How does the reverse thrust work on a Cessna Caravan?

[Dave71K]

I originally thought it would be about reversing the prop but the reverse selector is on the throttle lever so I was wondering what actually goes on when you put it in reverse?

[Xpand]

Doesn't it invert the propeller blade angle, thus making the air go forward without changing the engine's rotation direction?

[Dave71K]

Doesn't it invert the propeller blade angle, thus making the air go forward without changing the engine's rotation direction?

This is what I thought, it seems the most logic thing to do, just seems strange that is it on the throttle lever not the prop control leaver. Although that maybe to stop you putting it in reverse during flight and also so you don't have to change the prop pitch then throttle up the engine separately.

[DaveSims]

Doesn't it invert the propeller blade angle, thus making the air go forward without changing the engine's rotation direction?

This is what I thought, it seems the most logic thing to do, just seems strange that is it on the throttle lever not the prop control leaver. Although that maybe to stop you putting it in reverse during flight and also so you don't have to change the prop pitch then throttle up the engine separately.

Reverse is almost always controlled by the throttle, no matter what type of aircraft.  Couple of reasons I suspect, one is so the pilot doesn't have to move his hands from the throttles during landing, and two because once the prop reverses, pulling the throttle back further increases the engine power. 

[Fishbed7701]

Of course reversing is quite different with jet engines. Usually a part of the cowling moves and just directs the air forward.

[expat]

Reverse thrust on props, it is a function of throttle and turns the prop to put a two to three degree negative angle on the prop. It is not so much reverse thrust, but think of it as a huge air break that is pushing against the forward motion of the aircraft. The reverse will only reverse the thrust when the aircraft is stationary.

Matt