Drone Users Know Before you Fly!
The Tucson Airport Authority supports the safe operation of drones for recreational use and commercial purposes.
Coordination is a MUST! There are many areas around the airports that are NOT SAFE to fly drones because manned aircraft operate at low altitudes.
Please view the radius maps for Ryan Airfield (RYN):
Ryan Airfield (RYN) Five Mile Radius
Contact The Tucson Airport Authority Airside Operations Department to coordinate drone operations or for any questions regarding drone uses in airport environments:
Airside Operations Department
(520) 573-8190
airsideoperations@flytucson.com
Recreational Flyers:
If you will be flying within five (5) miles of the Tucson International Airport or Ryan Airfield, you must contact the Airport Operations Department to coordinate your drone flight.
- The FAA REQUIRES you to register your Drone if it weighs less than 55 lbs. FAA Drone Registry
- Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) FAA Advisory Circular107-2
- FAA Part 107 Fact Sheet
- B4UFLY Smartphone App
Civil or Commercial Flyers:
The FAA requires you to have a 333 Exemption and the accompanying Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (CoW/COA) to fly outside of standard regulations. Unless you have a specific COA that allows something different, some of the things you MUST do include:
- Operate at altitudes of 400 feet above ground or less.
- Maintain visual line of sight with your drone.
- See and avoid manned aircraft.
- Have your COA or CoW with you when operating a sUAS.
- Must check NOTAMS and TFRs before flight operations.
- Consider a Letter of Agreement (LOA) for recurring or long-term operations.