Is the Strategic Lateral Offset Procedure (SLOP) meant to mitigate wake vortex encounters?

The Strategic Lateral Offset Procedure (SLOP) is not intended to mitigate wake vortex encounters. Instead, SLOP is a procedure that allows aircraft to offset laterally from their assigned track during cruise flight. This is generally done to avoid the risk of collision or to enhance flight safety by maintaining separation between aircraft, particularly in congested airspace or under certain traffic conditions.

While wake vortices are a concern in aviation and can affect aircraft flying behind a larger aircraft, SLOP does not address this issue specifically. Pilots may utilize SLOP as a tactical maneuver to ensure safe separation from other flights but it is not primarily designed to counteract wake turbulence. The procedural guidelines and methodologies for avoiding wake turbulence involve different strategies, which are separate from the lateral offset technique utilized by SLOP.

Thus, the statement regarding SLOP’s purpose in mitigating wake vortex encounters is inaccurate.