[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...???

[saganite]

Autobrakes are for wheel braking only and the reversers are a separate system. Reversers are far more effective at higher airspeed and especially in poor braking conditions. If the reversers weren't used the pilot gave up his most effective system for slowing the aircraft immediately after landing. The slower you get, the more effective the wheel brakes are.

[IFly4Him]

The AUTOBRAKES are set for activating the ANTI-SKID system of the wheel brakes (analogous to ABS on a car). Airline policy probably allows their use but not during icy runway conditions; the article was not clear on the distinction.

The TRs probably have to be selected manually on the throttle quadrant. The spoilers are the only other "AUTO" system I am aware of but that 73 maybe a more advanced model.

[scott7278]

I'm thinking the autobrake is nothing more than an automatic system for engaging the reverse thrusters.

That makes sense, but according to the article:

A former Southwest pilot with 13 years experience said the airline's decision not to use autobrakes has historically had more to do with on-time performance than safety.

Bert Yetman of the Professional Pilots Federation said that during his tour with Southwest, pilots were told to slow planes to 80 knots using reverse thrusters before applying braking systems.

That allowed planes to stay in the air as long as possible -- with 10-minute turnaround times -- avoiding the "brake cooling period" required when brakes are used at speeds higher than 80 knots, Yetman said.

"Safety does not come into question. It's how long the runway is and how quick you want to turn around," he said.

The pilot told investigators autobrakes were at a high setting and "deployed virtually the moment the plane lands on the runway," NTSB officials said.

[ops33]

I don't think autobrake is the same as thrust reverser's. I work for an airport that has many SW arrivals and departures everyday and I have seen numerous SW aircraft on their landing roll. They always use thrust reverser's.

[cynwoody]

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.

Reading the article, I got the impression that, in the interest of safety, given the weather, he overrode a company policy aimed at minimizing turnaround. But then something else went wrong, causing the reverse thrusters not to activate.

Of course, reverse thrusters would be unaffected by snow, much unlike friction brakes.

The question will be whether the reverse thrusters didn't work because of some pilot error or because of a malfunction in the plane.