[scott7278]

The way the article reads, it sounds like the crew decided to depend on the autobrake system without using the reverse thrusters at all.

I can't imagine that, especially with snow on the ground.

[Central Scrutiniser]

The article is kind of unclear and confusing.

I'm checking on airline boards for the reaction.

But, MDW is a terrible airport, and Southwest has some policies that may have led to this accident.

[coconutt2000]

I'm thinking the autobrake is nothing more than an automatic system for engaging the reverse thrusters. It also sounds like this system is not used and that the pilot used it, and because of that can be blamed for the accident.

I'm a little torn on this one. Definitely his fault for not doing things the way everybody says it should be done, and which we know works. But how liable can someone be for using a system that was clearly labeled and installed, even if its use is against policy...???

[BureaucratusMaximus]

The way the article reads, it sounds like the crew decided to depend on the autobrake system without using the reverse thrusters at all.

I can't imagine that, especially with snow on the ground.

Now I'm not a pilot, or even a novice aviator...but I've flown into Midway plenty of times to know that if its a commerical airliner (a big plane 737, DC9, DC10, etc.) and landing at Midway...the reverse thrusters are going to be used.

Again, I'm not a pilot, but if the autobrake system is a mechanism that only controls the hydraulic brakes on the landing gears...without use of the reverse thrusters...than I would suspect the pilot IS negligent. Landing at Midway on a nice day seems to be challenging enough...add snow and ice and I'd suppose its pretty difficult without having any thrust going backwards.

[Cobra64]

I fly about 1,500 flights (legs) a year, and I've always wondered why pilots are light on using reverse thrusters. Especially in rain, ice, and snow conditions.

Any pilot on FR who can explain this to those of us who are not commercial pilots?