I have no experience at all with commercial jets and wanted to try the Fokker Flight Example in the pdf Manual that comes with the Fokker 100/70 planes. However, I don't understand a reference in sections 4.1.12 and 4.1.13 at page 29 of the Manual. For example, in section 4.1.12, it says "At D4 SPL, turn left heading 300" degrees. I don't know what is meant by "D4 SPL." This type of "D* SPL" reference is used several other times in the course of the example flight to describe when you are to take certain actions. I would greatly appreciate if someone could tell me what is meant by this reference. Thanks.

There are never any dumb questions!"At D4 SPL, turn left heading 300" means once you're 4 nm from SPL (probably a VOR station), turn left to 300.So...D15 ATL would mean 15 nm from Atlanta VOR, D7 VUZ means 7 miles from Vulcan VOR...and I think you get the picture now.I'm guessing that this is more of a European way of stating distances...the US charts usually say "CRI 2NM DME." (turn 2nm from Canarise VOR)And if this is incorrect, then I guess we'll both learn something today. ;)

I think you got it. I looked at the map more carefully than before, and sure enough there's a VOR named "SPL" and the distances used in the example are consistent with the apparent distances from the VOR when the actions are to be taken. Thanks so much for the help. Now, to try that example flight with this beautiful plane!