Commercial Drones: Surprise vs Tempe
How do commercial drones rules compare between Surprise, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Surprise and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Commercial drone operations in Maricopa County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Arizona state law (ARS 13-3729) prohibits drone surveillance of private property. No specific county ordinance governs commercial drones in unincorporated areas. Near Phoenix Sky Harbor and other airports, airspace restrictions and LAANC authorization apply.
View full Surprise rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Commercial drone operations in Tempe are primarily regulated by the FAA under Part 107 rules. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate. Tempe is near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, making much of the city fall within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization. Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts most local drone regulation. The city cannot impose flight bans beyond federal law.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Surprise | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| License | FAA Part 107 required | - |
| Privacy | ARS 13-3729 applies | - |
| Airspace | LAANC required near airports | Near PHX - Class B, LAANC authorization needed |
| County Rules | No specific commercial drone ordinance | - |
| Federal Authority | - | FAA Part 107 governs commercial operations |
| Pilot License | - | Remote Pilot Certificate required |
| State Law | - | ARS 13-3729 preempts local drone regulation |
| Max Altitude | - | 400 ft AGL under Part 107 |
| TFRs | - | Active during major ASU sporting events |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Surprise FAQ
Do I need a license to fly a commercial drone in Maricopa County?
Yes. An FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required for all commercial drone operations regardless of location.
Do I need LAANC authorization to fly a drone near Phoenix Sky Harbor?
Yes. Much of Maricopa County's airspace near Phoenix Sky Harbor, Luke Air Force Base, and Scottsdale Airport requires LAANC authorization before flight.
Tempe FAQ
Do I need a license to fly a commercial drone in Tempe?
Yes. You need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Much of Tempe is in controlled airspace near PHX, requiring LAANC authorization.
Can Tempe ban drones?
No. Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts local governments from regulating drone operations beyond federal law. The city cannot impose local drone bans.
What about flying near ASU?
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are active during major sporting events at ASU stadiums. Check NOTAMs before flying near Sun Devil Stadium.
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