Proposed flight

[letsgofly]

I am planning a flight from Bishop (BIH) into SOCAL. It is outside of the posted coverage area. Should I depart uncontrolled, and call LA Center 5 mins prior to entry, or call Oakland from the ground? I've noted on previous flights out of SOCAL to SFO that Oakland Center provided seamless coverage all the way into the SFO terminal environment, but I am unsure that same courtesy applies southbound when departing from airports other than SFO. Thanks.

[Keith Smith]

SFO is in the PE coverage area, but BIH is not.

Contact LA Center at the ARTCC border, see the low or high enroute to locate the border.

[HenryR]

Been meaning to ask this question, so I was glad to see it posted. So, for example, if I was flying from KDEN to KSNA, I would contact LA Center (roughly) at Marble Canyon, about 15 miles after passing the Page (PAG) VOR. Is this correct?

TIA-- Henry

[Keith Smith]

Henry, you got it.

[HenryR]

And, should I file an IFR flight plan (with PE from KDEN to KSNA prior to departing), or simply report my position, altitude, and destination to LA Center when I contact them?

Henry

[Keith Smith]

Both.

File from DEN to SNA. Call us at the border. We'll radar ID you at the border (similar to how you would be handled r/w if arriving from an oceanic crossing). The controller will either handle you as though you were on an existing IFR clearance (as filed), or he/she will issue you an IFR clearance.

[HenryR]

Okay. Thanks for the information.

Henry