Thrust Reversal Explained: How It Helps Aircraft Stop Safely
Pilot Institute
JUNE 12, 2025
When pilots talk about engaging reverse thrust, they don’t mean spinning the engines or propellers the opposite way. If the runway is contaminated with water, ice, or oil, the wheel may simply skid over the surface instead of gripping it. The extra stopping power is useful for landing on short runways and in adverse conditions.
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