Drone Laws in Arizona

Summary of Drone Laws in Arizona

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the State of Arizona

Drone Regulator in the USA: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Contact Information

If you need additional details we have not covered or specific case assistance, you can contact the FAA directly at:

• Address: 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591
• Phone: 844-FLY-MY-UA (+1 844-359-6982) (Some users have indicated that this number tells you to use the email below and hangs up)
• Email: UAShelp@faa.gov

Please continue reading for more details on USA Drone Laws.

Link to: Arizona Senate Drone Bill 1449

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Arizona

Drone operation in the State of Arizona is broadly governed by The Federal USA agency responsible for drone safety, the FAA. Click here for details on FAA USA Drone Laws.

In addition, the Arizona legislature has enacted several supplemental rules specific to Arizona drone operations. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, click on the links above.

Are drones allowed in Arizona?

Drones are allowed in Arizona for recreational and commercial use, subject to FAA regulations and flight controls established by local governments. Read on for details.

Specific additional drone use laws by the Arizona State legislature

Senate Bill SB 1449

Arizona’s law uses the terms ​model aircraft​, ​civil unmanned aircraft​, and ​public unmanned aircraft​ to describe drones as used for different purposes.

Model aircraft​: an unmanned aircraft that is “capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere; flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft; and flown for hobby or recreational purposes.” (​Hobby​)

Civil unmanned aircraft​: “an unmanned aircraft or unmanned
aircraft system that is operated by a person for any purpose other than strictly for hobby or recreational purposes, including commercial purposes, or in the furtherance of or incidental to any business or media service or agency.” (​Commercial​)

Public unmanned aircraft​: an unmanned aircraft “operated by
a public agency for a government-related purpose.” (​Government/Law Enforcement​)

Unmanned aircraft​: “an aircraft, including an aircraft commonly known as a drone, that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.”

“​Critical facility​” means any of the following:

1. A petroleum or alumina refinery.
2. A petroleum, chemical, or rubber production, transportation, storage, or processing facility.
3. A chemical manufacturing facility.
4. A water or wastewater treatment facility and water development, distribution, or conveyance system, including a dam.
5. As defined in section 42-14156, an electric generation facility and any associated substation or switchyard.
6. An electrical transmission or distribution substation.
7. An electrical transmission line of at least sixty-nine thousand volts.
8. An electronic communication station or tower.
9. An energy control center.
10. A distribution operating center.
11. A facility that transfers or distributes natural gas, including a compressor station, regulator station, city gate station, pressure limiting station, or a liquefied natural gas facility or supplier tap facility.
12. Any railroad infrastructure or facility.
13. A federal, state, county, or municipal court.
14. A public safety or emergency operation facility.
15. A federal, state, county, or municipal jail or prison or other facility in which persons are incarcerated.
16. A federal or state military installation or facility.
17. A hospital that receives air ambulance services.

13-3729.​ – ​Unlawful operation of model or unmanned aircraft; state preemption; classification; definitions
The operation of a model aircraft or civil unmanned aircraft is a class 1 misdemeanor if it is:

1. prohibited by federal law or regulation, including FAA regulations
2. Interferes with the operation of law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency services.

Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor offense and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail, 3 years of probation, and a $2,500 fine plus surcharges.

The operation or use of an unmanned aircraft to photograph or linger over or near a critical facility in the furtherance of a crime is a class 6 felony, except that a second or subsequent violation is a class 5 felony.

Class 6 felonies are punishable by up to 2 years in prison.

28-8280​.​ – ​Careless or reckless aircraft operation; violation; classification; definitions

A person who operates an aircraft (model aircraft and civil unmanned aircraft) in the air, on the ground, or on the water in a careless or reckless manner that endangers the life or property of another is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

In determining whether the operation was careless or reckless, the court shall consider the standards for the safe operation of aircraft prescribed by federal statutes or regulations governing aeronautics.

Specific additional UAV laws by local governments within Arizona

Maricopa County | R-116 Aircraft & Engine-Powered Models (2016)

This county ordinance states that all UAV pilots must not operate their crafts in a manner that has the potential to create a hazard to the general public.

The ordinance also bans drones and model aircraft from operating in county-owned regional parks or recreational areas. The only exceptions are those spaces designated for UAVs. Drone pilots can learn more about designated RC Fields from the Phoenix Drone User Group.

The city of Phoenix | City Code Section 24-49 // 2016

This law bans all drones and other UAS/UAV operations within Phoenix city parks and preserves owned and managed by the city. There are eight exceptions for parks specifically designated for drone/model radio-controlled aircraft.

The eight drone-friendly Phoenix city parks currently include:

1. Coyote Basin
2. Desert Foothills Park (Lower Field)
3. Dynamite Park
4. El Prado Park
5. Esteban Park (East Quadrant)
6. Grovers Basin
7. Mountain View II Park (South of Ballfield)
8. Werner’s Field

All unmanned aircraft pilots must adhere to Phoenix City Code, section 24-49, and federal regulations at all times.

Town of Prescott Valley | Municipal Ordinance (2018)

This city ordinance outlines official drone uses and permitted operations by city employees. That includes search and rescue, emergency management, law enforcement, and effective capital project management.

Specific additional laws in Jurisdictions within Arizona

Many cities or towns within the state of Arizona may have specific restrictions within their jurisdictions. We recommend checking the local jurisdiction for the latest regulations.

What you must know about Arizona No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

You need to know if you can operate your drone. Under what limitations? Will you need flight authorizations? And, if so, how do you get those authorizations?

We encourage you to read our explainer. It provides more details here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

How do I check for no-fly zones, no-drone zones, and uncontrolled or controlled airspace in Arizona?

The FAA has partnered with several partners to develop B4UFLY mobile apps. Theses app can tell you if there are any airspace restrictions where you want to fly.

If you are looking for a drone no-fly zone map, then B4UFLY is a good place to start.

The app provides situational awareness to recreational flyers and other drone users. You will need airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace. This app does not allow you to get airspace authorizations. Authorizations are available through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).

The B4UFLY app is available to download for free:

B4UFLY Desktop and Mobile Applications

Approved Service  Provider (click on name to go to website)	App on iOS	App on Android	Desktop
Airspace Link	Yes	Yes	Yes
AutoPylot	Yes	Yes
Avision	Yes	Yes	Yes
UASidekick	Yes	Yes	Yes

How do I get authorization to fly in controlled airspace in Arizona?

The FAA runs Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). It is the only way to get permission to fly in controlled airspace.

LAANC is available to drone pilots. It applies if you are operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107. And it applies if you are operating under the exception for Recreational Flyers.

You can get access through one of the FAA-approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers. Some providers have apps that can be used to apply for approval in near-real time.

The companies above (with B4UFLY capabilities) are also FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability.

There are two ways to use LAANC:

• Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations. Applies to flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports. This is available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers.
• Submit a “further coordination request.” This applies if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet.
• You can apply up to 90 days before a flight. The approval is coordinated manually through the FAA. This is available to Part 107 pilots only.

LAANC is available at 726 airports. Use the manual process to apply for authorizations for airports not offering LAANC.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Arizona

If you have a small drone of less than 55 pounds, you can fly recreationally by following Drone Laws in the USA defined by 49 USC 44809.

In Arizona, recreational UAS operations (i.e., flying for recreational purposes) are approved under law, specifically 49 USC 44809. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

Following these rules will keep you and your drone safe. And that helps keep the airspace available to everyone.

All recreational flyers must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) meets this rule. If law enforcement or FAA personnel ask, you must provide proof of passage. 

TRUST provides education and testing on important safety and regulatory information. If you fly your drone recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you must pass the test before you fly. 

Note: If your drone weighs more than .55 pounds (lbs), you must register your drone through the FAA’s Drone Zone.

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

To fly your drone as a recreational flyer, it’s as easy as 1-2-3

1. Understand recreational flying requirements.
   • Note: Non-recreational drone use is when you fly drones for business or to help out, not just for fun. For example, real estate agents may use drones to photograph houses they sell. Roof inspectors might use drones to get a closer look at roofs. A high school might have someone fly a drone to record football games and post videos on their website. Doing volunteer work with drones also counts as non-recreational use. So, non-recreational drone use is any time you operate a drone for useful work. Or help others out. It is when you are not just doing it to enjoy flying it for hobby or sport. If you’re unsure which rules apply to your flight, fly under Part 107 (See below).
   • Visit the Recreational Flyers page to learn about the rules for recreational flyers.
   • Download the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app for more recreational drone flying resources.
2. Take TRUST
   • You may take the free online test through any FAA-approved test administrators.
   • All FAA-approved TRUST test administrators offer the test free.
   • All test questions are correctable to 100% before issuing your completion certificate.
   • After completing TRUST, you must download, save, or print your completion certificate.
   • If you lose your certificate, you will need to retake TRUST.
   • View a list of TRUST Test Administrators
3. Receive your certificate
   • After you pass the test, you will receive a certificate. The test administrator you selected gives you your certificate.
   • Test administrators will not keep a record of your certificate. If law enforcement officers ask, you must present a copy of your certificate.

General Rules for Recreational Flyers

USC44809 is the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft. The law describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone, and our airspace safe:

1. Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO). Read Advisory Circular 91-57C. It provides more information on how to become an FAA-recognized CBO, 
3. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight. Or use a visual observer who is physically next to you and directly communicating with you.
4. Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
5. Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace with prior FAA authorization. Controlled airspace is Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport. Get your FAA authorization using LAANC or DroneZone.
6. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. Note: Flying drones in restricted airspace is not allowed. Before the flight, drone pilots should always check for airspace restrictions. You can do so on the B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.
7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.
8. Have a current FAA registration. Mark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number. And carry proof of registration when flying. Starting September 16, 2023, registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. The FAA temporarily delayed enforcement to March 16, 2024. That law is now in place and being enforced.
9. Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.

Recreational drone pilots must not violate safety requirements. Nor should they operate their drone flight carelessly or recklessly. You could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties if you do.

You do not need a drone license if your drone use is recreational and falls within the scope of 44809. But, to fly your drone commercially, you must first get a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC). This is also true for flights under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107). The RPC is also known as a drone license or a Part 107 certificate. You may want to get your drone license for the flexibility it allows in your drone flights.

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

It is recommended that recreational drone operators consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations on the proper use of recreational drones and use common sense when operating these devices around crowded public areas, wildlife, or historic resources.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Arizona

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Drone Laws in the USA defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Commercial drone operations in Arizona are approved under the FAA Part 107. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

For a complete review of the FAA Part 107 regulation, please see our comprehensive FAA 107 Explainer.

Note: The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet.

If you have a small drone of fewer than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. There are three main steps to fly under Part 107 rules.

Step 1: Learn the Rules

Ensure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules.

• 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

If you are unsure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation, check our user identification tool.

Some operations will need a waiver. Here are the regulations specified in §107.205 that are subject to waiver:

• Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft – §107.25
• Operation at Night – §107.29(a)(2) and (b)
• Visual line of sight aircraft operation – §107.31
• Visual observer – §107.33
• Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems – §107.35
• Yielding the right of way – §107.37(a)
• Operation over human beings – §107.39
• Operation in certain airspace – §107.41
• Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft – §107.51
• Operations Over Moving Vehicles – §107.145

Learn more about Part 107 Waivers.

Drone operators should avoid flying near airports. It is difficult for crewed aircraft to see and avoid a drone while flying. Remember that the drone operator must avoid manned aircraft. You are responsible for any safety hazard your drone creates in an airport environment.

Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be:

• At least 16 years old
• Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS

Study for the Knowledge Test

• Review Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials provided by the FAA.

Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

• Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile. Then, register for the knowledge test.

Schedule an Appointment

• Take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.

Complete FAA Form 8710-13

• Once you’ve passed your test for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application), log in to the FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application System (IACRA)* to complete FAA form 8710-13.
• Review the entire process to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.

Step 3: Register your Drone with the FAA

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. You’ll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone handy to register. Learn more about registering your drone.

• Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone. Select “Fly sUAS under Part 107.”
• Once you’ve registered, mark your drone (PDF) with your registration number. The number will be helpful in case it gets lost or stolen.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Arizona

We have partnered with the FAA and other drone enthusiasts in supporting an internet educational campaign called Know Before You Fly. The tips, pointers, and resources apply to Arizona Drone Users also. Please visit the site for additional information: Know Before You Fly

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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