B747-400 Engine after landing at Man 21/6
 

I today came back on a flight from Barbados I noticed shortly after we arrived at the gate at MAN the right outer engine (4?) engine cowling was opened with an engineer inspecting it. The engineer was operating a hand pump from the ground with a hose leading to the engine almost like it was a big pump foot pump however operated by hand. The captain was also down there having a look so wondered what this could of been if anything?

The thrust reverser half, if I remember, weights 750lbs, to open it a hydraulic pump is used to operate a hydraulic actuator to pump open the cowl, once it's at a certain height a stay is fitted to prevent it closing whilst working in there.

Some more modern a/c have an inbuilt hydraulic motor and once you unlatch the cowl you press a button and up it goes.

It would of been an engineer, they wear epaulettes, and a mechanic.

Modern a/c have a communication system that makes the engineers aware of any problems on an inbound flt so they can be prepared to do whatever to fix or lock out something on the a/c, saves time and potential delays.

If your really lucky you have the PDOS installed on your reverser halves so then you just pop the latches and stand there holding the switch:ok: