FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - do planes ever use reverse thrusters to back away from the gate anymore?
Old Aug 26, 2006 | 5:30 pm
  #6  
I'mOffOne
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 164
Reverse thrust can only be safely used to back up aircraft that have tail-mounted engines, so that means you'll never see it period on anything that has wing-mounted engines. There are only a few aircraft that are approved for power back operations, so that may be why we don't see it much anymore unless flying on MD-80s (one of the ones that can power back).

Even when the aircraft is approved for power back, it's generally preferable to push back because of the fuel burn, stress on the engine, and safety issues.
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