Soar to New Heights with the 2025 Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam – Ready for Takeoff!

When carburetor icing is encountered, applying carburetor heat is crucial. Carburetor ice can form in conditions where temperatures are low and humidity is high, causing a restriction in the airflow needed for combustion. By applying carburetor heat, the air-fuel mixture is heated before it enters the engine, which helps to melt any ice that may have formed within the carburetor.

Additionally, adjusting the mixture for maximum smoothness is important. This adjustment ensures that the engine continues to run efficiently while the ice is melting, allowing the pilot to maintain control and smooth operation of the engine.

Other options may not effectively address the problem. Reducing throttle to idle could lead to insufficient power and further complications since the engine might stall. Increasing altitude might seem like a solution, but it does not mitigate the current ice accumulation issue. Switching fuel tanks is unrelated, as carb ice does not depend on fuel type or tank selection. Hence, applying carburetor heat coupled with optimizing the mixture is the most appropriate and effective response when carburetor icing is encountered.