Reverse Thrust Question
 

I've heard that, on some airplanes, it takes a bit of pressure to deploy full reverse thrust. This sounds logical, as reverse thrust isn't exactly something you'd want to deploy accidentally.

To get to the point, are there any airplanes out there that have you pull (and subsequently hold) a serious number of pounds when you deploy the reverse thrusters?

Most of the reversers I have used (Boeings, Airbus, McDougs, bizjets) have had 'interlocks' that have to cycle before you can move past the first detent. Once those interlocks unlock, you just pull up/aft to apply more thrust. You are not exerting any real force.. no more than you use to push the thrust levers up. And you can use max thrust in reverse although reversers are most effective above 80-100kts. Below that the best device is brakes.

On some aircraft, you have to be careful and make sure the nose is down or you can clip the reversers when opening. Not good...

One problem that occurs sometimes is you are pulling hard, you can inhibit the interlocks from unlocking and delay opening the reversers.

Thanks. That clears it up.

Or if one of the thrust levers isn't all the way back, just a hair up, the locks will not let go and delay reverse. A possibility with SWA at MDW

They come in real handy if you have to get down in a hurry. Nothing like having a 20,000 VVI descent capability in your back pocket. My passengers usually aren't paying for the flight and there is no number to call and complain!

Yeah, I was pretty impressed the first time a C-17 crew showed me that :D

Only 20,000? Weak. Just kidding. May they always stow.