Flying into ATC coverage

[qickrush]

I have two questions:
1: I'm sure someone's asked and been answered this 1st question before, but in searching the forum's I can't find it.
Can I fly into PE's ATC coverage area? Either by:
Filing a flight plan before I enter coverage, or, contacting ATC before entering coverage? And, if the 2nd action, can I then file a flight plan verbally including requesting a TEC route?

2: I'm confused. I was recently flying my I-2 exam. When I contacted Clearance I was asked which TEC route I wanted (which promptly caused me to go offline and read the manual on I-3 which covers TEC's!). I came back online and flew (successfully, hey!) I-2 on a provided TEC, but I'm confused as to why I needed to ask/accept one. It's possible the IFR flight plan for I-2 failed to arrive with ATC, I think I remember ATC saying that. Could that be the reason?

Finally, well done PE! Great fun (even if several sweaty hand moments occur - I have to keep reminding myself it's NOT real-life!) , superbly organised, great learning.

Qickrush

[Peter Grey]

Hello,

1: I'm sure someone's asked and been answered this 1st question before, but in searching the forum's I can't find it.
Can I fly into PE's ATC coverage area? Either by:
Filing a flight plan before I enter coverage, or, contacting ATC before entering coverage? And, if the 2nd action, can I then file a flight plan verbally including requesting a TEC route?

You can fly into the coverage area with a pre filed flight plan and request it when you enter (or just before entering) the coverage area. The TEC system only covers flights within the SOCAL region, therefore any flight that starts outside the coverage area would NOT be covered by a TEC route.

2: I'm confused. I was recently flying my I-2 exam. When I contacted Clearance I was asked which TEC route I wanted (which promptly caused me to go offline and read the manual on I-3 which covers TEC's!). I came back online and flew (successfully, hey!) I-2 on a provided TEC, but I'm confused as to why I needed to ask/accept one. It's possible the IFR flight plan for I-2 failed to arrive with ATC, I think I remember ATC saying that. Could that be the reason?

Yes, this would only happen if your pre-filed flight plan didn't make it. It's quicker for us to make the flight plan then have you refile in some cases (including this one).

[qickrush]

Thanks Peter for the prompt reply.
And yes, silly of me, TEC's need a Departure point within SOCAL, that's what they're there for.....
Qickrush