Planes no longer use reverse thrust to reverse from the gate for several reasons:
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Risk of Damage: The powerful air blast generated by reverse thrust can stir up debris, potentially causing damage to the plane, the terminal, nearby ground vehicles, other aircraft and ground crews.
- Engine Ingestion Hazards: As the engines power up, they create a suction effect that can pull loose objects or tools into the engine, leading to expensive damage. This is particularly true for low wing mounted engines compared to the older tail mounted engines.
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Fuel Consumption and Noise: Using reverse thrust consumes a lot of fuel and creates excessive noise, contributing to noise pollution, a growing concern in airport operations.
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Lack of Visibility: Pilots cannot see behind the aircraft, meaning they would still need assistance from ground crew to ensure a safe movement. This negates the potential time and cost savings of not using a tug and can create communication issues.
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Safety and Control: Reverse thrust is intended for slowing down after landing, not for precise movements on the ground. The risk of mismanagement, with possible millions in damage is great.
While in the past some operators and aircraft could used engine power to reverse from the gate, it now is seen as not worth the risk, making tugs the safer, more reliable choice.