What should be done after applying hot carb heat?

When applying hot carb heat to eliminate ice from the carburetor, the best practice afterward is to lean the mixture. This is because carburetor heat tends to enrich the fuel mixture, and by leaning it afterward, you help maintain optimal performance and engine efficiency.

When hot air is introduced, it reduces the likelihood of ice formation but also raises the temperature within the carburetor, leading to a richer mixture. To counteract this change and ensure that the engine operates effectively, the pilot should lean the mixture to adjust for the increased fuel flow resulting from the use of heat.

After applying carb heat, if the mixture is left unchanged, the aircraft could run inefficiently, leading to potential performance issues such as rough engine operation. Checking for ice is an essential step to verify the effectiveness of the carb heat; however, it does not address the necessary adjustments required for optimal engine operation following the use of heat. Thus, leaning the mixture is the fundamental action that ensures the engine runs smoothly and efficiently after applying hot carb heat.