Link messages and re-tasking messages could be received / acknowledged by one of the pilots, I agree. But no significant mission plan changes should be decided without the full involvement of the primary mission specialist.
The A310MRTT system was designed from the outset to provide sufficient information during a towline (or 'anchor') mission to facilitate a flexible change of plan. Rather than the pilots WAGing the solution, the MCS provides precise, accurate information upon which the re-plan can be formulated - and does so very quickly without the need to hunt through a complicated menu structure.
Once a TLAR approximate plan change has been agreed, the ARO/FRS can edit the active plan as necessary to provide precise timings and the fuel plan without the need for pilots to go 'head-in' to peck away at their MCDUs - something which should be actively discouraged if there are receivers in the vicinity.
On call AAR availability is easily assessed due to the active fuel graphs and 'spare fuel' display - and there is no need to enter anything at all into the MCS if a receiver suddenly appears without warning on the wing needing fuel - there's no "Computer says no"! If you know there's spare fuel, just put him in contact - the details can be quickly typed into the mission log (as soon as it's clicked, it notes lat/long and UTC) when there's time. But normally there is sufficient time to use the basic 'add receiver' entry fields.
Last edited by BEagle; 21st Oct 2014 at 13:45.