Powerback or Pushback for an aircraft?

 Welcome to today's blog...

Let us discuss what is a power back and pushback method? To move the aircraft from the apron (parked position) to the take-off position, two methods can be used as shown in the figure below. Pushback method uses industrial tractor and/or tugs, whereas the powerback method uses reverse thrust by engine's to push the aircraft away from an airport apron meantime the pilot can start the engines to move forward to the runway. Mostly, the pushback method is used in airports to move the aircraft from the taxi position. Because the powerback is not safe for the aircraft those who have lower mounted engine's as shown in the figure. As per the Aviation rules, there are various risks accounted in the powerback method such as aircraft collision with the surroundings, damaging the engine, a risk to ground staff and the pilot cannot see the tail of an aircraft. Foreign Object Debris provided this due to which this method is not used in common. In addition, the air sucked (vortex of air) by the engines might intake the gravels, metal pieces or any hard object which might damage the engines. Powerback method is used for Boeing Globemaster, Jet MD80, DC9 and Turboprop aircraft's because they have high mounted engines and requires a ground staff to give the directions; however, it is a faster process. Also, it reduces the ground equipment in the airport which are present on the working floor. It is recommended that while performing the powerback method shutdown the airconditioning system because the air sucked by the engines can go into the passenger cabins.

In conclusion, the pushback method saves fuel and is safe.

Thanks for reading it...