Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 600 of 934

What does carburetor heat do?

  1. It heats the fuel in the tank to help vaporization
  2. It preheats the air entering the carburetor
  3. It cools the air to raise its density
  4. It heats the carburetor float bowl only
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Correct answer: It preheats the air entering the carburetor

Carburetor heat is an anti-icing system. It keeps the fuel-air mixture above freezing.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems — Induction Systems — Carburetor Heat, page 170

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026