What are the rules of thumb for intercepting and tracking VOR and LOC courses? Pilots training to become instrument rated must learn to intercept and track VOR and LOC courses. What are the basic rules of thumb all pilots should learn regarding picking a course for intercept and making corrections to maintain the course? How do they vary between VOR and LOC courses?
the rule of thumb for IFR flying, including intercepting VOR and LOC courses, is the 5Ts:


Throttle: turn the throttle to initiate a climb or descent 
Turn: to the new inbound or outbound heading 
Time: reset the timer to time the
new leg 
Twist: the OBS to the new course you're intercepting  
Talk:
if you are at a reporting point, you should now use the radio