Tuesday, 29 November 2016

CAA SAFETYSENSE LEAFLET 14 - PISTON ENGINE ICING

It’s that time of year again, so a summary of the CAA’s advice on the above ….

•      Icing forms stealthily.
•      Some aircraft/engine combinations are more susceptible than others.
•      Icing may occur in warm humid conditions and is a possibility at any time of the year in the UK.
•      MOGAS makes carb icing more likely.
•      Low power settings, such as in a descent or in the circuit, are more likely to produce carb icing.
•      Warming up the engine before take-off improves the effectiveness of any carb body heat.
•      Use full carb hot air frequently when flying in conditions where carb icing is likely.
•      Remember the RPM gauge is the primary indication for a fixed pitch propeller; manifold pressure for variable pitch.
•      Treat the carb hot air as an ON/OFF control – either full hot or full cold.
•      It takes time for the heat to work and the engine may run roughly while ice is clearing.
•      Timely use of appropriate procedures can PREVENT THIS PROBLEM.

Finally, In the event of carb heat system failure in flight:

•      Avoid likely carb icing conditions.
•      Maintain high throttle settings – full throttle if possible.
•      Weaken the mixture slightly.

•      Land as soon as reasonably possible.

FLY SAFE!

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