What if the reversers OPEN in flight?!

Mentour Pilot・2 minutes read

Thrust reversers are crucial for reducing landing distance on slippery runways and cooling down brakes, especially for high-speed landings, but should not be used on dry runways. Proper use and understanding of thrust reversers are essential to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation during landing and rejected takeoffs.

Insights

  • Thrust reversers play a crucial role in reducing landing distance on slippery runways by dissipating energy and aiding in braking, essential for safe and efficient aircraft operations.
  • The deployment of thrust reversers is strictly prohibited during flight on modern transport aircraft due to safety concerns, with manufacturers implementing safeguards to prevent accidental activation, emphasizing the importance of proper use and control of these systems during critical phases of flight.

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Recent questions

  • What are thrust reversers used for?

    Thrust reversers are utilized to reduce landing distance on slippery or wet runways by helping dissipate energy for a safe stop. They also aid in reducing brake temperature for quick turnarounds, especially in airlines with fast turnaround times.

  • Why are thrust reversers important for aircraft landing at high speeds?

    Thrust reversers are crucial for aircraft landing at high speeds as they help dissipate energy for a safe stop and reduce brake temperature. This is essential to ensure the brakes remain efficient and effective, especially when landing on slippery runways.

  • How do different levels of reverse thrust impact aircraft operations?

    Different levels of reverse thrust can be selected based on runway conditions, with full reverse thrust being crucial on slippery runways where brakes may not be effective due to anti-skid systems. This selection helps in reducing speed and aiding in stopping the aircraft safely.

  • What types of aircraft use thrust reversers?

    Turboprop aircraft use variable pitch propellers for reverse thrust, while jet engines use bucket-type reversers or bypass air redirection. These mechanisms are essential for dissipating energy and aiding in stopping the aircraft during landing.

  • Are thrust reversers ever used during flight?

    Selecting thrust reversers in flight is prohibited on modern transport aircraft, with mechanical and hydraulic locks preventing their use mid-air. However, aircraft must be controllable at low altitude with one thrust reverse selected at idle thrust, despite causing asymmetric thrust and buffeting. Additionally, a non-normal checklist is available to guide pilots in shutting down an engine with thrust reverse activated to prevent loss of control, especially crucial at high altitudes.

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Summary

00:00

Thrust Reversers: Essential for Safe Landings

  • Thrust reversers are used to reduce landing distance on slippery or wet runways, not on dry runways.
  • Thrust reversers help reduce brake temperature for quick turnarounds, especially in airlines with fast turnaround times.
  • Aircraft landing at high speeds need thrust reversers to dissipate energy for a safe stop.
  • Brakes on aircraft are less efficient when hot, necessitating the use of thrust reversers to cool them down.
  • In a rejected takeoff, thrust reversers are not factored into calculations but are used to reduce brake energy.
  • During landing, thrust reversers are always selected to reduce speed and aid in stopping the aircraft.
  • Different levels of reverse thrust can be selected based on runway conditions, with full reverse thrust crucial on slippery runways.
  • Thrust reversers are essential on slippery runways where brakes may not be effective due to anti-skid systems.
  • Turboprop aircraft use variable pitch propellers for reverse thrust, while jet engines use bucket-type reversers or bypass air redirection.
  • Selecting thrust reversers in flight is prohibited on modern transport aircraft, with mechanical and hydraulic locks preventing their use mid-air.

16:26

Managing Thrust Reverser for Aircraft Safety

  • Aircraft must be controllable at low altitude with one thrust reverse selected at idle thrust, despite causing asymmetric thrust and buffeting.
  • A non-normal checklist is available to guide pilots in shutting down an engine with thrust reverse activated to prevent loss of control, especially crucial at high altitudes.
  • Historical incidents of thrust reverser deployment in flight leading to loss of control and accidents have prompted aircraft manufacturers to enhance safeguards, minimizing the risk of such occurrences.
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