Commercial drone operations in Scottsdale are primarily regulated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 107. Scottsdale requires permits for drone use on city property and near special events. Operations near Scottsdale Airport (SDL) require FAA authorization through LAANC or a Part 107 waiver.
Commercial drone (UAS) operations in Scottsdale require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Scottsdale Airport (SDL) is a busy general aviation airport, and much of the city falls within its controlled airspace. Operations within 5 miles of SDL require FAA authorization through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system or a Part 107 airspace waiver. Flying over Scottsdale events (such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson auction, or ArtWalk) requires both FAA authorization and event organizer permission. City of Scottsdale parks and preserves require a permit for commercial drone operations. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve has additional restrictions on drone use to protect wildlife. Arizona state law (ARS §13-3729) prohibits flying drones over critical infrastructure, and ARS §13-3007 prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of private property.
Unauthorized commercial drone operations may result in FAA enforcement action, fines up to $32,666 per violation, and potential criminal charges under state law.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle commercial drones.
See how Scottsdale's commercial drones rules stack up against other locations.
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