why can't airplanes go backwards on the ground?

Answer 1

Primarily a lack of vision. You would hate to back into something with a 30 million dollar plane.
C-130's and other turbo-props can go into 'beta' and reverse themselves slowly, but again, lack of vision is an issue.
Thrust reversers on jets haven't the power to drive the plane backwards, they merely aid in the slowing of the plane on landing.

And yes, you can get motorcycles with reverse. I don't recall the manufacturer, but they are out there.

Answer 2

Aircraft, both complex piston, turboprop and jets can go backwards on the ground. I've seen it. It's not really recommended, but it can be done using either the reverse pitch of the prop blades or the reverse thrust from true jet engines.

With propeller driven aircraft that are equipped with constant speed propellers that feature a reversal system, a squat switch on the nose landing gear allows the pilot to reverse the pitch of the prop blade. It's noisy, because the prop is an airfoil primarily designed to create higher pressure behind it rather than in front of it, so it's also beating the heck out of the air as well as needing a much higher power requirement than normal taxi would.

There are two types of TR's, (thrust reversers,) on jets; cascade and clamshell type. I'm not certain if cascade type reversers produce enough forward thrust to actually push the aircraft backwards. Think of putting a slightly flattened, cone shaped bucket in front of a high pressure air source so that if the airsource is -, and the bucket is >, it looks like ->. There's only one way for the flow from your high pressure air source to go. It's greatly diffused in this manner, so a greater power setting is required, creating much more noise.

Answer 3

The airplanes are not equipped to go backward beacause the pilot cant see backward... some planes have the thrust reversers, including all airliners, but they cant be used for what are called "power backs" unless they are approved by the airline and the airplane has rear mounted engines... airplanes with engines on the wings could tip backward if the reversers are engaged while the airplane is at a standstill... Even when an airplane does a power back, they are very closely watched by ground crew because the pilot has no idea what is behind him...

Answer 4

Airplanes can go backwards if they have the correct prop. But usually only seaplanes have the ability or the need. Most land planes can function fine with only the ability to move forward not to mention a prop that has the ability to reverse thrust is very expensive.

A seaplane would need the ability to go backwards in order to get itself off of a beach of position itself next to a dock.

Answer 5

Some Jets and propeller driven planes have reverse thrust on them. Most general aviation airplanes do not. On jets the exhaust air is redirected forward. On prop driven airplanes the pitch of the propeller is changed forcing the air forward. I don't think I have ever seen it used for backing up, but I suppose it could be. It is mainly used for slowing the airplane down after touching down on the runway. Airports are usually big enough that you don't need to worry about backing up unless you are hangering or undocking the plane. In this case a towing device is usually used because of prop-wash kicking up dust or other objects that can cause damage to people, buildings, and other aircraft in close quarters.

Answer 6

Have you also ever wondered why motorcycles can't go backwards either?

I am not exactly sure, but I think its because it would cost more money for something that is not that necessary.

On airplanes all they would have to do is develop a turbine that could have the thrust reversed but that would probably cost a lot of money.

On motorcyles they could probably make a gear probably right before 1st that could make the bike go in reverse but that means more components in the transmission which means more expense to build. Besides I wouldn't want to be going more than two miles an hour in reverse on a motorcycle. Not very safe for the sake of steering.

Answer 7

airplanes could go backwards on the ground under their own power but do not because it is hard to see where you are going, also, some thrust reversers have a certain speed that they must be disengaged at (60 KTS or so) or it will damage the engine.

Answer 8

Many years ago, KMCO (Orlando International) used to allow jet aircraft to reverse under thrust reverser power. Today they don't allow it due to the amount of ground traffic in the terminal areas. With a tug, the aircraft is pushed back with at least 2 other people watching to make sure everything is clear. Usually one person is on the starboard side of the plane and one is on the port side watching for obstacles.

Answer 9

Because it would be silly.

They could but taxiing backward with a jet would be very difficult to control, not to mention the pilot would have a hell of a time seeing where he was going.

Answer 10

They can using reverse thrust or propeller direction, but I can understand that it would be not advised because the thrust would be going in the opposite direction kicking up stuff and making everything in front the plane an open target.