What is the primary purpose of the flip-flop valve in the fuel system?

The primary purpose of the flip-flop valve in the fuel system is to ensure fuel availability in different orientations. This is particularly important in aircraft like the T-6B, which can experience various attitudes during flight maneuvers. The flip-flop valve allows for the consistent delivery of fuel regardless of the aircraft’s orientation, ensuring that the engine receives a continuous supply of fuel even when the aircraft is in a bank or climbing or descending.

Other roles that fuel systems might have, such as regulating pressure or controlling flow rates, are managed by different components within the system, and while preventing spillage during refueling is also a consideration, it is not the primary function of the flip-flop valve. Therefore, the correct understanding of this component emphasizes its crucial role in maintaining fuel availability across varying flight conditions.