Drone Laws in Arizona (Updated January, 2025)

Arizona’s ideal climate and open spaces, it is no surprise that many companies have flocked to the state in order to take advantage of its drone-friendly environment. Here in Arizona, we see the incredible potential of drones at every turn, and it is clear that they are here to stay.

Arizona is one of the states that have drone laws in place. The state has a number of regulations for those who operate drones in Arizona.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the Drone Laws in Arizona and discuss how they impact those who use drones in the state. We’ll also explore some of the exemptions to these regulations that are available to those who operate drones in Arizona.

READ: Drone Laws in Washington DC: Rules To Know

Are Drones Legal in Arizona?

The answer is technical, yes, but with a few caveats. The FAA has sole regulatory authority over the airspace in the United States, and they have stated that drones are allowed to be flown as long as they follow the same rules as manned aircraft.

This means that you can fly your drone in Arizona as long as you adhere to the same regulations that apply to traditional aircraft.

However, there are a few state-specific regulations you need to be aware of before flying your drone in Arizona. These regulations are designed to protect people and property on the ground, and they should be followed even if they are not required by the FAA.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you fly your drone in Arizona, make sure that you are familiar with the state’s drone laws. These laws are designed to protect people and property on the ground, and they should be followed even if they are not required by the FAA. These are the things to remember:

Not to Fly in a No Drone Zone

The first thing you need to know is that there are areas where it is not legal to fly a drone. These are called no-drone zones, and they include places like airports, national parks, and other sensitive areas.

You could be fined or even arrested if you try to fly your drone in one of these areas. Make sure you know where the no-drone zones are before you take off.

Not to Fly in Crowded Areas

You should also make sure to avoid flying your drone in crowded areas. This includes parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces where people could be injured by a falling drone. In some cases, drones may even be banned from certain areas altogether, so make sure to check the local laws before taking off.

Not to Fly near Wildlife and National Parks

You should also avoid flying your drone near wildlife or in national parks. These areas are often home to delicate ecosystems, and drones can disturb the animals or damage the plants.

READ: Drone Laws In Texas: Rules and Regulations

Basic Drone Laws in Arizona

Here are some specific drone laws that you need to be aware of before flying your drone in Arizona:

• You must register your drone with the FAA.
• You must have a remote Pilot license from FAA.
• You must be 16 years old.
• You are not allowed to fly your drone near wildlife or in national parks.
• You must yield the right of way to manned aircraft.
• You must keep your drone within your line of sight at all times.
• You are not allowed to fly your drone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Fly under 400ft from the ground level
• Do not interfere with emergency or law enforcement activities.
• Do not fly near government and federal offices or buildings.
• Mark your drone with the registration number given by FAA.
• Always keep your drone in a visual line of sight.
• Give ways to manned aircraft.

Agencies that Regulate Drones

There are a few different agencies that regulate drones in Arizona. The agencies are :

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration is the primary regulatory agency for drones in the United States. The FAA has sole authority over the airspace in the country, and they have stated that drones are allowed to be flown as long as they follow the same rules as manned aircraft. In addition, the FAA requires all drones to be registered with them.

The FAA has put in place a number of regulations and guidelines pertaining to drone use. For instance, they have created a set of rules known as the Small UAS Rule, which outlines how drones can be operated safely and legally. The rule prohibits drones from flying over people or near airports, and it limits their altitude to 400 feet.

READ: Best Tips on How to Pitch Your Drone Services

The UAS Commission in Arizona

The commission was formed in 2015 in order to study the feasibility of developing a statewide Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test site. The group is made up of representatives from various state agencies, businesses, and educational institutions.

The commission’s work is ongoing, but it has already released a report that outlines the potential benefits of establishing a UAS test site in Arizona. The report notes that such a facility could help attract businesses and entrepreneurs to the state, create new jobs, and spur economic development.

The commission is currently working on identifying possible locations for a UAS test site in Arizona.

FAA’s Part 107 Regulations

The FAA’s Part 107 is a set of regulations that apply to all drones. The rules cover topics such as registration, pilot certification, operating limitations, and marking requirements.

Part 107 has changed the landscape of drone use in the United States. Prior to Part 107, drones were largely restricted to hobbyists and commercial users who could obtain a special exemption from the FAA.

Now, anyone who wants to operate a drone for non-recreational purposes can obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. The implementation of Part 107 has opened up many new opportunities for drone use, including photography, mapping, surveying, and delivery.

READ: FAA’s Statement On The GPS Requirement For Remote ID

FAA’s Part 107 Exam

The FAA’s Part 107 exam is a test that covers the topics of aeronautical knowledge, operating limitations, and marking requirements. The exam must be taken in person at an FAA-approved testing center.

You will need to register for the exam with the FAA, and you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency. The exam fee is $5, and you will have two hours to complete it.

FAA’s Remote Pilot License

In order to operate a drone for non-recreational purposes, you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. The certificate is also known as a Remote Pilot License.

You must be at least 16 years old and pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center to obtain the license. After passing the exam, you must submit your application to the FAA. The application process includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your Remote Pilot Certificate, which is valid for two years.

READ: FAA Remote ID NPRM- What Does It Say?

Registering your Drone with FAA

You are required to register your drone with the FAA. The registration process is simple and can be done online. You will need to provide your name, address, and email address. You will also need to create a username and password.

Once you have registered, you will be given a registration number that must be displayed on your drone. The registration fee is $5, and your registration is good for three years.

Penalties For Breaking Drone Laws In Arizona

The penalties for breaking drone laws can vary depending on the offense. Minor offenses may only result in a warning, while more serious offenses could lead to jail time and/or a fine.

Seizure of Drone

If a drone is being used illegally or unsafely, law enforcement may seize the drone.

Destruction of Drones

In some cases, a drone may be destroyed if it poses a threat to public safety.

Penalties for Breaking FAA rules

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a set of rules that drones must follow. Breaking these rules can result in civil and/or criminal penalties.

Criminal Charges

Depending on the severity of the offense, breaking drone laws could result in criminal charges. These could include charges of reckless endangerment or terrorism.

Jailtime

Breaking drone laws could result in jail time. The length of the sentence would depend on the severity of the offense.

Fines

Depending on the offense, breaking drone laws could result in fines. These could range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Why Drone Laws are Necessary?

When it comes to drone technology, safety has to be a primary concern. Unregulated use of drones can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities, not just for the drone operators themselves but also for bystanders. As such, there is an urgent need for laws and regulations around the use of drones in order to protect the public.

Another important consideration when drafting drone regulations is what kinds of restrictions should be put in place around the operation of specific types of drones, such as those that carry hazardous materials or are used for surveillance purposes.

Overall, it is crucial that drone laws continue to evolve alongside this fast-paced area of technology so that we can safeguard the well-being and privacy of all people who come into contact with drones.

READ: How To Fly A Drone At Night In USA? | FAA Guidelines

Conclusion

Drones are becoming increasingly popular, but it is important to remember that they must be operated in a safe and legal manner.

There are a number of laws and regulations in place that govern the use of drones, and it is important to familiarize yourself with these before operating a drone.

Breaking drone laws can result in serious penalties, including jail time and fines. Therefore, it is crucial that you understand the law before operating a drone.

If you have any questions about the legalities of operating a drone, you should contact an attorney specializing in this law area.

Hope this article helped you understand the legalities and penalties around drones. if you have any questions, please feel free to comment.