ILS for Boeing 747

Thanks for bringing up the instrumental landing system (ILS) procedure for the Boeing 747-400 in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It's always a pleasure to help people improve their flight simulation experience. So, let's discuss this in detail. The principles we'll discuss should also be applicable to Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and X-Plane 12.

Step 1: Opening the map
Your first step is to open the map. There are a couple of ways to do this in FSX - either through the World menu option or using the star-shaped button on your 2D main panel. For newer simulators like MSFS 2020 or X-Plane 12, similar options should be available in your cockpit interface or through your in-game menu.

Step 2: Setting the destination and runway
Once you have the map open, click on your intended destination. This should pull up information about the airport, including runway data. Make sure you select the correct runway that has been assigned to you by the ATC (Air Traffic Control). Your NAV1 radio should then be set to the ILS frequency (the unique radio frequency for the specific runway's guidance system) as indicated.

Step 3: Setting your course
The next step is to adjust your course. You can find this in the upper right corner of your horizontal situation indicator (HSI), a cockpit instrument that displays the aircraft's current heading and navigational track. The course should be set to align with the runway heading (the precise compass direction of a runway).

Step 4: Engaging the autopilot
Next, engage the autopilot if it's not already active. In FSX, you can do this by pressing CTRL+1. Once you hear the Morse code (which is essentially the identifier for the ILS you are tuned into), press CTRL+1 again. Then, hit the APP (Approach Hold) button on the main panel to let your aircraft begin aligning itself to the runway.

Step 5: Preparing for landing
As you approach landing, you'll need to arm your speed brake (a flight control system used to increase aircraft drag). Also, ensure your flaps and landing gear are lowered to stabilize your aircraft for landing. You can set the autobrake to level 2, which is generally recommended for wet or slippery runways.

Step 6: Final approach
As you descend to about 200 feet, it's time to disengage the autopilot and auto-throttle. Setting your thrust to idle, you can then manually fly the last leg of the approach. If you find that you are not correctly lined up with the runway, it's always safer to execute a go-around.

Additional Note:
One critical aspect to remember is to set your NAV/GPS switch to NAV. This allows the aircraft to follow the ILS course as broadcasted by the ground station.

The ILS landing process might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. I hope this information will help enhance your flight simulation experience, especially when piloting the magnificent Boeing 747-400.

Safe flying and happy landings!