Backacker,
But in any case if you're being given a FIS, the controller has no way of knowing directly that you're about to enter controlled airspace. They need to be informed by someone else
Yes of course. I never said it was a practical or efficient way of not getting lost, or that it didn't potentially come with repercussions.
DD,
In the UK a FIS (FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE) can come from anyone qualified to provide one and that CAN BE a non-radar/procedural service
Yes, that's a good point. I was thinking in terms of London and Scottish Information only.
Ok, so in a half-serious note, the point is you should try to have someone on the radio at all times and speak to them.
Another option which hasn't been mentioned yet: get yourself an IR and always fly IFR (in CAS, etc., etc., the way it's supposed to be done). That way chances are you will only ever be lost during the departure/arrival while trying to follow those stupid SIDs, etc.
Going off on a tangent, any examples of pilots getting lost flying en-route IFR? Actual examples please--I'm aware of many things that can potentially go wrong, but I'd like to hear about actual cases.