Will someone please explain the proper technique for fuel usage on the 737NG. Do I use the center tank first and then the wings or is it opposite? I have been using the fuel in the wings first but running out before I reach my destination because I can't seem to get the fuel to burn from the center tank. I tried to follow the instructions in the manual with no success. So, can someone give me a step by step on how to move fuel so I don't keep running out?Thanks,Brian Officer

Hi Brian,If you have Fuel inside the center tank you always have fuel in the main tank's, always us the fuel in the center tank first, When the center tank is empty the "LOW PRESSURE" light above both fuel pumps switch of center tank illuminates, when you switch off both center tank fuel pumps the "LOW PRESSURE" light goes off, than the engines use's fuel from the main tank's eng #1 use fuel from main tank #1 & eng #2 use fuel from main tank #2 at your destination airport when you shutdown the engines there should be at least 1000 KG of fuel in both main tanks.Greeting Mark.

Just to add onto Marks correct reply, if you want real-life accuracy then you should monitor your fuel usage and shut off the center tank pumps when you have 1000lbs in the tank. You should always have at least 1000lbs in the center tank to keep the pumps submerged.This is a new regulation to prevent the fuel pumps from overheating and igniting residual fumes in the tank, which is suspected as the cause of the 747 that blew up over NY a few years back.Aaron

Thanks for the help. I was doing something else wrong also. That's why cheklist are good. I should know this as a student pilot.

AaronThis is not the case on the 737 classic or the NG so I understand. Use of Centre tank fuel is allowed down to empty the only risk with the tanks not being submerged is the pumps heating up due to dry operation hence turn them off when the LOW PRESSURE light comes onFuel management on the classic dictates use of centre tanks first then once the centre tank is empty the centre pumps are turned off and the wing tank pumps take over The simple rule is this:More than 1000lbs / 500kg in the centre all 6 pumps to be ON for take offup to 1000lbs / 500kg in Centre tank 4 wing pumps on for take off then centre tank pumps go on at top of climbWing tank fuel only 4 wing pumps ON Hope that helpsKris