Small Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 3
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Human Factors; Procedure
VFR aircraft was given Flight Following below radar and radio coverage.  Previous controller did not deny it in the sector.  When I took over the plane was supposed to be delaying around the SMN airport.  No altitude information was given.  The radio and radar coverage in the area is very poor.  For my duration on the sector we never saw the plane on radar or were able to talk to it.  This creates a very dangerous situation as the pilot thinks we are providing him with traffic calls and other radar services; when this is not the case.  Also if we cannot talk to the plane; or see it how are we going to ensure the plane will safely transition our airspace.    Do not give Flight Following to aircraft below radar minimums.  Also get further information on the aircraft in a situation like this.  It will aid in our traffic calls and or broadcasts to other airplanes in the area.  With the 'Rash' of VFR awareness of late; I'm confused as how such a simple concept gets missed at our local level.  I would like to see additional training or guidance to help promote a safer handling of these aircraft.  Or even more radar and radio sites.  This would also help the issue.
ZLC Controller reports of a previous Controller allowing Flight Following of an aircraft that is below radar and radio coverage.