9 years, that must be a record! Of course since it had to do with NW I had to read it.

Wow, just coming back to the NWA forum to reminisce and there is a thread I started in 2002 still active! I actually remember posting this question...

I remember Eastern using the thrust reverse starting in the late 1980's. I don't recall seeing the procedure in the 1960s, 1970s, or early 1980s, but at one point it was a very common procedure.

The first time I was on a DC-9 where the procedure was being used I wondered what in the heck was going on.

So -- now that we have this (interesting) thread open again..

Does DL do powerbacks?

I'm riding a '9 in a few days -- seems like a fun trick. I guess it's not that I'd have to pay attention to notice -- I'm sure everyone on board would notice those JT-8's screaming.

My most interesting experience with a powerback took place in Asheville, North Carolina on a US Airways flight several years ago. After we had left the gate, the pilot starting taxiing down the wrong (very narrow) taxiway towards a general aviation ramp--- once he realized his error, he stomped on the brakes. After remaining motionless for a couple of minutes--- he "kicked it in reverse" and proceeded to power back all the way back to the ramp, where he then selected the correct taxiway and we continued on to the runway for takeoff.

In recent years, I have not really seen any powerbacks.

Delta may have done it in the past. Powerbacks became popular then disappeared on my flights.

Powerbacks used to be SOP at AA for the MD-80 and B727 fleet at airports that allowed the procedure. AA discontinued the practice maybe 5-8 years ago. Guess they re-ran the numbers and decided that additional ground support equipment was cheaper than increased engine wear & tear.

Those were badass days when pilots did that the Douglas aircraft were and still are pretty cool .... this feature and option stopped being used due to fuel costs.

I use to see this all the time but you hardly ever see it any more

I had Powerbacks on AA, and US in the past can't remember if had any on DL