SLOP in AFI region / SSB / Climbing/Descending on your own?
Hello,
1.) Did some research on the Strategic Lateral Offset Procedure (I assume thatīs practiced in the whole AFI region) as it is called and besides the application (1-2 NM offset and always to the right), I was wondering when you would start applying that procedure during a flight in Africa (e.g Nairobi-Brazzaville) and when to stop it. It is a enroute hight altitude procedure so would I start going offset crossing FL245 (FIR/UIR) or even before. And would I start goint back right on track when starting the descent from e.g FL350 or again when descending through FL245 or even lower. Other people also suggested to fly a couple of hundred feet high/low of your cruising level for better protection.
2.) I picked up this phrase: "nothing has changed in Africa other than the introduction of 126.9 and SSB". 126.9 is clear but what is SSB?
3.) Someone in another thread stated that you might climb/descend on your own when being in uncontrolled airspace (F/G) when no ATC is available. Now, I have serious doubts about that....What do you think? In other words, if you are FL240, not cleared for a higher level yet, and the comms go quiet for quite a while, you are stuck down there?
Looking forward to your inputs!
Cheers
Cecco