Thrust Reversal Explained: How It Helps Aircraft Stop Safely
Pilot Institute
JUNE 12, 2025
By the time the aircraft decelerates below roughly 80 knots, the pilot moves the reverser controls to the idle reverse position. At low groundspeeds, the air flowing through the engine is much less than at high speeds. Aircraft with tail-mounted engines, such as the DC-9, could get away with using buckets.
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