From the Safety Sense Leaflet quoted in the AAIB report on the G-ATRR accident:
l) Base Leg and Final Approach
Unless otherwise stated in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook or Flight Manual,
the HOT position should be selected well before power is reduced and retained
to touchdown. On some engine installations, to ensure better engine response
and to permit a go-around to be initiated without delay, it may be recommended
that the carb hot air be returned to COLD at about 200/300 ft on finals.’
Blueduck: If you are flying an aircraft where you have to take your hand off the throttle to operate the carb heat, (all PA28s built after the late 1960s) do as your instructor says.
However:
...put an orbit in for spacing, don't put an orbit in as there's someone behind you,
NEVER orbit in an uncontrolled circuit pattern. You never know if there is someone behind you, or not.
MJ
