I had another squaddie disco before combat joined. He was confused when re came back, then approached a CM. Im not sure which one but that CM told him to go to ImaDot. Finally after 5 mins he still couldnt take off when I approached channel 202. Unclkurt said there is nothing he can do because combat was joined literally 90 seconds ago and Freytag never approached him until it was too late. Well, poor old Freytag came back way before combat was joined, even though combat was 225 miles away from my squad. But since a communication breakdown occurred among the CM's on duty, he was unable to fly. He discoed in the first place to the freaking clouds.
I, like Jager, understand the purpose of the rule. However, there needs to be a little reform. If combat is 200 miles away, let him take off and have fun.