A300
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 6100; Flight Crew Type 450
Situational Awareness; Workload
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Procedure; Aircraft
During preflight; I noted a number of anomalies with the aircraft configuration as a result of MELs on the aircraft as well as a number of other items that were not related to the MELs. I noted that the aircraft was to be flown in PAYLOAD mode and ensured the switch was in the correct position. I also noted there was fuel in the center tank and intended to address this with the Captain. I continued to move through the MEL procedure items to ensure we were in compliance. Additionally; I noticed that fueling was still in progress. When the Captain returned to the flight deck we discussed the MEL items and associated checklists. We also discussed the plan for deicing and briefed our taxi and takeoff plan. At this point we noted the fueling door had been left open and the fueler was gone. We notified the mechanic and had that situation resolved. While we were dealing with this; the weight and balance arrived and we completed the paperwork and setting up the FMC. We then closed the doors and started coordination for pushback; de-ice configuration; and ensuring we met all of the operational procedures for the aforementioned MELs. After de-icing; all other procedures were conducted normally. We departed and; passing through 18;000ft; our review of the fuel page confirmed we had departed with greater than 400lbs in the center tank while still in payload mode. Contributing factors were the multiple MELs that required a variety of procedures; the distraction of the fueling door; and my failure to remember to bring to the Captain's attention the fuel I had noted when pre-departure preparations increased our workload. To prevent a reoccurrence; I plan on writing down any items that I plan to address with the Captain while he is off of the flight deck.
Airbus A300 pilot reported departing with greater than 400 lbs in the center tank while still in payload mode.