Practicing ILS

[TexFly]

Hello,

It has happened a few times that I try to land ILS and I have the following issue:

I'm on flight following and usually I get the "advise when APT on sight" from APP when near final destination. As soon as the APT is on site APP asks me to switch to TOWER. The problem is that it is usually too late (at least that's what I think/feel...) to program the proper NAV frequency related to the assigned runway and engage an ILS landing. I'm always ending up turning off the AP and proceeding with a manual landing.

What am I doing wrong?

Thank you for your help.

[TheMadDocMD]

VFR aircraft can request a practice approach - suggest doing so. This way you will get vectors to the final approach course. You still are required to maintain VFR conditions so no flying through clouds; additionally the missed approach procedure is not protected by ATC for VFR practice approaches thus not authorized unless prior coordination with ATC.