Strategic Lateral Offset Procedure

Okay kiddo, so imagine you are walking with a group of friends and there is a narrow sidewalk that you all need to walk on. But you want to keep a safe distance from each other, so you decide to walk on the side of the sidewalk instead of in a straight line.

The strategic lateral offset procedure is kind of like that, but in the sky. When airplanes are flying in the same direction, they need to keep a safe distance from each other. So, they use a special trick where they fly a little bit to the side of the path they're on, but still going in the right direction.

This helps them avoid getting too close to other planes, and makes it easier for air traffic control to keep everyone safe. Just like how you and your friends walking on the sidewalk can keep a safe distance from each other by walking on the side instead of in a straight line.

Does that make sense, little one?