Israeli air crews describe midair refueling as a mission demanding maximum precision and coordination, carried out within a narrow window of time. Tanker crews operate as part of a carefully organized chain that ensures fighter jets can continue their operations without interruption, following detailed plans that map flight paths and rendezvous points in advance.

Each mission differs, requiring crews to calculate exactly where and when to meet the fighter aircraft. The refueling connection must occur at a precise moment and location, often lasting only a few minutes before the aircraft separate and continue their routes.

Along the way, crews must also contend with potential threats and changing weather conditions. The success of the operation depends on perfect timing, as the critical moment when the aircraft link up for fuel transfer can come down to just seconds.