Definition
A device on a turbine engine that redirects the engine's exhaust gases forward, producing a rearward force that helps decelerate the aircraft after landing. Thrust reversers are typically deployed immediately after touchdown and stowed before the aircraft slows to taxi speed.
Plain English
A built-in feature on jet engines that, after landing, sends the engine's exhaust forward instead of backward. Because the thrust now pushes forward, it helps slow the aircraft down on the runway.
Context Anchor
Encountered during jet and turboprop landing procedures, landing performance discussions, and engine system checks.
Derivation
‘Reverser’ comes from Latin reversus, meaning ‘turned back.’ The name describes exactly what the device does to the engine's thrust — turns it back the other way.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces landing distance and brake wear while improving safety on contaminated runways.
Intuition Check
A thrust reverser does not normally make the engine run backward. It redirects the engine’s airflow so the force helps slow the aircraft after landing.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown, the captain deployed the thrust reversers to help slow the jet on the wet runway.
Example Sentence 2
On a wet runway the thrust reversers supplied extra deceleration when wheel brakes were less effective.