Refering to whowhenwhys post, I'd always assumed (as SLF) that if I was on a civil airliner, flying a scheduled flight, that I would be safely protected within controlled airspace with an ATCO watching over me.
It was quite a shock to see that there are civil airports that don't (or didn't) have protected routes.
As someone who once wanted to be an ATCO this has been an illuminating thread, possibly more illuminating than last nights program. Thank you to all.
dd