Final answer:
Fuel Panel Setup The student's question involves the procedure for configuring an aircraft's fuel panel and is related to understanding aviation engineering practices. It highlights the importance of accurate fuel gauge readings, consistency in unit measurements, and how incorrect use of units can lead to catastrophic situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The query refers to the setup of a fuel panel for a specific aircraft operation scenario. When the center tank has less than 20,000 lbs of fuel, it is required that the main tanks' 1, 2, 3, and 4 boost pumps be switched on.
Meanwhile, the boost pumps for the center tank should both be turned off, and one of the crossfeed valves should be open.
This setup is crucial for the engine start, taxi, takeoff, initial climb, and cruise phases of flight to ensure proper fuel distribution and usage. The referenced figures demonstrate the importance of accurate gauge readings, as in the case of the 1996 Volkswagen, and highlight the criticality of monitoring fuel using the correct units, as shown by the aircraft incident where a metric/imperial unit mix-up caused a fuel shortage mid-flight.