How do I enable and use reverse thrust in FSX?

FSX and FSX: Steam Edition need no separate reverse-thrust switch. After touchdown, press F1 to set the throttles to idle, then hold F2 to move into reverse. Release F2 at the required reverse power, and press F1 again to return to idle and stow the reversers before taxiing.

How do I apply reverse thrust after landing?

To apply reverse thrust in FSX, start from idle and hold the throttle-decrease command rather than looking for a reverser toggle. A quick tap may produce barely any reverse, while pressing F2 with forward power still applied merely reduces that power first.

1. Touch down and stabilise. Wait until the aircraft is firmly on the runway and bring the physical throttle lever fully back.
2. Command idle. Press F1. FSX calls this “throttle cut”, but it sets the engines to idle rather than shutting them down.
3. Build reverse power. Press and hold F2. The throttle passes below idle into the reverse range; this may take a moment if it was not already at idle.
4. Hold the required setting. Release F2 once sufficient reverse is applied. Releasing the key stops further movement but does not normally cancel the selected reverse power.
5. Stow the reversers. Press F1 again to return to idle, allow the engines to settle, and complete the deceleration with wheel braking.

Our reference to FSX throttle and engine keyboard commands lists F1, F2, F3 and the related engine controls.

Can every FSX aircraft use reverse thrust?

Only aircraft configured with reverse thrust or reverse-pitch capability will respond properly. Most jets and many turboprops support it; conventional piston aircraft generally do not.

The cockpit animation also varies. One model may show the reverser sleeves and throttle levers moving, while another provides only an engine-instrument or thrust response. Complex add-on aircraft may replace FSX's standard command with custom reverser logic, detents or weight-on-wheels protection.

Why is reverse thrust not working in FSX?

Reverse thrust usually fails because the throttle is not fully idle, the aircraft lacks reversers, or another controller is overriding the keyboard command.

• The throttle is still above idle: press F1 first, then hold F2 long enough to pass into reverse.
• The key assignment has changed: verify that F2 is assigned to the throttle-decrease command. Our guide to checking and remapping FSX control assignments covers conflicts and missing bindings.
• The laptop intercepts function keys: use the Fn modifier or function-lock setting if F2 controls screen brightness, volume or another system feature.
• A throttle axis overrides the command: place the hardware lever firmly at idle and recalibrate it if the signal jitters. A constantly transmitted forward-throttle value can cancel keyboard reverse.
• Only one engine responds: check that all engines are selected. Engine-selection commands can leave FSX controlling just one engine.
• A custom aircraft ignores default controls: use that aircraft's cockpit levers, configuration panel or documented control assignment instead.

How do I map reverse thrust to a throttle quadrant?

The simplest hardware setup is to map a holdable button or reverse-detent button to FSX's Throttle (decrease quickly) command.

1. Calibrate the throttle axis so the physical idle position produces a stable idle signal.
2. Assign the reverse control to Throttle (decrease quickly), the same command used by F2.
3. Enable command repetition if the controller settings provide a repeat option, because the command must repeat while held to build reverse power.
4. Assign an idle control to Throttle (cut), equivalent to F1, so you can cancel reverse positively.
5. Test with a stock reverse-capable jet before troubleshooting a complex add-on. This separates a controller problem from aircraft-specific logic.

Some quadrants expose their reverse detents as buttons, while others send an axis value. FSX's standard throttle-axis handling does not interpret every below-idle detent correctly, so an axis-only device may need its own configuration software or the aircraft add-on's dedicated setup.

When should I cancel reverse thrust?

Stow the reversers as the aircraft slows and before applying forward taxi power. The precise speed depends on the aircraft and operating procedure; reverse becomes less useful at low speed, while wheel brakes provide the final stopping force.

Do not deploy reverse in flight simply because a basic FSX model allows it, and do not treat it as a routine substitute for pushback. Realistic add-ons often prevent airborne deployment through weight-on-wheels logic.