pamaway (Hobbes1157) wrote in message ...
Hi there. I've got a question about the carb heat in a Cherokee. I was told
that you only need to apply it for a short while (5 seconds) while on downwind
to make sure the carb is clear of ice. She (CFI) said that Pipers don't need it
all the time as Cessnas do. Is this just a technique or proper procedure?
Comments appreciated.
Plus: Hey Jay is this a family event at Oshkosh you're planning? I've got my
non-flying family driving with me up to OSH and would like to meet some other
local and non-local friendly folks!

Thanks,
Nolan

PPSEL, INST, commerial student
IA24 (green castle)

Nolan
For the lesser experienced pilots in particular, the use of carb heat
can save you some anxious moments without unduly affecting the engine
performance in the pattern. Of course you'll notice the loss of
performance if you forget to turn carb heat OFF if you elect to make a
take-off or go-around. Even then it isn't life threatening unless
really adverse conditions exist.
A little trick that I learned back in the early 50's, and pass on to
all who don't know of it, is using the PRIMER to keep the engine
running if it shuts down for carb ice. The primer injects fuel
directly into the intake manifold bypassing the carburetor and can
keep the engine running intermittently and in many cases generate
enough heat for the carb heat to become effective again. I've used
this technique a few times in aircraft to get home. In Pipers (PA25
Pawnee while crop dusting) and Cessnas (C-172 and 177).
Ol Shy & Bashful