Why can't an aircraft pushback using reverse?

Have you ever wondered why airplanes use those little tug trucks to push back from the terminal

instead of using their own engines? Well, let's dive into the world of reverse thrust and find out why

Reverse thrust is a feature on aircraft engines that projects thrust in the opposite direction

to slow down the plane. This system can either be hydraulically or electrically operated and is mainly used to

decelerate the plane after landing and in the event of a rejected takeoff

In the past, some airlines used to perform a power back on departure with aircraft like

the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family. But today, this practice is not recommended and is even prohibited for many aircraft

There are a number of potential problems with using reverse thrust at the gate, including

the risk of debris getting sucked into the engine, the loud noise and fuel consumption

and the lack of rear-view mirrors for pilots to see behind them

So, while it may save a few minutes and money, the risk of damage and grounding an aircraft