Is reverse thrust always used When slowing down?

Question

I mean its one less thing to fiddle with?

Answer 1

Reverse Thrust augments aircraft brakes, thereby increasing the life of the brakes and tyres. It makes sense to use it on all landings (even at the cost of one more thing to fiddle with) unless exceptionally long runways exist where the aircraft will slow down on its own without use of brakes.

Answer 2

first reversers where placed and design to aid aircraft in slowing down and latest 4 engines plane have reversers inhibited automatically when either no.1 or no.4 is inoperable that is to prevent asymmetry. Why prolong your landing roll in the event wear your tires and brakes as well (anti-skid and auto braking working at the same time), when there is a reverser that will slow it down?

I saw ZB answer if you know your reverser which i don't think you know  there is no half-power reverse i mean if you use your reverser there is a solenoid in your main engine control that will make your reverse at full power also.

Answer 3

Reverse is used most of the time. (Unless you have an engine failure). But when you have a long enough runway foot-brakes shud do the job. But its always better to use the reverse thrusters  as it reduces the load & pressure on the brakes.

Answer 4

It is not always used, but when fighter pilots need to make quick decisions to slow down, they will use it...

Answer 5

Usually at least idle reverse is selected- this cancels out any residual thrust from the engines, and is quiet. If it is a short runway, then reverse thrust will be used at full, if it is a long runway in a city area with noise abatement procedure, reverse idle is all that is allowed. In most situation, reverse thrust is selected, but not always full power, as replacing engines is more expensive than replacing brakes.

Answer 6

No.  

Some jet aircraft don't have thrust reversers.  

Some propeller aircraft don't have reversable propeller pitch.  

Sometimes the pilot is going to roll out long--maybe to clear near  the far end of a long runway--and can slow down easily enough without using reverse thrust.  

When reverse thrust would be asymmetric because of engine failures and there is also a loss of nosewheel steering, the pilot might opt to slow without using reverse thrust.