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 (link here).
Now consider how long 'extra' the 747 will be airborne. Then consider that 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.