If you want the protection of controlled airspace and you're flying at FL85 (no doubt using GPS), pay the damn route charges and file IFR. If you don't want to, or can't file IFR, stay the **** out of the way of the people who are paying for a service.
1. Most small aircraft (probably not in this case though!
would not have to pay Nav charges anyway.
2. If the principle was as you describe (decided by DAP, not local ATS) - then the airspace would be Class A
3. Only the pilot can decide when and where the flight rules change. Having decided to change from IFR to VFR, ATC can not refuse this change. In Class D, there are no airspace reasons for not being VFR. Thus ATC having your attitude will only result in pilots joining IFR and then changing to VFR as soon as they cross the boundary.
4. The CAA would say that since Cumbernauld has no instrument approach published then being VFR from some distance out (MSA+) would be a sound operational procedure.
5. The minimum Safe Altitude enroute South of Edinburgh is about 5000ft allowing for terrain and windspeed. Thus with the airspace bases, the flight will have to either - enter at some stage or reduce the safety margins- Safety first at NATS? -
stay the **** out of the way Answers that loud and clear.
Rant over!
On the original point, it must be remembered that under RIS/RAS/FIS in class G it remains the pilot's responsibility not to infringe regulated airspace.
Regards,
DFC