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.
Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD) is a Class D towered airport at 1,243 feet field elevation, with controlled airspace extending in a 4-nautical-mile radius from the airport reference point. Any Part 107 or recreational drone operation in this airspace requires prior FAA authorization, normally obtained instantly through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) at altitudes within the published UAS facility map ceilings — typically 0, 100, 200, or 400 feet AGL depending on the grid cell. CHD is an FAA-approved LAANC airport. Chandler Airport Rules Section 3.16 prohibits launching any unmanned aircraft, rocket, kite, or balloon on or within 2 miles of the airport boundary that creates a hazard to aircraft. Arizona state law (ARS 13-3729) further prohibits operating a UAS that interferes with first responders or critical infrastructure. The FAA's 14 CFR Part 107 (commercial) and 49 USC §44809 (recreational/CBO) rules apply on top of any local restrictions and require Remote ID broadcast as of September 2023.
FAA airspace incursions can result in civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation under 49 USC §46301 plus suspension or revocation of a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Arizona ARS 13-3729 violations are Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 6 months jail, $2,500 fine). Chandler Airport Rules violations are city code violations carrying fines up to $2,500 under Chandler City Code §1-8.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle airport proximity rules.
See how Chandler's airport proximity rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.