Lord Spandex Masher.
I have one of those giant egos. If something needs doing, we do it. We don't wait around for a giant edict from the Queen. We do things, we get things done. We don't wait for the European union to issue an opinion. We don't wait for Lawyers who don't know jack about the sky to offer a legal opinion.
We think, we act and we do hope the lawyers will see our way...After all, just waiting for "orders" can screw things up.
I am reminded of an incident at the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Two fighter pilots took off, without orders and attacked the enemy. Mind you, not legally at war, no declaration, no nothing.
They got awarded distinguished flying crosses. A noble award in and of itself. But they were placed in nomination of the Congressional Medal of honor (as it is known in the press). They didn't get it. WHY? They were not acting under orders.
BUT YOU SEE< THEY DID THE RIGHT THING ANYWAY>
Many pilots try to do things right. It takes guts to do the right thing.
Yeah, we have monumental egos. Go ahead, make my day.