Final answer:
The statement is false; carburetor icing is a risk for both helicopters and airplanes, and its likelihood is more related to environmental conditions than aircraft type.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a reciprocating engine in a helicopter is more likely to stop due to in-flight carburetor icing than will the same type engine in an airplane is false. Carburetor icing is a risk in both helicopters and airplanes, as it can occur when moist air is rapidly cooled, leading to ice formation that can obstruct airflow through the carburetor, potentially causing the engine to stop. Factors that influence the likelihood of icing include the temperature and humidity conditions, rather than the type of aircraft. However, due to operational differences and design, each aircraft type has its specific considerations regarding carburetor icing risks.
Helicopters store large amounts of rotational kinetic energy in their blades, which must be generated before takeoff and maintained throughout the flight. This energy is crucial for the lift and operations of the helicopter, yet the engine's output is focused more on maintaining this rotational energy and managing lift, rather than putting a significant rotational energy into the blades during the flight.