Statistics
It's no secret that there was good news in 2008 - the worst types of infringements were far fewer in 2008 than in previous years, even if overall numbers of infringements are still too high. This good news about the 'worst type' could be due to more awareness in 2008, and campaigns such as the 'listening squawks' or 'Use Mode Charlie', but whatever the reason, it was a welcome drop! However, look at 2009 - already approaching 2007 in the high risk category!
NATS Reported Figures over 12 months ending October 31st, by Unit:
Infringements by NATS Unit - 12 months
Something to consider
Given that 'unknown traffic' inside Controlled Airspace (ie: an infringer) which gets within 5 miles or 5000' of controlled traffic forces action to protect the latter, guess how much per minute extra it will cost if a 747 has to break off an approach and 'go around'? If you want to know, look at this new poster from the CAA.
Now consider how long 'extra' the 747 will be airborne. Then considerthat the figure was the direct cost - what about the rest? For example you could be on that 747 and trying to get home in time for something important, or catching a train, or transfering to another flight with minimum time to spare.
If you have looked at the graphs above, remember that's only the situation for airspace controlled by NATS employees - there are other airports in the UK with controlled airspace not included there - and what about the temporary restrictions? Think how cheated the organisers and 1000s of paying spectators at some 2006 events felt when their Red Arrows displays were cancelled due to 'infringers' into the display restricted areas? - and all those infringers needed to do was to check notams or even call 0500-354802 to get a freephone warning.
You only have to be an occasional user of Farnborough LARS (N, E, W) around London to hear a pilot being warned of an airspace boundary about to be infringed unless the pilot takes rapid action such as a descent or major change of course. Here is the report compiled from April 2008 to March 2009 giving the data for cases where the Farnborough LARS controller felt concerned enough to issue a warning of an imminent infringement.
Whilst a small numbre of pilots would no doubt insist that they were about to take appropriate action anyway, there must be quite a number of grateful pilots out there who are glad they used the LARS service: Farnborough LARS Infringement Warnings