American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 pulling away from the gate on its own power!
Good old times when nobody has cared about the gas prices!
“Tower, American 555 request pushback” Tower: “Pushback denied, you’ll have to wait a couple more minutes” American 555:
The MD-80 series, an evolution of the DC-9, has long been recognized for its reliability and robust performance. Designed to cater to medium-haul routes, the MD-80 gained popularity for its fuel efficiency and ability to operate from airports with shorter runways.
While thrust reversers are traditionally associated with assisting in deceleration during the landing phase, the MD-80 can repurpos this technology. By engaging the thrust reversers while still on the ground, the aircraft harnesses the power generated by its engines to facilitate pushback from the gate.
The typical gate pushback process involves the use of tow tractors or tugs to maneuver an aircraft away from its parking position.
While the use of thrust reversers for gate pushback showcased the MD-80’s design, it required careful consideration of safety protocols. Pilots and ground crews must coordinate effectively to ensure a smooth and controlled pushback, maintaining the highest standards of safety and precision.
I am guessing this pilot is no longer employed as a pilot. Can you do it? yes should you do it? no
Standard procedure up until 2000 when AA started trying to save fuel. MD-80 and B727 routinely powered back on their own.
Reminds me of a time in our Navy C-130 when we were dropping off a guy on emergency leave to catch a plane at BWI, and rolled in too close to the FBO to turn and taxi out. Put the aft crewmember out on a long headset lead and backed out – which lifted a few Pipers and Cessnas – cost us quite a bit with their airframes shop…
Very common procedure in the day, I’ve done it in a DC9 and 717.
SOP. AA. I was an FO and CA on the 80 from 1985-1995 or so. Did it MANY times.
Was normal procedure for some airlines back in the 1980’s. Used it on B727’s and DC9’s. Reason…..it meant one less mechanic was needed for pushback. Unfortunately, ground debris damage to engines and aircraft negated the labor savings.
He said “screw that tower” “I am in no mood! these kids won’t shut up and I cant just turn it around and go home!!!!”
My favorite thing I ever heard in years of ATC:
“San Francisco Tower this is American 1516, we’ve just pushed from Gate 62.”
“Uh, American 1516, you really need to tell me you’re going to pull it out, dear…”
As I recall airline ops guys hated that little trick but spare parts sales at P&W loved it.
Not surprising. Valujet and AirTran used this method in Atlanta with the DC-9 and 717 for years.
Sure they can do it – it´s in their manual as well.
This was never about saving fuel. Frank Borman started it, when he wanted to save on the number of push-back personnel. It was discontinued due to the high cost of FOD events.
Very common event with DC9’s 727’s, 737’s, MD80’s. Even did it on the Lockheed L188. Just had to be sure you used power forward to stop the roll back before getting on the brakes. Was jumpseat on 727 when Captain was just a “tad bit early” on the brake. Didn’t put it on its tail but sure felt like we might for a moment lol.
The narrative is false. There was no such incident where the pilot did a powerback without being cleared for pushback or powerback and taxi. I worked at American Airlines 36 years as a mechanic and taxied MD-80s many dozens of times.
What you see here was a standard procedure used thousands of times with MD-80 and B-727 aircraft at American Airlines.
More power to him!
Just another mighty fine reason I don’t fly with American Airlines.
The procedure on the video is called a “power back” and it was fairly common especially when most of the airplnes had tail mointed engines, e.g. Boeing 737, DC-9, MD-80. If clearance from ground control, or ramp control, was required before coming back off the gate, the pilot would request “power back clearance” and not “push back clearance”. They are very different ways of achieving the same end. There was ALWAYS ground crew in place to clear the area and guide the pilot. The biggest thing to remember is to NOT use the wheel brakes to stop the backward movement… Read more »
1st 2nd 3rd 4rth 5th R < 🤔 don't see any issues here 🤣
Only ever saw it done once at Luton UK. We were very busy with pushbacks and Sterling Airways was very tight for their slot. They got tower permission and one of my colleagues oversaw the powerback, he got covered in dust and exhaust fumes.
Did it all the time in Navy C-9Bs.
The first time I saw this I was at Chicago’s OHare airport. I thought it was really a bad ass move on the part of the pilot backing that huge thing out like he would his car in a parking lot.
Ive seen planes do this before when they cant get a tow vehicle out to move it and they said ok go ahead and power back. Air Marshall is right there too guiding it.
When you know how to use your clam.shells properly and don’t need a tug for push back.