What is the maximum fuel imbalance for takeoff and all other phases of flight respectively?

• A. 200/400
• B. 800/300
• C. 300/800
• D. 100/200

Answer: (C)

Fuel imbalance limits are about keeping the airplane balanced so both wings share fuel enough to maintain controllability and ensure reliable engine fuel supply. At takeoff, the limit is tight because you’re entering the most critical phase of flight—rotation and initial climb—when a large imbalance can create a roll tendency and make it harder to maintain directional and roll stability. You want the aircraft as close to symmetric as possible so you can respond predictably to control inputs and engine configurations.

During all other phases of flight, you have more time and options to manage fuel distribution. The aircraft can crossfeed or transfer fuel between tanks to restore balance, and the flight conditions are generally more forgiving, so a larger imbalance can be tolerated without compromising safety as long as the center of gravity remains within limits and the engines continue to receive fuel properly.

Therefore, the allowable maximums are a smaller limit for takeoff and a larger limit for all other phases: 300 pounds for takeoff and 800 pounds for all other phases.