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Drone Use at TUS and RYN

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 UAS Facility Maps and Information for flying a drone near Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN):

Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN) FAA Facility Info

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

Report a Drone Sighting

If you witness a drone on or near Tucson International Airport (TUS) or Ryan Airfield (RYN), please contact the Airport Communications Center at 520-573-8182 with its last known location, approximate speed, and direction.

Any other drone sightings you believe are not following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules can be reported to the Scottsdale Flight Standards District Office at (480) 284-4450. The FAA’s investigators may investigate your report and follow up with the drone operator.

Flying a Drone Near TUS or RYN

For flights near Tucson International Airport (TUS), drone operators must receive an airspace authorization prior to operation. Airspace authorizations come with altitude limitations and may include other operational provisions. Controlled airspace and other flying restrictions can be found on the FAA B4UFLY app or Visualize it: See FAA UAS Data on a Map.

Part 107 remote pilots and recreational flyers can receive an airspace authorization for altitudes below the posted UAS Facility Map grid altitudes automatically from a LAANC service supplier.

The FAA Drone Zone can also be used to request an airspace authorization. It is required to be used if any of the following apply:

  • You want to fly in areas that are in controlled airspace and are not serviced by LAANC (the red grids on the UAS Facility Maps).
  • You are flying under Part 107 and want to fly in a “zero” grid area or above a UAS Facility Map grid value.
  • You have a waiver under Part 107 and want to fly in controlled airspace using the waiver.

Once you have received authorization from the FAA for a drone flight, please contact Airside Operations with your authorization number at 520-573-8190 to coordinate the flight.

Operating a drone on or near an airport is strictly prohibited without prior approval from the FAA and coordination with the airport (Airside Operations at TUS, 520-573-8190). Unauthorized drone operators may be subject to penalties and criminal charges.

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.

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.

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Tucson Airport Authority
7250 South Tucson Boulevard, Suite 300
Tucson, AZ 85756
(520) 573-8100