Which aircraft can pushback under own power?

[Snow]

I'm sure I've seen airplanes pushback under their own power at airports before, do they still do this and what planes can do it? If not anymore, why? I have a memory that planes of the DC9 family can do this?

[FlyChicaga]

Last year I saw an AA Super 80 powerback in Orlando. It still happens.

[A300Capt]

Just about any of the jets and turboprops are capable of doing power backs. Most companies don't do it anymore for various reasons including safety, training expense and FOD potential to the engines (wing mounted especially).

[BoDEAN]

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Last year I saw an AA Super 80 powerback in Orlando. It still happens.

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I sat jumpseat many times on American's Super 80 down in Austin, Tx, where it had to move forward, then reverse thrusters to get out of the gate =)

[Richman]

Hiya Snow,

Generally, while it is true that any AC with reversers or a reversing prop can "powerback", in practice with most operators/airplanes it is not done for a couple of reasons...

First, your operation specifications (for part 135 or 121, thats the bible, next to the flight operations manual) must allow for it. I know at the two regionals I was at, it was specifically prohibited (aircraft will not utilize reverse thrust systems for backward movement, or something like that).

Second, its a somewhat complicated maneuver...you need some wingwalkers and a guy you really trust directing you backward. PLUS you can't just stomp on the brakes to stop, cause you will tip up on your tail. You need to come out of reverse and then use forward thrust to stop you, and this all takes time.

Third, the aircraft itself might not like it. Those aircraft with wing mounted engines (737s, 757s, Airbii) are VERY susceptible to foreign object damage (FOD) and they kick up ALOT of junk when in reverse, and all that stuff can get sucked back into the intake. The only AC I have ever seen approved for powerbacks are with tail mounted engines.

Anyway, at NWA we do powerbacks with the DC-9 and the 727 (well, while we had them, anyway). Its something that is trained in the sim, and in practice, you could only powerback from approved gates. At our shop, you need 3 people for a powerback (2 wingwalkers and a coordinator). If a powerback involved a turn (anything other than straight back), then you had to have a face to face briefing with the coordinator.

All in all, though, it is a time saver. You crank at the gate, blow back, and you are ready to go.

Very best,
Richard

[Louie1975]

Hey Richman:
Welcome aboard! Let me ask you, is it hard for, say, an A320 pilot to transfer 'back' to a DC-9? I would imagine the flying is a bit different. I'm sure many pilots go from the DC-9 to the Airbus, but I'm wondering if it's harder going back in time. And how much longer is Northwest keeping those jets? Thanks!

Louie

[TrinidadGT20]

I've seen a F-100 pushback unders its own power.

Question:

What is a Super 80? I recall way back in 1990 flying on a "S 80" out of John Wayne Airport. Scariest flight I've ever been on.

[FLYMcDoofer]

Believe the "Super 80" is what American refers to as its MD-80. Think they have MD-82 and maybe 88s but not sure you can always look at the AA sight. Just what they call it I think.

[eodfe]

Old push back story.

We were in Suwon Korea, Osan was closed, the line personnel parked us right in front of the line chief's office, windows open. We were in an EP-3, loaded with crew, loaded with fuel, we put the props in reverse, I was watching from the center seat, I saw papers flying everywhere, a picture of the South Korean President fly off the wall, It's a good thing I was strapped in, I would have fell out of my seat, I was laughing so hard.

Needless to say, when we returned from the mission, they didn't park us in front of the office again.

P.S. I have to say this, there was no avaiable push back equipment, ie... Tug, towbar, at the time.