Discover Airport Hot Spots: A Traveler's Guide To Navigating Hubs

Airport hot spots are locations on an airport movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion. They are clearly marked with circles or boxes on taxi diagrams, and each hot spot is designated with HS for hot spot, followed by a number. Hot spots are marked in red on Jeppesen Charts and brown on FAA Charts. It's important to know where the hot spots are before you go to any airport, even if you have been there before.

What are airport hot spots?

An airport hot spot is a location on an airport movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion. Hot spots are areas where heightened attention by pilots, drivers and controllers is necessary. They are clearly marked with circles or boxes on taxi diagrams, and each hot spot is designated with "HS" for "hot spot", followed by a number designation. If you use Jeppesen Charts, hot spots are marked in red. If you use FAA Charts, hot spots are marked in brown. In an enhancement initiative by the FAA's Runway Safety Group (RSG), hot spot depictions will become standardised in the symbology used on airport diagrams.

It's vital to know where the hot spots are before you go to any airport – even if you have been there before. If you are ever in doubt as to your position on the airport or your taxi clearance, don't be afraid to stop where you are and ask the tower for progressive taxi instructions. Avoiding dangerous mistakes like crossing or entering a runway without clearance makes flying more efficient, fun, and above all, safe.

Where are airport hot spots located?

Airport hot spots are locations on an airport movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion. They are areas where heightened attention by pilots, drivers and controllers is necessary. Hot spots are clearly marked with circles or boxes on taxi diagrams, and each hot spot is designated with "HS" for "hot spot", followed by a number designation. If you use Jeppesen Charts, hot spots are marked in red. If you use FAA Charts, hot spots are marked in brown.

Hot spots are designated on airport diagrams, which can be checked before visiting an airport. In an enhancement initiative by the FAA's Runway Safety Group (RSG), hot spot depictions will become standardised in the symbology used on airport diagrams.

How to identify airport hot spots

Airport hot spots are locations with a higher risk of collisions between planes or runway incursions. They are clearly marked on airport charts and communicated before flights. Hot spots are typically marked as circles or boxes on taxi diagrams, with labels like "HS for "hot spot," followed by a number designation. If you use Jeppesen Charts, hot spots are marked in red. If you use FAA Charts, hot spots are marked in brown.

Hot spots may include the intersection of two runways, the intersection of a runway and a taxiway, or parallel runways/taxiways that could lead to a wrong surface event. Airports with multiple runways and taxiways present more challenges for surface operations and are more likely to have identified hot spots.

To identify airport hot spots, airport authorities analyse past data and potential risks. Common factors include past incidents or potential confusion between pilots and ground vehicles. Hot-spot points can also be announced by the relevant airport authority or civil aviation authority by publishing them in documents.

How to avoid airport hot spots

Airport hot spots are locations on airport movement areas with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion. They are clearly marked with circles or boxes on taxi diagrams and designated with 'HS' followed by a number. If you use Jeppesen Charts, hot spots are marked in red, and if you use FAA Charts, they are marked in brown.

To avoid airport hot spots, it is important to be aware of their locations before you go to the airport. Check the current airport diagram for any hot spot designations. If you are ever in doubt about your position on the airport or your taxi clearance, don't be afraid to stop and ask the tower for progressive taxi instructions. This can help to avoid dangerous mistakes, such as crossing or entering a runway without clearance.

It is also important for pilots, drivers, and controllers to maintain heightened attention when approaching or passing through airport hot spots. This includes keeping a cool head while taxiing around the airport surface and taking note of any designated hot spots. By being aware of hot spots and taking the necessary precautions, you can help to ensure the safety and efficiency of airport operations.

What to do if you encounter an airport hot spot

An airport hot spot is a location on an airport movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion. Hot spots are clearly marked on taxi diagrams with circles or boxes and designated with 'HS' followed by a number. If you use Jeppesen Charts, hot spots are marked in red, and if you use FAA Charts, they are marked in brown.

If you encounter an airport hot spot, it is important to exercise heightened attention and caution. Pilots, drivers and controllers should be aware of the potential risk of collision or runway incursion and take appropriate action to avoid any incidents. This may include slowing down, stopping, or altering your route to avoid the hot spot area.

It is also important to be aware of your position on the airport and your taxi clearance. If you are unsure, don't hesitate to stop and ask the tower for progressive taxi instructions. This can help to avoid dangerous mistakes, such as crossing or entering a runway without clearance.

Additionally, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the airport diagram before arriving at the airport, even if you have been there before. This will help you to identify any hot spots and plan your route accordingly. By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure a safe and efficient journey through the airport.

Frequently asked questions