Overview
Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-29+ address sexual abuse, privacy, and voyeurism via drone. Phoenix/Tucson Class B. National monuments and parks restrict airspace.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Arizona. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3010: Trespass via unauthorized drone flight
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2921: Harassment via repeated drone surveillance
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2907: Sexual abuse via drone surveillance
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2916: Voyeurism — recording without consent in private area
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3001: Critical infrastructure damage via drone
- Grand Canyon National Park: Federal airspace restrictions — no civilian operations
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Tribal airspace restrictions
- Arizona Department of Game & Fish: No drones in game management areas
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- Tucson International: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest: Special Use Permit required
- Arizona State Parks: No drone operations without Special Use Permit
- Arizona Department of Education: School airspace — no drones over school grounds
- Arizona Corporation Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Hospital/medical facility airspace
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107). Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov, pass TRUST test. Arizona has no state drone license requirement.
Recreational Flying in Arizona
Recreational drone pilots in Arizona must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Arizona
Commercial drone operations in Arizona require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Arizona must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.
Official Resources & Statute Links
- https://www.nps.gov/grca/
- https://house.azleg.gov/ars/13/2907.htm
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
- https://www.azdhs.gov/
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
- https://house.azleg.gov/ars/13/3001.htm
- https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/
- https://house.azleg.gov/ars/13/3010.htm
- https://www.azed.gov/
- https://house.azleg.gov/ars/13/2916.htm
- https://azgfd.gov/
- https://azstateparks.gov/
- https://www.navajonationparks.org/
- https://azcc.gov/
- https://house.azleg.gov/ars/13/2921.htm