Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Hot Spot Information

For the past twelve months, Tucson International Airport (TUS) has experienced a dramatic increase in runway incursions. A Runway Incursion is defined as any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft. Runway Incursions are grouped into three error types: Operational Errors/Deviations, Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations, and Pilot Deviations. The FAA develops Hot Spot Charts to assist pilots in preparing to meet the challenges of navigating airport taxiways and runways successfully.

What is a Hot Spot? A Hot Spot is a runway safety-related problem area or intersection on an airport. Typically, it is a complex or confusing taxiway/taxiway or taxiway/runway intersection. The area may have a history of surface incidents or the potential for surface incidents. This may be due to airport geometry, ground traffic flow, markings, signage, lighting, and/or human factors.

Of the 32 reported runway incursions over the past twelve months at TUS, 23 were pilot deviations. Based on these events and other information, several areas were designated as hot spots. You can see those hot spots on the chart at https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2009/Oct/TUS_FAASTeam_.pdf. (Click the link or cut and paste into your browser.)

Pilots are strongly encouraged to include airport movement along with their flight planning. Study the airport diagram and trace the expected taxi route from parking, to run-up, to the expected departure runway. Identify complex intersections and prepare to successfully navigate those intersections. Always keep your head up when taxiing and remember, if in doubt, ASK!

If you have any questions, please call the Runway Safety Office for the Western Pacific Region at 310-725-6680.