Definition
Locations on an airport movement area where runways and/or taxiways cross in a way that has been identified as carrying an elevated risk of runway incursion, wrong-runway departure, or surface collision. These intersections are formally designated as hotspots and depicted on airport diagrams to alert pilots to use extra caution when taxiing, holding, or crossing through them.
Plain English
Spots on the airport ground where runways and taxiways meet in a confusing or risky way, so pilots are warned to be extra careful when moving through them.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this term when studying runway hot spots, reviewing airport diagrams before taxiing, or preparing to move around an unfamiliar airport.
Derivation
Hazardous comes from hazard, meaning a source of danger or risk. Intersection means a place where paths cross. Together, the phrase points to airport crossing points where the risk is higher than normal.
Why Pilots Care
Failure to recognize and treat these locations with heightened caution is a leading factor in runway incursions, which remain a top safety concern on the ground.
Grounding Statement
Picture taxiing at a busy airport and reaching a place where several pavement paths meet; a hazardous intersection is one of those spots where a small navigation mistake can quickly become serious.
Intuition Check
Do not assume hazardous intersections are always visibly dangerous or blocked off. In this context, they may look like normal pavement, but the airport has identified them as places where pilots must pay extra attention.
Example Sentence 1
Before taxiing out, the crew reviewed the airport diagram and noted two hazardous intersections marked as hot spots along their route.
Example Sentence 2
Reviewing the airport diagram before taxi helped us identify the hazardous intersections and plan our route accordingly.