What is a common way to clear carburetor ice?

Activating carburetor heat is a common and effective method for clearing carburetor ice. Carburetor ice can form when moisture in the air freezes inside the carburetor as the temperature drops, especially in conditions of high humidity and low temperatures. When carburetor heat is activated, hot air from the engine is directed into the carburetor. This raises the temperature of the carburetor and effectively melts any ice that has formed, allowing the engine to resume normal operation.

This method is particularly important because carburetor ice can lead to engine power loss or even engine failure if not addressed. It is a preventative action that pilots are trained to take, especially during conditions where ice formation is likely.

The other methods, while they may have their own benefits in certain situations, do not directly address the specific problem of carburetor ice. For instance, increasing throttle may provide more airflow but doesn’t resolve the ice issue. Adjusting altitude could potentially change temperature and pressure conditions, but it doesn’t offer a direct solution for ice already present. Reducing speed could also lead to ice formation under certain conditions and may not help in clearing existing ice. Thus, activating carburetor heat stands out as the most direct and effective approach for