What action is recommended if you experience a loss of power due to carb ice?

Applying full carb heat immediately is the recommended action when experiencing a loss of power due to carburetor icing. This condition occurs when water vapor in the air freezes and clogs the carburetor, disrupting the flow of fuel-air mixture to the engine. By using carburetor heat, the ice begins to melt, allowing the engine to resume normal operation as the airflow is restored.

Using full carb heat will enrich the fuel-air mixture by heating it, which is beneficial in thawing any ice that has formed. This prompt action helps to minimize engine performance loss and is critical in preventing a complete power failure.

The other options do not address the immediate need to counteract the icing effect. Continuing to fly normally does not mitigate the icing issue. Lowering the nose and increasing speed may not be effective if the engine is already struggling due to carb ice. Reducing RPMs could inadvertently worsen the situation by further cooling the carburetor and promoting icing, rather than resolving the underlying problem. Thus, applying full carb heat is crucial for restoring engine function in such circumstances.