What keeps pilots awake at night? Reduced visibility, congested runways, raging weather, and sharp turns. These are just a few of the conditions that trouble pilots in some of the most challenging airports in America. While all major hubs in the U.S. are considered safe (in the words of pilot Patrick Smith, "There is no such thing as an unsafe commercial airport"), some hubs are far more hazardous than others.

We interviewed several professional pilots to find out which spots are particularly demanding for even experienced aviators. Here are 10 U.S. airports where pilots—and passengers—are in for hair-raising takeoffs and landings.