Which action is recommended if you fly into icing conditions?

Flying into icing conditions can significantly compromise an aircraft's performance and safety. The recommended action to take in such a situation is to turn back or change altitude. This is because ice accumulation can increase weight, disrupt airflow over the wings, and lead to control difficulties, all of which can severely impact flight safety.

By altering your flight path—either by returning to a location that is not experiencing icing or by changing altitude to find a warmer layer where ice is less likely to form—you can mitigate the risks associated with icing.

The other options, while they may seem like logical responses, do not effectively address the immediate dangers of icing conditions. For instance, using all flaps to maintain lift can exacerbate the situation by adding to the drag, making the aircraft prone to stall. Engaging the autopilot may not adjust for the changing aerodynamic characteristics due to ice on the wings or tail, leading to potential handling issues. Reducing throttle is not an effective strategy since it would not address the compromised lift due to the ice and could lead to further problems, such as an inability to maintain the current altitude.