ZSE Controller providing OJT described an airspace event when non RADAR routing procedures between ZOA and ZSE were not followed and an aircraft flight status was confused; the reporter alleging LOA compliance and timely coordination would have prevented the mishap.
Synopsis
ZSE Controller providing OJT described an airspace event when non RADAR routing procedures between ZOA and ZSE were not followed and an aircraft flight status was confused; the reporter alleging LOA compliance and timely coordination would have prevented the mishap.
Narrative
I was the instructor on R10; watching a student training on his last R-Side Sector. Three low altitude sectors where combined; very light traffic. Aircraft X called on frequency 'Seattle Center; Aircraft X with you.' The student told the aircraft to say his position; altitude; type aircraft and destination; assuming he was a VFR aircraft requesting flight following. Aircraft X came back and gave his position 200 miles South of Redmond at 100. Not the full answer we were expecting. Student then asked him to say his request. Aircraft X said he was IFR to RDM. I prompted the student to ask him if he was IFR or requesting an IFR clearance. Aircraft X then said he was on an IFR clearance and lost communications with ZOA. We verified his position; but still didn't have him on RADAR. He was in an area of poor RADAR coverage for both ZSE and ZOA; with poor radio coverage with ZOA. We had a D-Side working with us. They immediately called ZOA 43 to see what they knew about this aircraft. They informed the D-Side that the aircraft was not in our airspace. Our D-Side and ZOA 43 went back and forth on a number of issues. We were able to identify the aircraft which was in our airspace by then. Aircraft X should have been put on a Non-RADAR routing along his filed route of flight per LOA. Recommendation; have ZOA comply with the Non-RADAR routing in the LOA. Coordinate earlier with a data block only transfer.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.