KP wrote:

That's how it worked in the past.

Maybe in the last few years or so the FAA has actually integrated the
systems,


The system is basically the same. ARTS and the FDEP computers now talk
to each other. I can use the ARTS exclusively if I want. Type in
TC345Enter and I get a local code for Twin Cessna N12345. Type in all
the info and I get a center code.