I use the following procedures and settings with regard to fuel management:
Refueling:
1. Load all 4 main tanks equally.
2. After 1 and 4 main tanks are full, continue to load 2 and 3 main tanks.
3. After all main tanks are full, load reserve tanks.
4. After all wing tanks are full, load the center tank.
Preflight Preparation:
Fuel System TEST & SET
- Fuel Quantity Gauges TEST
- Boost Pumps TEST
- Tank No. 2 Aft Boost Pump Switch ON
- All Crossfeed Selectors OPEN
- Reserve Tank Fuel Transfer Selectors CLOSE
- Fuel Temperature Selector CHECK & NO. 1 TANK
- Fuel Heat Switches OFF
Before Engine Start:
Fuel System SET FOR START
* “Tank to Engine” Configuration:
- One Boost Pump Switch in tanks No. 1, 2, 3 & 4 ON
- Center Tank Boost Pumps OFF
- Crossfeed Selector No. 1 OPEN
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2, 3 & 4 CLOSE
Taxi-out:
Fuel System SET FOR TAKEOFF
* If Center Tank empty or less than 20,000 lbs :
->(“Tank to Engine” Configuration):
- One Boost Pump Switch in tanks No. 1, 2, 3 & 4 ON
- Center Tank Boost Pumps OFF
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1 OPEN
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2, 3 & 4 CLOSE
* If Center Tank exceeds 20,000 lbs
-> “Center Tank to Outboard, Main Tanks to Inboard Engines” Configuration:
- One Boost Pump Switch in tanks 1, 2, 3, 4 & Center ON
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2 & 3 CLOSE
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1 & 4 OPEN
Cruise:
Check every 20 minutes the following set of conditions and act appropriately:
* If Center Tank exceeds 20,000 lbs and less than 12,000 lbs of total fuel consumed
->”Ctr Tank to Outbd. Eng., Main Tanks to Inbd. Eng.” Configuration:
- Boost Pump Switches for tanks 1, 2, 3, 4 & Center ON
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2 & 3 CLOSE
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1 & 4 OPEN
* If Center Tank less than 20,000 lbs Or 12,000 lbs of fuel consumed
-> “Ctr. Tank to All Engines” Configuration:
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1, 2, 3 & 4 OPEN
- Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 1, 2, 3, 4 & Center ON
* If Center Tank empty
->(1) ”Balance Main Tanks” Configuration (Inboard Tanks to all Engines)
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1, 2, 3 & 4 OPEN
- Reserve Tank Transfer Valves No. 1 & 2 AS REQUIRED
- Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 1, 4 and Center OFF
- Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 2 & 3 ON
- 2nd Boost Pump Switch for Tank No. 2 or 3, whichever has less fuel OFF for balancing
->(2) When Inboard Tanks Fuel = Outboard Tanks Fuel + Reserve Fuel: “Tank to Engine” Configuration:
- Boost Pump Switches for tanks No. 1, 2, 3 & 4 ON
- Center Tank Boost Pumps OFF
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 1 OPEN
- Crossfeed Selectors No. 2, 3 & 4 CLOSE
Cruise Descent:
All Main Tank Fuel Boost Pump Switches ON
May you never suffer from fuel starvation.

Best regards
AlOl