Purpose of SWATA check

When coming into land on any runway, new or familiar, it is a good idea to consider various factors when performing an approach.

SWATA check provides an easy memory add on the variables that need to be considered.

Lesson

Common Errors

SWATTA

  1. S-surface
    1. Consider conditions of the RWY
      1. Types
        1. Hard (Paved)
        2. Soft (Unpaved)
      2. Area
        1. Runway is (long, short, narrow, wide)
      3. Conditions
        1. Dry, wet, snow, untrimmed, rough
  2. W-winds
    1. Direction
      1. Look at the wind sock
      2. Consider if its headwind/tailwind and left/right on final
    2. Speed
      1. Gust factor and changes to approach speed
      2. Take half of gust factor and add to desired approach speed
        1. EX. 12 knots gusting 24
          1. 24kts -12kts =12 kts
          2. 12/2=6 kts
          3. Add 6 knots to approach speed
  3. A-Approach/Airspeed
    1. Select desired approach
      1. Normal, short-field, soft-field, no flap
    2. Adjust airspeed for gust if needed
      1. 75 kts, 65 kts, 75 kts, 80 kts
  4. T-Touchdown Point
    1. Select your desired runway landing point
    2. EX. “Im going to touchdown on the 500’ markers….”
  5. A-Aim point
    1. Add approximately 200’-300’ before desired touchdown point.
      1. Distance varies depending on approach speed and weight
    2. EX. “….touchdown on the 500’ markers, aim for the numbers on the runway.”