Phoenix permits recreational drones under FAA rules but bans flight over the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Camelback Mountain, and South Mountain Park. Pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs ($5/3 years), pass TRUST, fly under 400 feet AGL, and keep line of sight. Phoenix City Code 24-46 restricts UAS in parks without a permit.
Phoenix recreational drone use blends federal FAA preemption with state and local park restrictions. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 preempts airspace regulation, while Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3729 prohibits drone operation over critical facilities (power plants, water treatment, prisons) and forbids interference with emergency operations. Phoenix City Code Chapter 24 Section 46 prohibits drone takeoff, landing, or operation in any Phoenix Parks & Recreation property without a permit—this includes the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the US. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 pounds with the FAA, pay the $5 three-year fee, pass the TRUST test, maintain visual line of sight, stay below 400 feet AGL, and yield to manned aircraft. LAANC authorization is required near PHX Sky Harbor and Deer Valley Airport.
Phoenix Code 24-46 park violations are civil infractions with fines up to $300 plus possible drone confiscation. Arizona Rev Stat 13-3729 violations are Class 6 felonies for critical-facility operation. FAA penalties go up to $27,500 civil and federal criminal exposure up to $250,000.
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