rej, just think for a moment. FlyMe Airways has a regular extension of one hour to the promulgated hours at an aerodrome. For this the airline pays a fee. The aerodrome, after the official closing time, is open for that
ONE flight, and staffed accordingly. Are you suggesting that any other aircraft can use that hour for free? Taking that arguement to its logical conclusion, presumably any number of other aircraft can use that hour "for free". Why on earth should that be? FlyMe Airways has paid for the privilege - why should their operation subsidise other people's operations after hours.
There may be many reasons why an airport officially closes at a certain time but is open thereafter for particular flights. Additional movements may contravene some local restrictions on flying after a certain time. Therefore the airport is officially closed (even though it is open for one aeroplane) and the authorities are able to say "No", or "OK but it will cost you".
flash8, for info there have been prosecutions, albeit rare. I am racking my brain cell for the details. The penalties are quite severe but the authorities only go for you if, as has been said, you blab what you heard to the press or "media". It also probably has to have some real public interest as in what was said on the R/T during an incident/accident. I don't think Sarah's revelations come into the "real public interest" category. Nonetheless,
HD is quite correct and Sarah could (and should) have made her question a little more anonymous as regards times and places. Have a look at the
OFCOM site for further info.
While labouriously typing this I see
HD has beaten me to it. It may interest you to know that advertisements for scanners that encourage you to listen to "restricted" frequencies are themselves breaking the law and could be prosecuted for "inciting the reader (of the advert) to commit an illigal act".