LWG wrote:
Okay, here's my question. When I get FF on a long trip, often I get handed
off from centers, approaches, etc. to my destination. I have been put "in
the system" along the way.

By the very first controller.



How do controllers do that so the handoff
happens?

Very similar to IFR aircraft. I put in N number, Destination, Type and
Altitude. In that order and hit enter. Out spits a center code.


Does the original entry into the system generate P strips along
the route like an IFR flight?

Yes.



If so, how do they do it so that the flight
is not IFR?

The process I listed above is VFR only. The other way is to use the
other computer and enter a flight plan and use VFR/075 as an altitude.
Either one results in a VFR tag.





Do they "force" the VFR aspect like this thread has been
discussing?


They both result in a VFR tag and strips.





Is the handoff automatic,


It is automated. Each facility can make the handoff automatic with some
massaging of the software. Normally the controller will have to take a
positive action to effect the handoff. He'll use his electronic cursor,
slew out and enter on the aircraft and hit enter.



or does it get coordinated by land
line, or both?

It can always be manually handed off via the landline.




But if the VFR friend requested FF, it would be "opened" and the
controllers would have the strip all along the route, right?

Yep.