Baseline requirements
Federal Rules That Apply in Every State
These FAA rules apply everywhere in the United States. State law can add more restrictions, but it cannot replace the federal baseline.
Recreational flyers
- Register drones at or above 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Pass the free TRUST safety test before recreational flight.
- Follow FAA recreational rules, including visual line of sight and airspace limits.
Commercial pilots
- Fly for business under 14 CFR Part 107 with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register drones used for commercial work with the FAA.
- Request LAANC or FAA authorization for controlled airspace operations when needed.
Always check before flight
- Review B4UFLY, TFRs, NOTAMs, airport restrictions, and Remote ID requirements.
- Stay clear of national parks, military areas, stadium restrictions, and other FAA-prohibited locations.
- Verify waivers or airspace approvals before operations that are outside standard Part 107 limits.
Federal resources: FAA UAS FAA Commercial Operators Part 107 Airspace Authorizations B4UFLY FAA DroneZone
State-specific rules
State-Specific Rules in Arizona
Arizona follows federal FAA rules, but Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3729 adds state restrictions tied to emergency response, critical facilities, and unlawful conduct. Controlled airspace around Phoenix and Tucson, plus national park, tribal land, forest, and state park rules, can all affect where and how you fly.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3729: Flying contrary to FAA rules or interfering with law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency services is unlawful; critical-facility loitering or photography in furtherance of crime is also prohibited
- Grand Canyon National Park: Federal airspace restrictions — no civilian operations
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Special use permits are required for photography, filming, and other nonstandard land use
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- Tucson International: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Commercial drone operations on National Forest System lands generally require special use authorization
- Arizona State Parks: Recreational drone use is prohibited in state parks, and commercial use is reviewed through the filming-permit process
- Arizona local parks and preserves: Takeoff and landing rules can still be set locally in certain parks or preserves under state law
- Critical infrastructure and hospitals: Arizona law treats many utility, water, communications, emergency, and hospital sites as critical facilities for certain drone-related offenses
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107). Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov, pass TRUST test. Arizona has no state drone license requirement.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified.
Public property / permit situations
Insurance may still be required by clients, venues, public-property permits, or local film and operations permits.
Practical takeaway
Verify local permit conditions before flight and confirm insurance language in every contract or venue requirement.
Official Resources
Federal resources: FAA UAS LAANC FAA DroneZone