Dear Mad Mark,
Regrettably your explanation was short of the mark. As explained by CC there is a difference between aeroplane and aircraft which is also detailed in EU law (PART IR) so I chose my word with care.
An RAF colleague once told me that the only reason that helicopters become airborne is because the earth repels them. Anyway, moving on........
I cannot see how any aeroplaneless carrier can rattle any sabres and although this warship exercise was 'pre planned' the 'coincidence' has not been lost on the Spanish or the press. I fail to see the wisdom of sending it to the Med' as it makes us (as a nation) look toothless (which we are but no sense in advertising it eh?)
Regards
EM