ECAM_Actions;
Superb descriptions/schematics from the book, thank you. I suspected the installation wasn't FADEC-controlled but wanted to be sure.
delorean79;
Can a Pilot deploy full reverse on flight, flying a MD80?
While a few aircraft designs in the past (DC8, Convair990) could deploy reversers in the air, no present designs are certified for this and therefore either mechanically or through software or combinations of both, prevent reverser deployment in the air.
That said, I know of at least one DC9-32 series, (not an MD80 series) where it did occur at cruise altitude and we know of the Lauda Air B767 accident which was apparently a FADEC fault. Most fleet types have an emergency drill (memorized...) for reverse deployment in the air. The drill usually involves appropriate rudder input, (foot/rudder pedal in the kitchen and then some), ensuring directional control, and shutting the engine down. FADEC-controlled engine designs on the Airbus (CFM56 installations and likely others) command IDLE thrust if a reverser-deployed signal is sensed in the air.
That also said, most AOMs caution that controllability is a significant issue. For the record and for knowledge of non-pilots, going around after reverse is selected is absolutely prohibited. An accident (PWA B737, Cranbrook BC) led to this warning for crews.
NOTE: None of this post or discussion is to be taken as speculation that a reverser was deployed in the air as a possible cause. This is simply not known. This is only an informal professional discussion on the operational aspects of reverser deployment in the air to which crews are trained to respond.