Cessna 400
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 16.5; Flight Crew Total 1158; Flight Crew Type 1086
Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
Flew to LOZ to practice the ILS RWY 6 approach to help fulfill my IFR Currency requirements. I particularly chose this airport because last year flying the same approach under an IFR flight plan and in IMC conditions; the vectoring I received from Indy Center left me so high above the glide slope; I wasn't able to descend fast enough and had to go miss. So I wanted to try this approach again and see if there was anything I needed to learn. After I made radio contact with Indy Center; I asked and received vectors for the ILS RWY 6 approach and was told to remain VFR. When asked how I wanted to end the approach; I notified the Controller; I would fly direct to Mt. Sterling (IOB). Once I started to receive vectors; my altitude was 6;500 MSL. I didn't descend to any lower altitudes; as I was expecting ATC to give me those lower numbers. So when I was ready to intercept the localizer; I was 3;500 feet above the GS. When Indy Center cleared me for the approach he said and I quote; 'You're now on you own and remain VFR; cleared to fly published missed.' This was all ambiguous to me as I was expecting to also hear the words; 'Frequency change approved and return to this frequency.' Also; I was confused why the Controller mentioned flying the published miss; when I had previously told him I wanted to fly direct to IOB. My safety pilot was also confused; but we reasoned; we'll make a frequency change and fly miss anyway; since we were so high above the glide slope. Once we flew the published miss we made two holds over the London VOR and then headed to Mt. Sterling (IOB). Since the Controller said we were on our own; I interpreted those remarks meaning our Flight Following was over. I probably; with that in mind; should have squawked 1200 but for some reason I didn't. I probably as well; should have talked to Indy Center again and clarified everything with the Controller; but again I thought our Flight Following was over. Once we flew to IOB and did an approach there without ATC; we proceeded to LEX for an approach there. Upon contact with Lexington Approach they remarked they had been looking for us as our Flight Following at London had not been cancelled and they were wondering where we were.
Columbia 400 pilot reports confusing instructions and questionable handling during a practice ILS approach to Runway 6 at LOZ. The reporter was apparently expected to return to ZID frequency after the approach but this was not clearly conveyed to the reporter.