Drones near Phoenix Sky Harbor and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airports must obtain FAA LAANC authorization through the B4UFLY app or approved providers before flying in controlled airspace. Many areas around runways have zero-altitude grids prohibiting flight.
FAA Part 107 (commercial) and recreational rules under 49 USC 44809 require Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) for drone flights in controlled airspace surrounding Sky Harbor (PHX), Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (IWA), Deer Valley (DVT), Goodyear (GYR), Falcon Field (FFZ), and Scottsdale (SDL). Pilots use B4UFLY, Aloft, Skyward, or other LAANC providers to request altitude grids near airports. Many cells immediately adjacent to runways are 0 feet, meaning flight is prohibited without case-by-case FAA waiver. Phoenix municipal parks rules add a second layer; Phoenix prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a permit from Parks and Recreation under Phoenix Code Chapter 24.
Flying without LAANC in controlled airspace triggers FAA civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation under 14 CFR 13. Criminal exposure under 18 USC 39B reaches up to 1 year prison for knowing violations. Phoenix issues separate municipal park citations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Phoenix, AZ
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and stadium standing TFRs prohibit drones over State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, and major events like the...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department prohibits drone operation in city parks under Phoenix City Code §24-43 and adopted park rules, except in two designat...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix permits recreational drones under FAA rules but bans flight over the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Camelback Mountain, and South Mountain Park. Pilots ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle airport proximity rules.
See how Phoenix'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.