A crew is operating an Airbus 320 aircraft with both right and left fuel tanks filled to their maximum capacity, which is the same for both tanks. During the flight, the co-pilot observes that the upper display indicates 900 kg of remaining fuel in the left tank, while the right tank still holds approximately 2500 kg of fuel. What should the crew do in this situation?
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A
The crew should exercise caution when considering opening the cross-feed valve due to the elevated risk of a fuel leak, which could potentially result in total fuel loss.
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B
The crew should promptly open the crossfeed valve to redistribute the fuel.
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C
The engine with the higher fuel quantity should be shut down immediately, followed by opening the cross-feed valve.
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D
The crew should promptly assume that the fuel pump for the right engine is not supplying fuel and initiate a "Mayday Fuel" distress call.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Based on student feedback, the official question includes an attachment illustrating the conditions mentioned in the question text. However, we have not yet obtained access to this official attachment.
Whenever there is an unexpected fuel quantity indication, a message related to fuel in the FMC or engine display, or an imbalance condition arises, it's essential to consider the possibility of a fuel leak. Detecting a fuel leak can be aided by maintaining a fuel log and comparing the actual fuel burn to the planned fuel burn as part of the flight. It's important to note that there is no specific onboard warning for a fuel leak; it must be identified through changes or discrepancies in expected fuel consumption.
Before engaging in any crossfeeding operations, it's crucial to ascertain that a fuel leak is not the root cause of the issue, as it could lead to total fuel loss. Pay close attention to parameters such as fuel flow, fuel usage, and total fuel quantity indications before deactivating any pump switches.
- If there is suspicion of an inflight fuel leak, take the following steps: turn off the fuel pumps for the center wing tank and close the crossfeed valve. Monitor the fuel tank quantity for any unusual drops and be alert to signs of a fuel imbalance, as these indicators can help confirm the presence of an engine fuel leak.
- Once an engine fuel leak is confirmed, either through visual observation or flight deck indications, it's imperative to shut down the affected engine to halt the leak and preserve the remaining fuel. After shutting down the affected engine, resume normal fuel management procedures. All remaining fuel can be utilized to power the operational engine safely.
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