Patent ID: 8548721

Claim:
A method of maneuvering an aircraft in flight, in a normal flight operation mode operating within a predetermined authorized flight envelope, by shifting a center of gravity of the aircraft, the aircraft having a plurality of fuel tanks, including at least two lateral fuel tanks on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the aircraft, a central fuel tank and a rear fuel tank and an onboard control unit operated by a pilot to effect maneuvers of the aircraft, the method of maneuvering being accomplished via a computer of the aircraft comprising the steps of: receiving a control signal from the onboard control unit relating to a pilot requested maneuver to change at least one of a roll and pitch orientation of the aircraft, determining a quantity of fuel to be transferred from one fuel tank in the aircraft to another fuel tank in the aircraft to achieve the requested maneuver, verifying that the quantity of fuel required to be transferred does not exceed predetermined values of maximum quantities of fuel transferable to protect the flight envelope of the aircraft.