TL;DR: Federal FAA Part 107 certification authorizes commercial drone operations across Arizona. Most Arizona cities do not require a separate filming permit for the flight itself, but many restrict takeoff and landing on city-owned property and add commercial filming permits when crew, equipment, or set-ups occupy public space. State and national parks generally require their own permits or prohibit drone operations entirely.
City-by-City Quick Reference
| City | Drone Permit? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Filming permit for commercial productions on city property | Class B airspace under Sky Harbor, LAANC required for most of the metro |
| Scottsdale | Film permit for productions on city property | Restrictions in city parks; near Scottsdale Airport requires LAANC |
| Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert | Film permits for city property; private property generally exempt | Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airspace affects east valley |
| Sedona | City restricts takeoff/landing in city parks; Coconino National Forest restrictions apply nearby | Many of the famous red rock locations are federal land, no drones |
| Flagstaff | City film permit for productions on city property | National forest and national monument restrictions apply |
| Tucson | Film office handles commercial filming permits | Davis-Monthan AFB and Tucson International create complex airspace |
| Prescott | City film permit for productions on city property | Prescott National Forest restrictions apply |
| Lake Havasu | City film permit; lake operations follow federal rules | Coordinate with marine units for water-adjacent flights |
What Always Applies, Statewide
- FAA Part 107 certification for any commercial flight.
- Aircraft registration with the FAA.
- LAANC authorization or FAA waiver for controlled airspace.
- Compliance with Arizona Revised Statute 13-3729 on critical infrastructure.
- State park rules, most prohibit drone operations without a special permit.
- Tribal land rules, many tribal nations prohibit drone operations entirely without explicit tribal authorization.
How a Permit Workflow Looks for a Phoenix Project
- Confirm the takeoff and landing location is on private property or permitted city land.
- Check airspace classification using B4UFLY or Aloft.
- File LAANC authorization through an FAA-approved provider.
- If filming on city property, apply through the Phoenix Film Office.
- Provide proof of insurance to the city, venue, or property owner.
- Confirm timing with property contacts and execute the shoot.
FAQ
Do I need a city permit to fly a drone over my own house in Phoenix?
For commercial purposes, you need Part 107 and likely LAANC. A city film permit is generally only required for productions that occupy city property.
Can I fly a drone in Sedona to film red rocks?
Most of the famous Sedona vistas sit on Coconino National Forest land or federally protected wilderness, both of which prohibit drone operations. Private property in Sedona is the practical option, with city park restrictions still in effect.
Are there fees for LAANC?
LAANC requests through most approved providers are free. Some providers offer paid expedited processing.
How does Untethered Minds Media handle this for clients?
We file LAANC, coordinate any city film permits, and provide Certificates of Insurance as part of the pre-flight workflow on every project.
Updated January 2026. Permit and airspace rules change. Confirm current requirements with the relevant city film office and the FAA before any operation.
UM Media handles drone permit research and airspace coordination for every Arizona project as part of pre-production. See the full aerial and ground production process. For FAA Part 107 certification requirements, read the full Arizona Part 107 requirements guide.