Flag/Grn Flag or whatever) if there wasn't adequate long range SAR cover for all legs?
I'm not talking wartime ops, just routine deployments or whatever. This would apply especially to Harriers (only one donk) and if it was me I wouldn't be very happy with a Command policy which sanctioned such a deployment.
MB
Blimey. Next you will be suggesting that aircraft don't fly unless there is a diversion available.