DL wrote:



Cleared direct to an AIRPORT (with NDB as only navaid there). Radar contact
lost 196 miles out. Was requested to report 175 miles from K---. Was asked
distance out a couple of times before reaching 175 miles. Then handed to
next Center. Was asked to report 125 miles from K--- and asked a time or
two range a time or two before reaching that. Then before reaching 125
miles, Center reported "radar contact".

That's exactly how Salt Lake does it. Going north from here(BIL) ZLC
loses radar below about 9500. Since you're not in the mountains anymore
6-7000 are commonly used altitudes. After I ship you to the center
often ther first response is "radar contact lost report xxx." There's
another center radar antenna up near the Canadian border and they will
pick you back up in a 100-150 miles or so. Same thing inbound to BIL.
They will coordinate with me that a particular aircraft is nonradar. I
will see them as my radar is closer. There are no airways going north
out of BIL, only NW and NE and we don't make you go that way to get
where you're going.