Coconino County, AZ Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal rule
- 49 U.S.C. 44809
- Registration
- Over 250 grams
- AZ preemption
- ARS 13-3729
- Grand Canyon
- Drones banned
- Altitude
- Below 400 feet
Summary
Recreational drones over Coconino County follow FAA rules under 49 U.S.C. 44809. Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts local drone ordinances, but flying is banned outright over Grand Canyon National Park.
Except as authorized by law, a city, town or county may not enact or adopt any ordinance, policy or rule that relates to the ownership or operation of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system or otherwise engage in the regulation of the ownership or operation of an unmanned aircraft or an unmanned aircraft system.
Full Breakdown
Recreational flying runs on the FAA's Exception for Recreational Flyers, 49 U.S.C. 44809: register any drone over 250 grams, pass the free TRUST test, stay below 400 feet, and keep visual line of sight. Arizona bars cities, towns, and counties from writing their own drone rules under ARS 13-3729, so Coconino County adds no separate ordinance - the one narrow exception lets a government limit takeoff and landing in its own parks. The big local no-fly zone is federal: the National Park Service prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park. Watch Flagstaff Pulliam Airport airspace too.
Violations & Fines
FAA penalties for unregistered or unsafe flight can reach thousands of dollars. Launching or landing a drone in Grand Canyon National Park is a federal misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Coconino County ban my drone?
Can I fly over the Grand Canyon?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coconino County
Compare Coconino County to another location·View the Arizona drone rules overview
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