The 747-400 has eight fuel tanks, with a combined capacity of 57,164
gallons of Jet-A fuel. This amount weighs in excess of 380,000 pounds.
(Pilots normally discuss fuel in terms of weight rather than volume.)
The distribution of fuel among these tanks has a profound effect on how
the aircraft performs. In particular, during a long trip, it is
important that the fuel in some tanks be burned off before using the
fuel in other tanks. Otherwise, the aircraft can become unbalanced.Fuel
management in the 747-400 is largely automated, but there are still
certain actions that are required from the crew. We will discuss them
below.
