What is the purpose of a crossfeed in ATR fuel management and when might it be used?

• A. To balance fuel between tanks during normal operations.
• B. To balance fuel between tanks; used if one tank is heavier or imbalanced to maintain CG and safe range.
• C. To transfer fuel from the cabin to the fuel system.
• D. To drain fuel from both tanks.

Answer: (B)

Crossfeed moves fuel between the left and right tanks to manage how the aircraft’s weight is distributed. Its main purpose is to keep the center of gravity within safe limits as tanks are consumed or as fuel requirements change, by transferring fuel to balance the loads. It’s used when one tank becomes heavier or the distribution would push the CG toward an unsafe range, so fuel is shuttled to even things out and maintain controllability and range. In addition, crossfeed can support continued engine operation if a tank or pump issue requires feeding an engine from an alternate source. It’s not for transferring fuel from cabin to the fuel system or for draining tanks.