Limited flow thrust reverser actuating

A method of operating an engine thrust reverser comprising a thrust-reversing element movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the method comprising:

• transitioning the thrust-reversing element from the stowed position to the deployed position by:
• conveying a primary fluid flow from a pressurized fluid source to a hydraulic actuator coupled to the thrust-reversing element;
• operating a piloted check valve in a first stage;
• inhibiting, by the piloted check valve in the first stage, fluid flow from a fluid return reservoir to the hydraulic actuator through one or more bypass fluid lines;
• operating the piloted check valve in a second stage;
• flowing, by the piloted check valve in the second stage, a secondary fluid flow from the fluid return reservoir to the hydraulic actuator, the secondary fluid flow being separate from the primary fluid flow;
• and
• while conveying the primary fluid flow and the secondary fluid flows, limiting the primary fluid flow to a predetermined flow threshold;
• the engine thrust reverser further comprises:
• a directional control unit including a directional control valve operable to selectively route fluid between the pressurized fluid source, the hydraulic actuator, and the fluid return reservoir;
• and
• the one or more bypass fluid lines providing fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the fluid return reservoir independent of the directional control valve.