SLOP's
 

Sorry, I'm a bit of a lurker - but very interested in ATC and safety matters.


I have been looking at the NAT procedures and offsets and specifically SLOP's.


From what I can work out SLOP's are upto the pilot to choose, i.e. Centre, R1 or R2 - but I think I read elsewhere there is an option for the pilots once in the air, to communicate amongst themselves - does this happen in reality?

Yes, once you've gone to HF or CPDLC you can switch a VHF radio to the party line freq 123.45. If you're a bit behind and below another aircraft riding in their wake you can offset into the wind or see if the higher plane might offset down wind. Only really had it happen a couple times.