do planes ever use reverse thrusters to back away from the gate anymore?
Aug 26, 2006 | 3:40 pm
#1
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do planes ever use reverse thrusters to back away from the gate anymore?
I know they used to do this in the past, but I'm pretty sure I've always had a taxi push us out. Do air carriers ever use reverse thrust to back up anymore?
Aug 26, 2006 | 3:50 pm
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Originally Posted by magiciansampras
I know they used to do this in the past, but I'm pretty sure I've always had a taxi push us out. Do air carriers ever use reverse thrust to back up anymore?
I'll be surprised if they ever did that.. I think the reverse thrusters are effective
for stopping.. but not for moving an aircraft in a reverse direction.
Aug 26, 2006 | 3:52 pm
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I run into it at least 20% of the time on NWA in both MSP and MEM. Depends on the gate configuration, type of plane (it's almost always on a DC9) and/or availability of staff/tug to perform the push/pull.
Aug 26, 2006 | 3:54 pm
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Originally Posted by cpx
I'll be surprised if they ever did that.. I think the reverse thrusters are effective
for stopping.. but not for moving an aircraft in a reverse direction.
for stopping.. but not for moving an aircraft in a reverse direction.
Aug 26, 2006 | 5:30 pm
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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.
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.
Aug 26, 2006 | 8:12 pm
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You mean like this:
http://airliners.net/open.file?id=09...ext_id=0961913
It's called a "powerback" and can be done with tail mounted engines (FOD concern).
http://airliners.net/open.file?id=09...ext_id=0961913
It's called a "powerback" and can be done with tail mounted engines (FOD concern).
Aug 26, 2006 | 8:16 pm
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Originally Posted by YYCOllie
I've only seen it (ie been on a plane) on MD-80s at DFW and DC9s at MSP/DTW
DFW - AAMD80 (not very often)
MEM - NWDC9 (more often than not)
MSP - NWDC9 (sometimes)
DTW - NWDC9 (sometimes)
Read somewere ( I think on airliners.net ) what determines the need for this as opposed to a tug
Aug 26, 2006 | 8:20 pm
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I read last year about advancements in electric motors making wheel mounted motors possible, I wonder how long till that is on the first commercial planes? I'd imagine it would make things a lot more efficient if they didn't have to wait for a tug every time...
Aug 26, 2006 | 8:30 pm
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In DTW, I think this is done by DC-9 parked at odd numbered gates in A concourse. Not all of the odd numbered gates are used by DC-9 but whereever DC-9 is parked on the odd numbered gate, it'll most likely powerback out of the gate. I don't think any of the DL MD-80 that pulls into the B gates power back due to the configuration in DTW.
HJ
HJ
Aug 26, 2006 | 11:12 pm
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It sounds like NW may still powerback their aircraft. I know DL outlawed it about 10 years ago and I believe AA stopped using this technique a few years ago as well.
