Phoenix, AZ Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

Phoenix City Code §24-43 and the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's adopted Park Rules prohibit operation of model aircraft and drones in city parks and preserves except at designated flying fields. Two locations have been designated for AMA-sanctioned model aircraft use: Adobe Mountain Desert Park (Northwest Valley Modelers) and Deer Valley Park (Arizona Model Aviators). All other Phoenix parks — including South Mountain Park (16,000+ acres, largest municipal park in the country), Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park, and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve — prohibit drone takeoff and landing. The FAA preempts national airspace but the city lawfully regulates use of park property. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (KPHX) Class B airspace covers most of central Phoenix, requiring FAA LAANC authorization below 400 ft AGL. Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3729 (HB 2429) creates state-level overlap. Chase Field (Diamondbacks), Footprint Center (Suns), and State Farm Stadium (Cardinals, in Glendale) trigger FAA TFRs during events.