DRONE USE
Drone pilots and drones must be in compliance with all Federal, State and Local laws and licenses, as well as, be able to provide proper FAA licensing documentation, and drone liability insurance*, if requested. Drone Pilots are required by federal law to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule to fly a drone for commercial use within the state of Arizona. This includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Drone Pilots must fly drones with public safety as the HIGHEST priority. Special Drone use fees may apply depending upon each specific location. Drone use may be prohibited within certain locations unless the film project is granted a waiver in special circumstances by the Location Owner/Manager. FAA Part 107 Waivers may also be requested.
*Drone Liability Insurance is required for filming over Arizona Department of Transportation managed roads, highways, and bridges during the Arizona Department of Transportation permitting process. Visit - ADOT Film Permits
Drone Laws in Arizona - The UAV Coach Website provides summaries of drone laws applicable in Arizona as well as weblinks to other drone resources.
FAA - Getting Started with Drones, FAA App “B4UFly” allows you to see if you are in restricted airspace when you turn it on, but you have to be in the exact location where you intend to fly. Free FAA Drone Webinars
City of Phoenix Drone Use:
Pilots must have taken a class and been issued a UAS license.
UAS and Section 107 licensed Pilots must use LAANC to communicate with the FAA for clearance.
Drones cannot be flown in Phoenix-managed parks unless:
1) You are issued a Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit to do so.
2) They are flown in one of our 8 parks permitted for model aircraft – but cannot be flown over a “non-participant” (meaning someone not associated with the production OR moving vehicles) NOR in restricted airspace. Restricted airspace (defaults to Santa Monica, but pull back on image to reset to Phoenix): https://app.airmap.io/. Toggle the “All” option to see where the Class B and D restrictions are that impact the City of Phoenix. If you want to film within the shaded area, you must apply for and receive a waiver from the FAA.
If you are filming from Private Property, please speak with the property owner along with registering the flight through LAANC.
For additional questions contact:
Phil Bradstock
Phoenix Film Commissioner
602-262-4850
[email protected]
City of Tucson Drone Use:
For drone filming, the City of Tucson requires the following:
- Name of drone operator
- $1 million in aviation insurance w/City of Tucson as additional insured
- DOT 333 exemption or Part 107
- FAA certification of drone pilot
- Proposed flight plan
- Documentation of waivers or approval if operating in restricted airspace
- Flight plan filed with Airmap (https://www.airmap.com)
For further questions about filming in Tucson, contact Tucson Film Commissioner Peter Catalanotte, [email protected], o: 520.770.2172 | c: 520.349.4729.
You can also discuss further drone use by contacting local drone operators who are knowledgeable of drone rules/restrictions.
For more information about drone licenses, training, and regulations contact the Federal Aviation Administration:
Jeremy Grogan
Federal Aviation Administration
Aviation Safety Inspector
WP07 Scottsdale, AZ
480-419-0330 ext. 246
Federal Aviation Administration
District Office (Scottsdale)
Website
17777 N. Perimeter Dr.
Suite 101
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255-5453
Phone: (480) 284-4450
Fax: (480) 272-7726
Email Link
Office Hours (Office visit by appointment only)
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday