Why don't you take a look at the abort profile for a VO mission - particularly the fact they cannot fully extend the flaps on the wing with the launcher attached as they will literally smack into the rocket. So, landing with a fully fuelled launcher on is an issue. Not in Mojave where you have miles of space to play with, but perhaps coming in over a populated Cornish peninsular? Do you think the CAA might just have cause to say "hang on a minute..."?
Why don't you take a look at the abort profile for a VO mission - particularly the fact they cannot fully extend the flaps on the wing with the launcher attached as they will literally smack into the rocket. So, landing with a fully fuelled launcher on is an issue. Not in Mojave where you have miles of space to play with, but perhaps coming in over a populated Cornish peninsular? Do you think the CAA might just have cause to say "hang on a minute..."?
There can be many reasons for an agency to say just that...that's why that agency exists. 😉