Final answer:
Maximum fuel imbalance in aircraft operations refers to the limit on the difference in fuel quantity between the left and right fuel tanks. It is crucial for maintaining stability and safety during different phases of flight. Exceeding the maximum limit can lead to weight imbalance, control difficulties, and fuel starvation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In aircraft operations, maximum fuel imbalance refers to the limit on the difference in fuel quantity between the left and right fuel tanks. This limit is important for maintaining the stability and safety of the aircraft during various phases of flight, such as taxi, takeoff, landing, and in-flight.
If the fuel imbalance exceeds the maximum allowed limit, it can lead to issues such as weight imbalance, control difficulties, and fuel starvation. The specific maximum fuel imbalance for taxi, takeoff, landing, and in-flight will vary depending on the type of aircraft and its operating procedures.
For example, in the case of the Gimli Glider incident mentioned above, the Boeing 767 had a maximum fuel imbalance limit of 880 pounds during takeoff and landing. Exceeding this limit contributed to the fuel exhaustion and subsequent emergency landing.