Originally Posted by
skerry
I followed an AN124 into ALC last month; ATC slowed us down about 100 miles out, but even so we had to go into the hold along with four or five others. According to ATC the delay was partly due to a routine requirement for a runway inspection after an AN124 lands. Why would that be necessary? And is it an ALC thing or does it happen everywhere?
It's not the case everywhere; must be a local procedure. The outboard engines are probably pretty close to the runway shoulders - reverse thrust might blow grass / dirt up, which is something they'd want to check in case it needs sweeping ahead of the next movement. Just a guess mind you.