What should a pilot do for prolonged carburetor heat usage?

Leaning the mixture is essential during prolonged carburetor heat usage to maintain engine efficiency and performance. When carburetor heat is applied, it introduces warm air into the carburetor to prevent ice formation in conditions where the temperature and humidity are conducive to icing. However, this warm air can reduce overall engine performance because it is less dense than the cooler air.

By leaning the mixture, the pilot adjusts the fuel-to-air ratio, effectively compensating for the decrease in engine efficiency caused by the warmer air. This action helps to ensure that the engine continues to operate smoothly without excessive fuel consumption or rough running. Leaning is a common practice, especially for aircraft engines that rely on carburetors, to optimize performance under varying conditions, including when carburetor heat is in use.

The other options do not directly address the need to manage engine efficiency while using carburetor heat. Increasing throttle might seem beneficial, but it could lead to additional fuel flow that may not be needed. Reducing altitude could also help, but it may not be practical or necessary depending on the flight conditions. Engaging in a nosedive is not a recommended or safe action in response to carburetor heat usage. Thus, leaning the mixture is the most