What happens if the fuel imbalance is not reduced to less than 30 pounds within 2 minutes?

In scenarios involving fuel imbalances during flight, it is crucial to monitor and manage the fuel distribution between tanks to ensure optimal performance and safety. If the fuel imbalance is not reduced to less than 30 pounds within the designated timeframe of 2 minutes, the fuel transfer system automatically shuts off, which prevents further attempts to balance the fuel. This safety mechanism is put in place to avoid complications that could arise from an ongoing issue. When this occurs, the FUEL BAL annunciator illuminates to alert the crew of the situation, indicating that further corrective actions may be necessary, such as manual adjustments or increased vigilance regarding fuel management.

Understanding the importance of fuel balance in aviation is critical, as an unbalanced fuel load could result in handling issues or performance degradation. It is essential for pilots and crews to respond promptly to such warnings to ensure the safety and efficiency of the flight. This process and the associated alerts serve as precautions built into aviation systems to mitigate risks related to fuel management.