The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Phoenix (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Phoenix, Arizona.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Phoenix, Arizona.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Phoenix, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.
A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Phoenix, AZ. Source: VFR Map
Phoenix Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Phoenix (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.
- Recreational drone pilots fall under the FAA’s recreational flyer rules, which are laid out here. Make sure your aircraft is registered and you complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which are both required by the FAA.
- Commercial drone pilots fall under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which require passing a multiple-choice test and becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot. More information on the drone certification process over here.
Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.
When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.
Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .
Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.
So those are the federal rules.
But what about local Phoenix drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Arizona. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Phoenix. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.
Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Where to Fly a Drone in Phoenix
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Phoenix area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.
1 — Esteban Park AMA Field
3345 E Roeser Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=33.397655&long=-112.010650
Esteban Park is located within close proximity to downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The green grass fields are used by the Central Arizona Control Line Club as an AMA field. The flying field is located in the northeast corner of the park. Drone pilots will appreciate the wide-open space and nice views of the city skyline. One thing to note, this park is very close to the edge of Class B airspace. Always remain vigilant of manned air traffic arriving and departing from the airport.
2 — Mountain View II Park
9901 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=33.579229&long=-112.084721
Mountain View II Park is located at the base of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. The furthest open field to the north of the main park is a designated area for drones. Drone pilots will enjoy this open space that features a stunning view of the North Mountain. The mountain features various species of plants, animals, and an extensive trail system. The scenic mountain views and the surrounding valley area make this a great location for flying a drone.
Source: Drew Hays
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3 — Dynamite Park
4550 E Dynamite Blvd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=33.744316&long=-111.979606
Dynamite Park is located just outside of Phoenix in Cave Creek, Arizona. This park features a large open space that is great for practicing your drone flying. There aren’t a whole lot of cool views at this location but if you are looking to perfect your skills, this is a great place to start. According to reviews, it doesn’t get too busy here either and there are signs that show you where you can and cannot fly.
Source: M. Hall
4 — Skyline Regional Park
2600 N Watson Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85396
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=33.539589&long=-112.546299
Skyline Regional Park is an 8,700-acre mountain preserve located in the southern White Tank Mountains in Buckeye, Arizona. It is a favorite among hikers because many of the trails around the mountain are easily accessible. This will make it easier for drone pilots looking for a quick hike to find that perfect spot. The surrounding mountainous landscape creates a picturesque view that anyone would enjoy.
Source: Jan Pauw
5 — Butcher Jones Recreational Site
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=33.569997&long=-111.501503
Butcher Jones Recreational Site is located just outside of Phoenix in Fort McDowell, Arizona. It is a part of the Tonto National Forest. The main attraction at this park is Saguaro Lake, which is fed by the Salt River. The lake is surrounded by the mountain landscape and beautiful mature Mesquite trees. Wild horses are frequently seen roaming the park which truly adds uniqueness to this location.
Source: David Pinter
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Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Phoenix
If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Phoenix area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.
Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Phoenix.