A fuel level control system and method for an aircraft to passively manage fuel center of gravity during consumption includes an upper tank, a lower tank disposed below the upper tank, a fuel transfer line connecting the tanks, an upper fuel transfer line outlet in the lower tank and a lower fuel transfer line outlet in the lower tank. The outlet outlets are in fluid communication with the upper tank via the fuel transfer line. An upper line outlet valve is associated with the upper fuel transfer line outlet for opening and closing the upper fuel transfer line outlet. A lower line outlet valve is associated with the lower fuel transfer line outlet for opening and closing the lower fuel transfer line outlet. A control shutoff valve is disposed on the fuel transfer line for selectively limiting flow through the fuel transfer line.