What is the maximum fuel imbalance permitted during takeoff or landing?

The maximum fuel imbalance permitted during takeoff or landing is 794 pounds. This limit is established to ensure the aircraft maintains proper center of gravity and stability during critical phases of flight. An imbalance greater than this can lead to handling difficulties, adversely affect aircraft performance, or may even result in an increase in operational risks due to asymmetric weight distribution.

In practice, knowing this limit helps pilots to manage fuel efficiently and make operational decisions that prioritize safety. Keeping fuel levels balanced is particularly crucial in smaller regional aircraft like the ERJ, where the aircraft design and aerodynamics are sensitive to variations in weight distribution. Adhering to the 794-pound limit allows for optimal aircraft handling during the most critical phases of flight—takeoff and landing—where precise control is necessary.