Jetstream 41 reversing
 

Watched a Jetstream 41 reversing on the ramp today. Almost got blown over when it reversed out.

Why don't they use pushback trucks? Plenty of then there.

Should have asked the pilots of course!!

Nothing unusual, the Loganair Skyvan always used to power back off stand at Glasgow, and I've seen it happen with Kingairs and PC12s to get into tight spaces parking nose out.

Same reason Ryanair don't use jetties. Cost.

The Merchantman also did it, apparently.

And Leeds-based Capital airlines once got the passengers to get out and push (back) a 360 at Glasgow.

Many moons ago I and half a dozen others physically pushed back a BA Highlands division HS74 on a very icy Manchester ramp! Health and safety in the 80's was different! Got a few odd looks from the punters and BA never even gave us a free ticket!! Grrr The joy of being a ATCO Cadet!

Pretty sure Loganair still do it at GLA on the Twotter too.

In the USA it was (probably still is) common practice for medium-sized jets to use reverse thrust to push back from parking stands.

Lot's of aircraft can power back, but in the UK at least it's rarely done and usually forbidden by the airport authorities.

There was (or still is?) a video circulating on the internet a few years ago of a Jet2 733 being pushed back by hand at MAN on B pier :ok:

Were I worked ATP's used to do it regularly until the aerodrome authority got antsy about prop wash.

First aircraft I was ever on board that powered back was a British Airways VC10
:O

Jetstreams etc doing a 'powerback' is pretty standard I think. BA examples certainly did it at LBA in period they operated there post Knightway.

I'm convinced I remember a Sterling Airways Caravelle VI-R self propelling itself back from international pier at MAN using the RR Avon's thrust reversers, possibly OY-SBZ on 17/07/75.

Nearly blew the spotters off the viewing area above.

Did it once in a 757 at Halmstad in Sweden when on a charter. None of the airport tugs was powerful enough to push us back.
Did it really really really gently...it was quite amusing to see the marshaller disappear in a cloud of snow :)

I remember in 1986 it was quite common with NW DC9s. I haven't seen it done recently so its probably not now in favour (I don't know if its anything to do with higher by-pass ratios). I don't know how a prop's wash compares with jet blast.

I suppose that if the WheelTug is successful we will see a lot more reversing, but that will be without the main engines switched on.

My nephew used to Captain J41s (not in the UK) and they usually parked on the apron in such a way as to be able to go forward.

If I recall correctly, if a powerback was required the formula was:

• Open the throttles a touch
• When you have travelled 2/3 of the way - close the throttles
• Let her drift to a stop then apply brakes and set the pitch
• DO NOT touch the brakes when she is rolling as she will almost certainly sit on 'her backside' without warning and VERY quickly!

The Merchantman would also sit on it's tail, so I've heard.

Using reverse in snow may have contributed to the Air Florida incident in 1982 at Washington, so I read.

Visit Aberdeen, the Eastern Airways J41's powerback on every turnaround, been doing it for years. Every 30 mins you'll hear a Garrett giving it wellie as it reverse's off stand.

Generally as I have ever seen it done (in tail mounted jet engine aircraft). Taxi forward, apply reverse thrust as required to to taxi backwards, advance thrust and NEVER apply the breaks until you have achieved forward movement. Not sure if it is much different with turboprop a/c.

Reverse thrust
 

I recall Caravelles reversing at BHX many moons ago - i can remember seeing the ploom of smoke and hear the RR engines in my memory .....

Have been on American Airlines MD80's and 727 using reverse thrust to pull away from the gate. NW DC9's also used to do it.

I saw a Varig 707 freighter reverse off-stand at the LHR Cargo Terminal many years ago, the Captain had decided his departure slot couldn't wait evermore for the long-overdue tug. This was during summer and the cargo guys definitely weren't happy about all the dust, grit, bits of wood and empty boxes etc, all being blasted through the airside warehouse roller-doors, which were unfortunately wide open!
Expected to incur the BAA's major displeasure, but never heard any more about it. A sight to behold!

An Aeroflot airliner, not sure of the type (IL86?) reversed from a gate stand when ground crews reversed to go near soviet aircraft following the shooting down of Korean Airlines Flight 007 in 1983 (the gateroom was evacuated).