What is the maximum allowable lateral fuel imbalance between wings for towing?

• A. 6,000 pounds
• B. 8,000 pounds
• C. 9,000 pounds
• D. 10,000 pounds

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is how fuel distribution between the wings affects lateral stability when towing. A fuel imbalance creates a lateral center of gravity shift, which can produce a yawing moment and make the aircraft harder to track straight behind the tow tractor. Setting a maximum limit keeps the tendency to yaw within what the tow pilot and the tug can safely manage, preserving predictable handling and reducing stress on the nose gear during tow operations.

Eight thousand pounds is the maximum allowed imbalance because it balances the need to carry usable fuel with the requirement for controllable, stable towing. If the imbalance were larger, tracking becomes unreliable, steering effort increases, and there’s a higher risk of side-to-side load stress during maneuvering. A smaller limit would be unnecessarily restrictive for operations, while a larger limit could compromise stability.