When can you safely perform crossfeeding of fuel in flight?

Crossfeeding of fuel in flight is typically conducted to balance the fuel load between the wings or fuel tanks, ensuring that the aircraft maintains proper weight distribution for optimal performance and safety. Performing crossfeeding when the imbalance is more than 1,000 pounds is considered safe because it indicates a significant discrepancy that could adversely affect the aircraft's handling characteristics. Addressing a larger imbalance takes priority to maintain flight stability, and crossfeeding helps to redistribute fuel from one tank to the other or from one wing to another, thus restoring a balance that enhances the overall safety of flight operations.

In contrast, attempting to crossfeed with less severe imbalances may not be necessary and could complicate fuel management unnecessarily. Additionally, employing crossfeed when both engines are running is relevant, as fuel systems are designed to work effectively under operational conditions; however, the critical factor here is the level of imbalance. Monitoring fuel levels and responding to alerts, such as a fuel warning light, also plays a crucial role, but these do not directly relate to the threshold for safely initiating a crossfeed procedure. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize crossfeeding when there is a significant imbalance exceeding 1,000 pounds to ensure flight safety.