When *is* "time to switch"? Again, I had thought - by inferring from how
I've been handled - that it's time to switch when I actually have the
field in sight.

IMHO, It's time to switch when you're close enough in for a position
report to be helpful to local traffic, and far enough out for there to
be time to listen, to give it, and have an appropriate response (which
you may or may not not hear). Three miles is probably too close, ten is
probably not necessary. You can of course elect to terminate FF any
time you want, especially if you are confident in finding the runway.
You can always come back on freq. and ask for help.

Jose
--
"There are 3 secrets to the perfect landing. Unfortunately, nobody knows
what they are." - (mike).
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.