Backing an aircraft

[JackR]

Read recently that an aircraft can be backed out of a loading bay using its own engines. How is this done?

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Jac

[Mark 1]

Some aircraft are certificated for use of reversers at low speed for self push-back etc.

Generally to be avoided because of exhaust gas re-circulation, debris ingestion etc..

Same applies for using beta control on propellers.

[CaptainSquelch]

If you want to have real fun the power back is the perfect moment to hit the brakes.

[EGAC]

I saw a Northwest DC-9 do this at MSP a few months back. It just didn't seem right and prior to this I thought it was more or less confined to operations in some rather less well regulated parts of the world.

I do seem to recall hearing of an Aeroflot IL-62 damaging equipment/buildings using this technique. Can anyone fill in the details?



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Safety is no accident

[HugMonster]

Jetstreams (both 31 and 41) and ATP's are very easy to reverse out. British Regional do it all the time @ BHD.

The ATR can also power-back, but it's less recommended. My company's Ops Manual doesn't permit it at all.

[Shanwick Shanwick]

Hugmonster,

That must've been a fairly recent additionto the ops manual as in the past we did it quite frequently.

I often see an American Airlines 727 reversing off stand in Washington. Lots of smoke, dust, debris etc. Looks quite impressive.

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hhhiiisssssccrrrraaaacckkkllesssshhhhhh

[Captain Airclues]

Did a 'three point turn' in a VC10 at Blantyre, Malawi, in 1968. The runway was only 100ft wide and we misjudged the turn.

Airclues

[Lucifer]

The C-17 Globemaster is certified to do this: quote: "The unique thrust reverser design allows the BC-17X to back up a 2% slope fully loaded, making parking and operating at small, austere or congested airports easy. Tugs and tow bars are not required."
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/bc-17x/index.html