HiI've been wondering when exactly do airlines engage reverse thrust. Are they allowed to engage it when the nose wheel hasn't touched the ground but the main ones have, or does one have to wait until all the wheels are running along on a level surface?Another thought, are spoilers deployed after all the wheels are on the ground, or as soon as the rear wheels touch the surface?Cheershttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/46138.jpg

I'm not too sure about reverse thrust, but the auto spoiler function is controlled by a squat switch on the main gears, as is the switch for inadvertent gear up and cabin pressure dump valve. When the mains touch down, the spoilers come up (if armed), the landing gear can no longer be retracted and any excess cabin pressure will be dumped to allow the door to be opened in the event of an emergency.

I suppose that each airline has it's own policy as to when to engage the thrust reversers. I have lots of video of different aircraft touchdowns & in almost everyone, you can see the thrust reserver translating sleeve sliding aft, indicating that the thrust reserver levers have been pulled up, as the nosewheel is coming down.The spoilers deploy as soon as there is weight on the main mounts on touchdown. However, they must be armed first. The crew may deploy then manually if desired, but most arm the the spoilers & let them deploy automatically. If you look at the throttle quandrant of most of the jets today, you will see the arm position on the spoiler slot.Hope this helps.JimSorry Travis. I see that we answered at almost the same time.