What is the maximum fuel imbalance allowed for takeoff?

• A. 100 lbs.
• B. 300 lbs.
• C. 500 lbs.
• D. 0 lbs.

Answer: (B)

Fuel imbalance is the difference in usable fuel between the left and right wing tanks. Keeping this difference within a specified maximum for takeoff ensures you can still maintain directional control and acceptable engine-out performance if one engine fails, while also keeping the center of gravity within safe limits.

For this aircraft, the maximum allowable imbalance at takeoff is 300 pounds. This means you should balance the tanks so the disparity does not exceed 300 pounds before taking off. If the imbalance is greater, transfer fuel to bring it down to 300 pounds or less.

This limit is chosen because it provides enough cross-side fuel to maintain controllability and performance in an engine-out scenario, without pushing the airplane’s center of gravity outside its safe envelope.