It is illegal to fly recreational drones over Phoenix preserves, but when park rangers see this illegal activity, their hands are mostly tied to do anything about it.
Phoenix Parks Department staff voiced frustration during a preserves committee meeting last week that park rangers’ jurisdiction is limited in enforcing laws around drones, or unmanned aircraft systems. Park rangers can cite a recreational drone pilot if they are seen taking off or landing from a preserve, but if it is only seen flying above the preserve, that is Federal Aviation Administration jurisdiction.
“Anything above the grass is FAA authority.” That’s what Park Supervisor Claire Miller said FAA officials told Phoenix Parks Department staff.
![In this 2016 photo, a Grand Canyon National Park employee operates a drone at the park. Like in national parks, Phoenix does not allow recreational drones to fly over their preserves. However, Parks Department staff has voiced frustration over lack of ability to enforce unless a recreational drone takes off or lands in the preserve. [Brandon Torres/Grand Canyon National Park via AP]](https://gamma.creativecirclecdn.com/yourvalley/original/20230728-192611-Drone%20enforcement_1%20072823.jpg)