Definition
The carburetor heat control setting in which the heat valve is fully open, directing all induction air through the heat exchanger around the exhaust manifold before it reaches the carburetor. This warms the incoming air enough to melt or prevent ice forming in the carburetor venturi and on the throttle plate.
Plain English
It is the setting where the carburetor heat lever is pulled all the way out, sending warm air into the engine to melt or stop carburetor ice.
Context Anchor
Seen during carburetor heat checks, engine runup, and procedures for suspected carburetor ice.
Derivation
‘Full’ means completely, and ‘hot’ refers to the heated air being routed to the carburetor. The phrase simply describes the control being moved to its maximum heat position.
Why Pilots Care
Placing the control in the full-hot position supplies heated air that melts ice forming in the carburetor venturi and restores engine power.
Intuition Check
Full-hot does not mean the engine itself is overheating. It means the carburetor heat control is set to its maximum heating position for the air going into the engine.
Example Sentence 1
During the descent checklist, the pilot moved the carburetor heat lever to the full-hot position to prevent ice from forming.
Example Sentence 2
After clearing the ice, the pilot returned the control from the full-hot position to cold for normal cruise operation.