What is the maximum permissible fuel imbalance during takeoff?

• A. 300 pounds
• B. 100 pounds
• C. 500 pounds
• D. 800 pounds

Answer: (A)

Fuel imbalance between the wings changes the airplane’s lateral balance and can affect controllability during takeoff. When one wing is heavier, the center of gravity shifts toward that wing, creating a rolling tendency that the pilot must counter with aileron and rudder. During takeoff, with limited speed and performance margins, keeping the wings near level and the centerline aligned is crucial, especially if an engine-out condition or crosswind is involved. The limit is set so you still have enough rudder and aileron authority to maintain direction and a safe climb even in less-than-ideal conditions. For this aircraft, that maximum imbalance is 300 pounds. If the imbalance were larger, you would risk losing centerline control or having insufficient control during takeoff, so fuel would need to be redistributed on the ground or the takeoff would not be attempted. Smaller or larger limits would either be unnecessarily restrictive or exceed the handling margins of the airplane.