I've noticed that the thrust reversers on some of the default aircraft are strong enough to actually move the aircraft backwards when on the ground. Normally you wouldn't use the reversers beow 60 (or so) knots due to exhaust injestion, but should they actually be this strong?Also, you can use the thrust reversers while airborne. I think that most commercial aircraft have safeguards to prevent thrust reversers activating while airborne - a failure in this system caused a crash while the aircraft was on approach a few years ago.- Martin

I have been onboard or have witnessed 727s, 717s, DC9s, and MD80s pushing themselves back from the gate using thrust reversers. I have even seen pictures of a 757 engaged in such a manouver. Given that thrust reversers are often capable of handling 40% power or more, it's not that hard to believe that they can push themselves backwards. It is, however, not a good practice on aircraft with engines below the wings, since it creates a very high likelyhood of foreign object damage.While on most aircraft it is pretty much suicidal to engage thrust reversers in flight, some aircraft actually are capable of safely engaging thrust reversers in flight as a means of slowing down, such as the DC-8 and IL62.

Quite a few real world aircraft "back-up". Most don't actually do it. Most jets that you will see do it would be MD-8X types(high tail mount engines) More common in Props. When we (P-3's) operate out of Bahrain Int'l, The ramp we park on is small, and with the number of aircraft there backing up is pretty much only way to park.

:-outta

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Reverse used to be a common practice on the rear engined T-tail types-I've been in Eastern DC-9's that did it and seen more than a few AA MD-80's do so as well. Thoretically it saves time and the need for a tug.Tim

Lauda Air lost a B767 over Thailand due to the reversers on one of the engines deploying in flight. A great tradegy.Gavin

When I had a layover in DTW about a month ago I recorded a bunch of mpeg videos of some DC9 10s and 50s pushing themselves back. In fact most all of the DC-9s there push pack using reversers...what a cool sight..

I've also been on an American 727 that used reverse thrust to push back in Dallas..TIMMAY!!

I would love to try it on my bird. But the company forbids it.