What procedure should be followed when defueling aircraft equipped with sweptback wings?

When defueling aircraft equipped with sweptback wings, the procedure typically involves defueling the outboard wing tanks first. This approach helps maintain the aircraft's center of gravity and stability during the defueling process. Sweptback wings can create changes in aerodynamic properties as fuel is removed, making it essential to manage the fuel load effectively to avoid alterations in the aircraft's handling characteristics.

By starting with the outboard tanks, any potential shifts in weight distribution are minimized, which helps keep the aircraft balanced throughout the defueling operation. If the inboard tanks were defueled first, it could lead to the aircraft becoming tail-heavy, adversely affecting its stability and potentially making it difficult to manage.

Defueling all tanks simultaneously or prioritizing the center tank does not take into consideration the changes in dynamic balance that occur with sweptback wing configurations, which is why those approaches are not suitable for this scenario. Adhering to the correct defueling procedure is crucial for ensuring safety and operational integrity during the defueling process.