Microsoft Flight Simulator Handbook

by Jonathan M. Stern

Carburetor Ice

Carburetor ice is a hazard created by a sharp drop in temperature in the carburetor that results from rapid changes in pressure as air moves through the carburetor. To prevent ice from forming in the carburetor, heated air may be directed into the carburetor by a carburetor heat control in the cockpit. Carburetor ice is most likely to occur in moist air or when the relative humidity is high. Carburetor heat may be turned on or off by clicking the carburetor heat indicator with the mouse or by pressing the H key. With version 5.1, carburetor icing will occur if icing is selected. In real life, the conditions that lead to carburetor ice are usually not the same as those that lead to airframe icing.

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