Oxy-coal combustion for $CO_2$ capture in coal power plants entails a mode switching from air-firing to oxyfiring. In this study, procedure of the mode switching was investigated and discussed through experiments in pilot scale facilities: (1) a 0.3 $MW_{th}$ furnace with a vertical single burner and a FGR(Flue Gas Recirculation) system (2) a 1 $MW_{th}$ furnace with horizontal 4 burners and a FGR system. Principle of the mode switching was established and performed with control of FD fan, FGR fan, ID fan and oxygen flow rates. We have found that equivalence ratio in the oxy-firing mode should be increased more than that in the air-firing to achieve stable mode switching. Control of FD, ID and FGR fans should be performed carefully in the mode switching, in the sense of complete combustion and flame attachment. Moisture contents in the ash and the flue gas recycled to the primary oxidizer stream should be removed to prevent condensation, corrosion and duct clogging.