What are the FAA Part 107 requirements in Arizona?

Arizona commercial drone operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, register their drone with the FAA, follow all airspace restrictions, obtain LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver for controlled airspace, and carry commercial liability insurance for client engagements.

Do you need a license to fly a drone commercially in Arizona?

Yes. Any drone operation for commercial purposes in Arizona requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Flying commercially without certification violates federal law and exposes the operator and client to significant fines and liability.

What is LAANC and when is it required in Arizona?

LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability system. It provides near-real-time FAA airspace authorization for drone flights in controlled airspace. Arizona has significant controlled airspace around Phoenix Sky Harbor, Scottsdale, Mesa Gateway, and other airports where LAANC authorization is required before any commercial flight.

Does Arizona have its own drone laws beyond FAA Part 107?

No. There is no state-issued drone license in Arizona. Federal FAA Part 107 is the governing authority for commercial drone operations. Some Arizona cities have restrictions on takeoff and landing from city-owned property and require commercial filming permits for crew and equipment on public space.

FAA Part 107 Requirements for Arizona Commercial Drone Operators

TL;DR: FAA Part 107 is the federal certification required to operate drones for any commercial purpose in the United States, including Arizona. To operate legally, a pilot must hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate, register the aircraft, follow operational limits, and obtain LAANC authorization or waivers when flying in controlled airspace or over people. Arizona adds limited state-level restrictions, primarily around critical infrastructure and state parks.

At a Glance: Part 107 Quick Facts

Authority	Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Required for	Any drone flight in furtherance of a business or compensated work
Pilot age	16 or older
Pilot exam	FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
Aircraft weight	Less than 55 lbs total
Operational ceiling	400 ft AGL (higher with structure exception or waiver)
Daylight rule	Day, civil twilight, and night with required anti-collision lighting
Recurrency	Online recurrent training every 24 calendar months

What Part 107 Requires of the Pilot

Pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Covers airspace classification, weather, loading, performance, and emergency procedures.
Apply for the Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA's IACRA system after passing.
Register every aircraft used commercially through the FAA DroneZone.
Maintain currency by completing recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
Carry the Remote Pilot Certificate on every commercial operation and produce it on request.

Operational Rules That Affect Every Arizona Shoot

Airspace authorization. Most of Phoenix metro sits inside Class B (Sky Harbor) or Class D airspace. Operating commercially in controlled airspace requires LAANC authorization or a manual FAA waiver.
Visual line of sight. The pilot or a visual observer must keep the aircraft in sight at all times unless operating under a BVLOS waiver.
Operations over people. Flight directly over non-participants requires the aircraft to meet a Category 1 through 4 designation under the FAA's Operations Over People rule, or an individual waiver.
Night operations. Permitted under updated Part 107 rules with anti-collision lighting visible for three statute miles.
Remote ID. All commercial drones must broadcast Remote ID.

Arizona-Specific Rules to Know

State parks. Arizona State Parks generally prohibit drone takeoff and landing within park boundaries without a permit.
Critical infrastructure. Arizona Revised Statute 13-3729 makes it a criminal offense to operate a drone in a manner that interferes with the operation of critical facilities.
Local ordinances. Cities including Sedona, Flagstaff, and several Phoenix municipalities have additional takeoff and landing restrictions in city parks.

What Clients Should Verify Before Hiring

Ask for the pilot's Remote Pilot Certificate number.
Confirm liability insurance carrier and coverage amount.
Confirm LAANC and waiver capability for the project airspace.
Request a Certificate of Insurance for venues or sites that require it.

FAQ

Is Part 107 required for hobby flights?

No. Recreational pilots fly under separate FAA recreational rules. Any flight that supports a business, including marketing footage for an Airbnb, is commercial and requires Part 107.

Can a Part 107 pilot fly in Phoenix Class B airspace?

Yes, with LAANC authorization or an FAA-issued waiver, which Untethered Minds Media files as part of the pre-flight planning for every Phoenix-area project.

How long does the certification last?

The Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire, but recurrent training is required every 24 calendar months to remain current.

Does Arizona require a separate state drone license?

No. There is no state-issued drone license in Arizona. Federal Part 107 certification is the operating authority.

Updated January 2026. This article is informational. Confirm current FAA rules at faa.gov/uas before any operation.

UM Media is FAA Part 107 certified and handles LAANC authorizations for every Arizona flight that requires them. See the full aerial and ground production capabilities. For pricing on drone videography in Arizona, see the 2026 pricing guide.