Originally Posted by SAR Bloke
Oh, and don't forget (as gasax mentions) there is still an ATZ that you ARE legally obliged to avoid.
I agree with SAR Bloke anyone who just cracks on through a MATZ without clearance is foolish and displays poor airmanship to say the least! If you are in any doubt there is no doubt, just ask the controller if you have been cleared to penetrate the MATZ.
As for an ATZ at a military airfield, it still dismays me the number of people who just crack on through a military ATZ at weekends without talking to anybody. Rembember the ATZ at a military aerodrome is still afforded the same rights as a Civillian ATZ and most are H24. It may not be penetrated without permission from ATC even if the airfield is closed. A lot military airfields have gliding clubs and flying clubs that have quite a lot of activity during the weekend, not to mention check test flights and military aircraft that may also be arriving or departing outside normal opening hours. But still civillian aircraft still continue to penetrate the ATZ without letting anyone know. Even if you contact ATC and get no reply at a weekend you maybe well within your rights to penetrate the MATZ without permission, but not the ATZ.
Regards,
Jucky