Set the Boeing 747 navigation course correctly for VOR, ILS and LNAV, with MCP steps, source selection and fixes for common capture errors.
To set the navigation course in a Boeing 747 flight simulator, select the correct navigation source, tune the VOR or ILS frequency, then rotate the left or right COURSE/CRS selector on the Mode Control Panel to the charted magnetic course. For an FMC route, use LNAV instead; the course window does not steer the route.
In our Aviation & Real-World Flying library, the confusion we see most often is between course, heading and an FMC route. They are separate controls, even when their numbers happen to match.
Which 747 control sets the navigation course?
The COURSE or CRS knob on the 747’s Mode Control Panel sets the selected VOR or ILS course for its respective side of the cockpit. The left selector normally supplies the captain’s display and the right selector the first officer’s display.
The heading selector points the aircraft towards a commanded heading; the course selector defines the radio-navigation track or approach reference. Wind can therefore make the aircraft’s heading differ from its selected course. Our explanation of why the course selector is not a heading command covers that distinction in more detail.
| Navigation task | What determines the track | What to set |
|---|---|---|
| FMC route | Active FMC leg | Use LNAV; CRS normally does not alter the route |
| VOR navigation | Tuned VOR and selected radial | Desired inbound or outbound magnetic course |
| ILS approach | Tuned localiser | Published front course from the approach chart |
| Manual intercept | Selected aircraft heading | Use HDG SEL until positioned to capture |
How do I set a VOR or ILS course in the 747?
A VOR or ILS course is set by tuning the correct radio aid, entering its charted course on the MCP and arming the appropriate lateral mode.
- Identify the navigation source. Use the radio-navigation procedure below for a VOR or ILS. If you are following the magenta FMC route, leave course guidance to LNAV.
- Read the charted course. Use the published magnetic course unless the chart explicitly marks it as true. Our guide to finding frequencies and courses on aviation charts explains where these values appear.
- Tune the frequency. Enter and activate the VOR or ILS frequency through the radio controls or the CDU’s navigation-radio page, depending on the simulated 747. Some detailed aircraft automatically tune an ILS after the approach is selected; verify the entry rather than assuming it is correct.
- Rotate the COURSE/CRS selector. Use the mouse wheel, click-drag action or assigned controller command supported by that cockpit. Set the captain’s or first officer’s side being used. For an ILS flown with both sides, particularly a multi-channel approach, set both course windows to the same published value.
- Create a sensible intercept. Use HDG SEL to approach the course at roughly 20–30 degrees, then arm VOR/LOC or the aircraft’s equivalent navigation mode. For a full ILS, APP also arms glideslope capture; it does not replace correct frequency and course selection.
- Confirm capture. Check that the deviation indication moves towards the centre and that the flight-mode annunciation changes from armed to engaged. On Boeing-style displays, armed modes are typically white and engaged modes green.
What course number should I enter?
For an ILS, enter the published localiser front course, not the aircraft’s present heading and not simply the runway number multiplied by ten. A runway labelled 27 may have a published course such as 268, 271 or another nearby value because runway designations are rounded and can change separately from procedure data.
For a VOR, remember that a radial is named from the station. If the aircraft is on the 270 radial and you want to fly inbound, set approximately 090 and confirm a TO indication. To fly outbound along that radial, set 270 and expect FROM.
When should I use LNAV instead of the course selector?
Use LNAV when the Boeing 747 is following an active FMC flight-plan leg. The FMC calculates the required track between waypoints, so turning a CRS knob will not move the magenta route or command a different leg.
To change an FMC route, modify or activate the appropriate leg, direct-to or intercept entry in the CDU as supported by the aircraft. This distinction between radio courses and computed tracks is explained in our overview of GPS and FMC route guidance in flight simulators.
Simplified aircraft may work differently. The default FSX 747 uses a NAV/GPS selector as part of its older navigation logic; our notes on the FSX 747’s NAV/GPS and autopilot controls show which position to use before arming navigation capture.
Why will the 747 not capture the selected course?
A selected course will not be captured unless the correct signal, navigation source and autopilot mode are all available.
- The course changes but the aircraft does not turn: CRS is only a reference until VOR/LOC, APP or an equivalent mode is armed. Use HDG SEL to establish an intercept.
- The needle or localiser remains absent: check the active frequency, receiver, source selection and range from the transmitter. A frequency left in standby cannot provide guidance.
- The indication gives reverse sensing: check whether you entered a VOR radial instead of its inbound reciprocal, tuned the opposite runway’s ILS or approached the localiser from behind.
- LNAV ignores the selected CRS: this is normal. LNAV follows the active FMC leg rather than the MCP course window.
- The aircraft crosses the course without capturing: reduce the intercept angle, confirm the lateral mode is armed before reaching the centreline and avoid attempting capture while too fast or too close to the station.
- The two navigation displays disagree: compare both COURSE windows and both radio selections. Detailed 747 simulations can retain different values on the captain’s and first officer’s sides.