Powerbacks on Other A/C

[flyguyMN]

NWA who mainly uses the DC-9's in the USA, powerbacks them from the gates. Well on a video I saw on Flightlevel350.com, there was an MD-83 powering back.

After watching this video, it is clearly evident that the MD-80 famliy as well as the 717 is capable of powerbacks, how come they don't do it then? I would think it would free a ton of tugs for usage on other a/c.

 

[9GClub]

After watching this video, it is clearly evident that the MD-80 famliy as well as the 717 is capable of powerbacks, how come they don't do it then? I would think it would free a ton of tugs for usage on other a/c.

Fuel, noise, wear and tear.

 

[FN FAL]

...I would think it would free a ton of tugs for usage on other a/c.

A ton of tugs, might only be a portion of one tug. Which wouldn't offset the additional risk of backing jets up with their reversed thrust.

 

[atrdriver]

The ramp areas must be kept very clean, and extra cycles on the reversers, not to mention a lot more gas to powerback rather than pushback.