Definition
A removable container or receptacle component within a piece of aircraft equipment, typically holding a specific element such as fuel, fluid, or a structural insert. The most common aviation use refers to a thrust reverser bucket — a hinged, scoop-shaped panel on a turbojet or turbofan engine that swings into the exhaust stream after landing to redirect thrust forward and slow the aircraft.
Plain English
A scoop-shaped panel on a jet engine that swings out after landing to push the engine's thrust forward instead of backward, helping slow the airplane down.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine engine, turbocharger, and maintenance discussions, especially when describing turbine wheel parts or damage.
Derivation
From the everyday meaning of 'bucket' — a scoop or container with a curved shape. The thrust reverser panel is called a bucket because it physically resembles one: a curved, scoop-like shape that catches and redirects the engine's exhaust flow.
Why Pilots Care
Provides additional deceleration force that shortens landing distance and reduces brake wear.
Intuition Check
Do not read bucket here as a loose container carried in the aircraft. In this context, it means a fixed scoop-like part of a turbine wheel.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown, the pilot deployed the thrust reversers and the buckets swung into the exhaust stream to help slow the aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight the first officer checked that both thrust reverser buckets were fully stowed.