Airport Proximity Rules: Chandler vs Scottsdale
How do airport proximity rules rules compare between Chandler, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Chandler and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
Chandler, AZ
Maricopa County
Drone operations within 2 miles of Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD) require FAA airspace authorization via LAANC because CHD sits inside Class D controlled airspace from the surface to 2,800 feet MSL. Chandler Airport Rules and Regulations Section 3.16 — adopted by reference into Chandler City Code — bans flying any model aircraft, rocket, kite, or tethered balloon on or within 2 miles of the airport if it would create a hazard to aircraft operations.
View full Chandler rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Drone flights near Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway airports require FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval. Maricopa County defers to federal airspace rules under 14 CFR Part 107 with no separate county permit.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chandler | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Class | Class D, surface to 2,800 ft MSL | - |
| Authorization | LAANC required for any altitude | - |
| Airport Rule | Section 3.16 (no flight within 2 mi creating hazard) | - |
| State Law | ARS 13-3729 (interference w/ first responders/infrastructure) | - |
| Federal Max Fine | $32,666 per violation (49 USC §46301) | - |
| Authorization tool | - | FAA LAANC |
| Altitude ceiling | - | 400 feet AGL |
| Major airports | - | PHX and IWA |
| Regulator | - | FAA Part 107 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chandler FAQ
Can I fly my drone in Chandler near the airport?
Only with prior FAA authorization. Chandler Municipal Airport is Class D controlled airspace — you must request LAANC authorization before any flight inside the 4-nautical-mile ring, and a Chandler Airport Rules Sec. 3.16 violation is possible within 2 miles even with FAA approval if your flight creates a hazard.
How do I get LAANC authorization?
Use any FAA-approved LAANC provider (Aloft, Skyward, AirMap, etc.) to submit your flight plan in advance. Approvals come back within seconds for altitudes at or below the UAS Facility Map ceiling for your specific grid.
What altitude can I fly at near CHD?
It depends on the UAS Facility Map grid cell. Cells immediately adjacent to the runway show 0 feet (no authorization possible); outer cells permit 100-400 feet AGL. Check the FAA UAS Data Delivery System before each flight.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I fly my drone over downtown Phoenix?
Only with LAANC authorization. Most of central Phoenix sits inside Sky Harbor's Class B airspace with zero-altitude grids requiring case-by-case FAA approval before any flight.
Does Maricopa County issue drone permits?
No. The county follows federal FAA rules. Pilots register drones with the FAA, get LAANC for controlled airspace, and follow Part 107 commercial requirements when applicable.
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