British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Environmental Science Glossary - Reverse thrusters definition

Definition: When a plane comes into land and it touches the ground the wheels have brakes which are used to bring the aircraft to a halt. Sometimes reverse thrust is also used to slow the plane down. Reverse thrust can be used in a number of different ways. For example, if we look at the plane's engines side-on, the section at the back can be tilted downwards so that the air that enters the engine hits it in a way that creates drag which then slows the plane down. Another way that reverse thrust is used is through the opening of flaps/doors in the engine mounting - incoming air hits these flaps and creates more drag.