Airliners-India

airindia787

It's a question that's been in my mind for a long time, but would planes be able to push themselves back from a gate? would it cause too much stress on the gear or involve too much energy?

Answers appreciated.
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sreenath_y · Member Joined: 27 Apr 2008 Posts: 528 Location: BOM

I didn't get your question properly. Why shud it cause gear stress?

But, planes do push themselves out of a power-in push-out gate. But thats with reverse thrust. You can't use reverse thrust near ground equipment and the terminals, the thrust can damage them. Another thing, the reverse thrust can blow all the debris from the ground, which can get sucked by the intake.

But AA and NWA do this with their MD80s. MDs have engines high above ground, hence its a bit safer.

Now with Airbus coming up with the electric powered taxi system, they should be able to power back easily.

rutvij · Member Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 805 Location: Mumbai

With Oil at Record Highs, Airlines like Virgin are Testing the usage of Tow tractors rite upto the Taxiway/Holding Point. Making Aircrafts Push-back would be last on a Manufacturer's Mind. Even if such thing comes through, CEOs won't use it. Laughing

sammyk · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 8:53 pm Post subject:

Yah, I watched some AA MD-80s do powerbacks at DFW once. Interesting to watch.

saurabhm_101 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 447 Location: Mumbai

here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID3jfc39x3E
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con spirito · Member Joined: 07 Apr 2007 Posts: 287 Location: Inflight

To be more precise turboprop or piston engine powered aircrafts can reverse easily by using negative pitch which is also used as an efficient thrust reverser after touchdown.
On the contrary, on tubojets/fans generally aircraft having engines on the rear fuselage use thrust reversers to go backwards because less chances of tipping over and FOD.

Taking reverse using engine power is called Powerback.
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HAWK21M · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject:

As explained above.
The term is called "powerback'
Turboprops use the variable pitch to achieve reverse thrust.
Turbofans & turbojets use reverse thrust to powerback from gate/bay in case of no Pushback tug availability.
But its preferred for Aft mounted Engined Aircraft due to FOD & tipping chances.The life of the Engine is reduced by these actions too.

Remember stopping a powerback is by using Forward thrust & NOT by brakes.

regds
MEL
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con spirito · Member Joined: 07 Apr 2007 Posts: 287 Location: Inflight

The last fact was really noteworthy MEL, thanks for the interesting piece of information.
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