Complex taxiway and runway intersections can be confusing and even dangerous to someone unfamiliar with the airport layout. Hundreds of runway incursions occur every year, and sadly most are caused by general aviation pilots. But runway incursions and collisions on the ground are avoidable.
For several years, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, in conjunction with the FAA Runway Safety Program Office, has provided some 600 airport taxi diagrams for the busiest U.S. towered airports to help pilots safely navigate them. But, in addition to having complex layouts, several airports are notorious for having “hot spot” areas. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines a hot spot as “a location on an aerodrome movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion, and where heightened attention by pilots and drivers is necessary.”
And now ASF and the FAA Runway Safety Program Office are pleased to make available these additional hot spot diagrams for the 62 airports currently on the “hot spot” list. The special diagrams vividly depict the areas and describe the potential problems associated with the trouble spots. Check before each flight to be sure you have the most current layout, take the opportunity to study the diagram before you arrive or depart, and be aware of your position while moving on ramps and taxiways, especially at the more complex towered airports where you’ll be mixing with large aircraft and ground vehicles moving in close proximity.
For more information on runway safety, take ASF’s recently updated Runway Safety course, and download the Operations at Towered Airports Safety Advisor.
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