What should be done to address carburetor icing?

To address carburetor icing, it is essential to turn on the heat to the carburetor. Carburetor icing occurs when moisture in the air freezes in the carburetor, potentially leading to engine power loss or stalling. When carburetor heat is applied, it introduces warm, filtered air into the carburetor, which helps melt any ice that has formed and prevents further ice accumulation. This is crucial for restoring normal engine operation.

Turning on the carburetor heat raises the temperature within the carburetor, allowing for more effective fuel vaporization and ensuring the proper fuel-air mixture reaches the engine. It's a standard procedure taught in flight training, especially for aircraft that are prone to this phenomenon in certain atmospheric conditions, such as when flying in high humidity or lower temperatures.

While reducing power may help in certain scenarios, it does not address the root cause of icing. Increasing mixture richness can have a similar effect, but it is not a direct solution for carburetor icing. Climbing to a higher altitude often leads to lower temperatures, which could actually exacerbate carburetor icing. In contrast, activating carburetor heat effectively mitigates the icing issue directly.