When is it critical to monitor carburetor air temperature?

Monitoring carburetor air temperature is particularly critical when managing carburetor icing. Carburetor icing can occur when the air passing through the carburetor cools due to the vaporization of fuel, which may create conditions conducive to the formation of ice. This is more likely in certain atmospheric conditions, such as high humidity and low temperatures.

By actively monitoring carburetor air temperature, pilots can make informed decisions about the likelihood of icing and take preventive measures, such as adjusting the mixture or applying carburetor heat. This is essential for maintaining engine performance and preventing power loss or engine failure due to icing in the carburetor.

Other scenarios, like take-off, cruising, or flying at low altitudes, may also involve temperature variations, but they do not emphasize the risk of carburetor icing in the same way that monitoring during potential icing conditions does. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on managing carburetor icing to ensure safe flight operations.