Well, that's a bit of a wild comparison you bring into this thread. As much of a contemptible comparison that I think it is, while you probably don't, let me explain why I think it is well off the mark.
Hughes500;
SS
I take it then you wouldn't have condoned Johnson Beharry's action that ended in him saving people and getting a rather rare medal ?
Hughes, don't you think there's a huge difference between nigelh from the comfort of his comfy armchair, glass of port in hand, predetermining that he would go flying even if he wasn't legally allowed to and then expecting to be treated as a hero as long as nothing went wrong; and a soldier's actions while under effective enemy fire in a theatre of war, twice, the second time sustaining life threatening injuries?
As he (H500) brings this comparison to the thread, let us compare the two and see if Hughes500 et al still believe that Mr Andrews' actions really do make him the hero they all believe him to be, comparable remember in Hughes500's eyes, to Johnson Beharry VC;
Mr Armstrong;
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suspends him from flying. The neurologist tells the CAA the pilot's medical risk remains "unacceptably high" and Armstrong is grounded for for 2 years from June, 2012. Armstrong gets a review of the decision, but the CAA stands by it. Armstrong completes two more flights and omits his role from the logbook. The CAA later runs out of time to prepare its prosecution. Armstrong is called in to airlift an injured hunter. Armstrong flies again after kayakers are reported missing. The CAA interviews Armstrong, who initially downplays his role. Eventually he admits flying three other times, saying he felt the missions needed an experienced pilot. Armstrong pleads guilty to three flying breach charges. Armstrong had not recorded the flights in his logbook.
Johnson Beharry VC;
"On 1 May 2004, Beharry was driving a Warrior tracked armoured vehicle that had been called to the assistance of a foot patrol caught in a series of ambushes. The Warrior was hit by multiple rocket propelled grenades, causing damage and resulting in the loss of radio communications. The platoon commander, the vehicle’s gunner and a number of other soldiers in the vehicle were injured. Due to damage to his periscope optics, Pte. Beharry was forced to open his hatch to steer his vehicle, exposing his face and head to withering small arms fire. Beharry drove the crippled Warrior through the ambush, taking his own crew and leading five other Warriors to safety. He then extracted his wounded comrades from the vehicle, all the time exposed to further enemy fire. He was cited on this occasion for "valour of the highest order".
While back on duty on 11 June 2004, Beharry was again driving the lead Warrior of his platoon through Al Amarah when his vehicle was ambushed. A rocket propelled grenade hit the vehicle six inches from Beharry's head, and he received serious shrapnel injuries to his face and brain. Other rockets then hit the vehicle, incapacitating his commander and injuring several of the crew. Despite his life-threatening injuries, Beharry retained control of his vehicle and drove it out of the ambush area before losing consciousness. He required brain surgery for his head injuries, and he was still recovering in March 2005 when he was awarded the Victoria Cross."
Here's a couple for you;
They both had the lives of others in their hands, but which one put the lives of others at risk and which one put the lives of others above their own?
I would have absolutely no problem in giving nigelh a medal if his actions were similar to Johnson Beharry VC, but would you really give nigelh a medal when he does those actions similar to Mr Armstrong?