Carb Heat?

[BFMF]

Hi Andrew... ...!

I'm still not convinced by your instructors recommendation to shut off Carburettor Heat AFTER landing... ...!
I reckon that Carb heat should be shut off just PRIOR to landing, because when carb heat is applied a lot of engine power is lost, and if the landing is considered to be too dangerous, and a go-around is necessary, you will need all the power your engine can produce, on full throttle, to be able to safely climb out again...!!!
It's a procedure which I always apply for safety.......!

I just looked at my copy of my trainer's checklist, and turning the carb heat on is part of the pre-landing checklist. Turning the carb heat off is in the after landing checklist.

As for the power, you only lose a couple hundred RPMs. My instructor taught me that whenever i'm flying with the RPM's below the green(I believe it's at 2100 RPM), to always have the carb heat on. When entering the pattern, I reduce the power. When the engine is running at lower RPMs, the carburettor is more susceptible to icing, so I apply carb heat.

If a go around is required, it's very easy to quickly apply full throttle, turn carb heat off, retract flaps, ect.

I'm just a student pilot, and since I don't know everything, I just do what my instructor tells me.

Maybe other people are taught different with different aircrafts. I don't know.Maybe some more experienced pilots could shed some more light on the subject

[TacitBlue]

My guess is that it's a personal preference thing. Some pilots prefer to turn it off right before landing, some right after. My intructor taught me me to turn it off after landing, the same time you are retracting flaps and such.

[phantomflyer81]

My flight instructor has taught me (It's also on the aircraft checklists) to apply the carb heat as you enter the pattern or preparing to land, and shut it off after landing

I think that your flight instuctor and the checklist need to be replaced because carby heat application bypasses the air filter (as previously mentioned) which would allow any small particles (bugs, dust, etc.) to enter the carburetor throat potentially causing engine damage. That is not to mention the fact that the heat will reduce power should you need it for a go-around. Unless you can be assured of pure air (bug and dust free), I highly recommend that you get rid of the heat at around 100 feet above the runway. Almost all the checklists in aircraft I've flown with carb. heat have been modified to address these issues - and the ones that haven't, well, I modify myself in my own landing procedure.
Fly safe,
Bill

[Nexus]

[quote]Actually Fozzer, I dont think high altitude jets need them because they fly fast enough that heat is generated on on the leading edge, thus preventing ice buildup.