Recreational Drones: Phoenix vs Surprise
How do recreational drones rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Phoenix.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix permits recreational drones under FAA rules but bans flight over the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Camelback Mountain, and South Mountain Park. Pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs ($5/3 years), pass TRUST, fly under 400 feet AGL, and keep line of sight. Phoenix City Code 24-46 restricts UAS in parks without a permit.
View full Phoenix rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Recreational drone use in Maricopa County is governed primarily by FAA regulations, not county ordinances. FAA requires recreational drone pilots to pass the TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test). Drones must be flown below 400 feet AGL, within visual line of sight, and not over people. Arizona state law (ARS 13-3729) prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of private property. No specific county drone ordinance exists for unincorporated areas.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Authority | - | FAA preempts local drone regulation |
| Altitude | - | Below 400 feet AGL |
| TRUST Test | - | Required for recreational pilots |
| Privacy | - | ARS 13-3729 prohibits drone surveillance |
| County Ordinance | - | No specific drone rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Can I fly a drone over Camelback or Piestewa Peak?
No. Phoenix prohibits drones over the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, including Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and South Mountain Park under City Code 24-46.
Do I need to register my drone in Phoenix?
Drones over 0.55 lbs require FAA recreational registration ($5/3 years). Phoenix has no separate city registration.
Where can I fly recreationally in Phoenix?
Private property with permission, outside Phoenix park lands, with LAANC for PHX/Deer Valley airspace. AMA fields in Maricopa County are popular options.
Surprise FAQ
Do I need a permit from Maricopa County to fly a recreational drone?
No county permit is required. Maricopa County has no county-specific drone ordinance. Recreational drone use is governed by FAA regulations: pass the TRUST exam, fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight, and check airspace restrictions using the FAA B4UFLY app.
Can I fly a drone near Sky Harbor or other airports in Maricopa County?
You cannot fly in controlled airspace near Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, Falcon Field, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, or Buckeye airports without LAANC authorization. Always check airspace restrictions using the FAA B4UFLY app before flying anywhere in Maricopa County.
Is it legal to fly a drone over someone's property in Maricopa County?
Arizona law ARS 13-3729 makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor to use a drone to intentionally photograph or surveil a person on private property without consent. Simply flying over property is not illegal, but surveillance or photography of people is restricted.
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