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Drone Rules for Saguaro National Park
Pima County, Arizona (AZ)
• United States
Arizona, USA
Lat: 32.1831 • Lng: -110.613
Rules Edit History: Saguaro National Park
Showing changes between revisions.
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Old outline is gray. New outline is blue.
May 30, 2026 11:50 AM
Approved
• Added NPS 36 CFR 1.5 drone prohibition for Saguaro NP with KTUS Class C and Davis-Monthan AFB Class D dual-airport context, and Mexican spotted owl ESA nesting.
Moderation feedback
Approved
Confidence: 0.85
Your proposed edit detailing the drone prohibition in Saguaro National Park has been approved. This aligns with National Park Service regulations, which prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft in the park to protect public safety, minimize visitor-use conflicts, and prevent unacceptable impacts to scenic values, natural soundscapes, and wildlife. The added context regarding the park's unique features enhances understanding of the area's drone flight considerations. The outline has been updated to accurately represent the restricted area.
Sources
- https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/unmanned-aircraft.htm — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Saguaro National Park. FAA Tucson Class C airspace (TUS) adds mandatory ATC authorization for any flight in the area.
- https://www.nps.gov/sagu — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Saguaro National Park. FAA Tucson Class C airspace (TUS) adds mandatory ATC authorization for any flight in the area.
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| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | Drones are prohibited in Saguaro National Park per NPS policy. Saguaro cactus ecosystem protection. | Saguaro National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's two units flank Tucson and protect the largest stands of saguaro cactus in the US — the signature species of the Sonoran Desert. |
Before
## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park **Drone flights are prohibited** in Saguaro National Park. ### Key Rules - No recreational drone use within either district (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain) - Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit - Nesting Gila woodpeckers and elf owls in saguaro cacti are sensitive to aerial disturbance ### Source - Saguaro Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
After
## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park **All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's proximity to Tucson International Airport creates additional airspace complications. ### Airspace / Site Context - Tucson International Airport (KTUS) Class C airspace lies adjacent to the Rincon Mountain District (east unit) - Davis-Monthan AFB (KDMA) Class D lies within 5 miles of the Tucson Mountain District (west unit) - Drone operations near either unit require LAANC authorization for airspace compliance - Mexican spotted owl (ESA threatened) nests in the Rincon Mountain highlands ### Key Rules - No drone operations in either park unit (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain districts) - KTUS LAANC required for Part 107 near the Class C airspace boundary - Mexican spotted owl nesting season February-August has stricter enforcement - Arizona state law ARS 13-3729 adds critical infrastructure protection applicable to NPS lands ### Source - NPS Saguaro: https://www.nps.gov/sagu
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## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park + + ### Airspace / Site Context + - Tucson International Airport (KTUS) Class C airspace lies adjacent to the Rincon Mountain District (east unit) + - Davis-Monthan AFB (KDMA) Class D lies within 5 miles of the Tucson Mountain District (west unit) + - Drone operations near either unit require LAANC authorization for airspace compliance + - Mexican spotted owl (ESA threatened) nests in the Rincon Mountain highlands ### Key Rules + - Arizona state law ARS 13-3729 adds critical infrastructure protection applicable to NPS lands ### Source
May 29, 2026 6:19 AM
Approved
• Added NPS drone ban for Saguaro NP with saguaro ecosystem context.
Moderation feedback
Approved
Confidence: 0.99
Your proposed edit to prohibit drone operations in Saguaro National Park, emphasizing the protection of the saguaro cactus ecosystem, has been approved. The prohibition aligns with National Park Service regulations and the park's status as a protected area for wildlife. The added context about the saguaro cactus ecosystem enhances the understanding of the restriction. The outline has been updated to accurately represent the park's boundaries.
Sources
- https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/unmanned-aircraft.htm — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Saguaro National Park. FAA Tucson Class C airspace (TUS) adds mandatory ATC authorization for any flight in the area.
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| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | Drone operations are strictly prohibited at Saguaro National Park under NPS regulations, controlled by the National Park Service. No recreational or commercial flights are permitted without an explicit Special Use Permit from the park superintendent. Split into two districts flanking Tucson, the park protects the world | Drones are prohibited in Saguaro National Park per NPS policy. Saguaro cactus ecosystem protection. |
| Mapped shapes | 93a9d2bc-564d-44f1-a140-e684dfcb78e2 | b4ff28c0-8d10-4f17-836f-8d00f8b003dd |
Before
## Authorization Status - Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned - Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit - Airspace: ⚠️ Tucson Class C (TUS) — ATC authorization required ## Geographic Boundaries Saguaro National Park consists of two separate districts flanking Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. - Rincon Mountain District (East): 32.1793° N, 110.7368° W (~67,293 acres) - Tucson Mountain District (West): 32.2530° N, 111.1987° W (~24,034 acres) - Total area: ~91,327 acres - Both districts within Tucson International Airport (TUS) Class C - Nearest city: Tucson, AZ (park surrounds city on two sides) ## Regulations - NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units - 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority - 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park - Saguaro Wilderness (~70,905 acres) — Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) - FAA Class C Airspace (TUS) — ATC authorization mandatory - FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide - LAANC availability: check FAA UAS Facility Map (TUS grid) ## Penalties - NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation - Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment - FAA Class C violation: civil penalties up to $27,500/day + possible certificate action - Equipment confiscation by park rangers ## Special Permissions - NPS Special Use Permit required - FAA LAANC or DroneZone authorization for Class C airspace - Scientific research with NPS-approved research permit Submit requests to: Saguaro NP Superintendent, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730
After
## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park **Drone flights are prohibited** in Saguaro National Park. ### Key Rules - No recreational drone use within either district (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain) - Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit - Nesting Gila woodpeckers and elf owls in saguaro cacti are sensitive to aerial disturbance ### Source - Saguaro Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
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- - Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned - - Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit - - Airspace: ⚠️ Tucson Class C (TUS) — ATC authorization required - Saguaro National Park consists of two separate districts - flanking Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. - - Rincon Mountain District (East): 32.1793° N, 110.7368° W (~67,293 acres) - - Tucson Mountain District (West): 32.2530° N, 111.1987° W (~24,034 acres) - - Total area: ~91,327 acres - - Both districts within Tucson International Airport (TUS) Class C - - Nearest city: Tucson, AZ (park surrounds city on two sides) - - Saguaro Wilderness (~70,905 acres) — Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) - - FAA Class C Airspace (TUS) — ATC authorization mandatory - - FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide - - LAANC availability: check FAA UAS Facility Map (TUS grid) - - Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment - - FAA Class C violation: civil penalties up to $27,500/day - + possible certificate action - - Equipment confiscation by park rangers - ## Special Permissions - - NPS Special Use Permit required - - FAA LAANC or DroneZone authorization for Class C airspace - - Scientific research with NPS-approved research permit - Submit requests to: Saguaro NP Superintendent, - 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730
May 28, 2026 11:23 PM
Approved
• Added drone restriction profile for Saguaro National Park based on NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05, 36 CFR § 1.5, Wilderness Act, and FAA Tucson Class C airspace mandatory ATC authorization requirements.
Moderation feedback
NeedsHumanReview
Confidence: 0.75
Your proposed edit to add a comprehensive drone restriction profile for Saguaro National Park is approved. The information about the prohibition of drone operations in the park is accurate and well-supported by official sources. The outline you provided appropriately matches the selected location. Thank you for your contribution.
Sources
- https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/unmanned-aircraft.htm — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Saguaro National Park. FAA Tucson Class C airspace (TUS) adds mandatory ATC authorization for any flight in the area.
Changed fields
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | Drones are prohibited in Saguaro National Park per NPS policy. Saguaro cactus ecosystem protection. | Drone operations are strictly prohibited at Saguaro National Park under NPS regulations, controlled by the National Park Service. No recreational or commercial flights are permitted without an explicit Special Use Permit from the park superintendent. Split into two districts flanking Tucson, the park protects the world |
Before
## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park **Drone flights are prohibited** in Saguaro National Park. ### Key Rules - No recreational drone use within either district (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain) - Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit - Nesting Gila woodpeckers and elf owls in saguaro cacti are sensitive to aerial disturbance ### Source - Saguaro Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
After
## Authorization Status - Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned - Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit - Airspace: ⚠️ Tucson Class C (TUS) — ATC authorization required ## Geographic Boundaries Saguaro National Park consists of two separate districts flanking Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. - Rincon Mountain District (East): 32.1793° N, 110.7368° W (~67,293 acres) - Tucson Mountain District (West): 32.2530° N, 111.1987° W (~24,034 acres) - Total area: ~91,327 acres - Both districts within Tucson International Airport (TUS) Class C - Nearest city: Tucson, AZ (park surrounds city on two sides) ## Regulations - NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units - 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority - 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park - Saguaro Wilderness (~70,905 acres) — Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) - FAA Class C Airspace (TUS) — ATC authorization mandatory - FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide - LAANC availability: check FAA UAS Facility Map (TUS grid) ## Penalties - NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation - Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment - FAA Class C violation: civil penalties up to $27,500/day + possible certificate action - Equipment confiscation by park rangers ## Special Permissions - NPS Special Use Permit required - FAA LAANC or DroneZone authorization for Class C airspace - Scientific research with NPS-approved research permit Submit requests to: Saguaro NP Superintendent, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730
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+ - Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned + - Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit + - Airspace: ⚠️ Tucson Class C (TUS) — ATC authorization required + Saguaro National Park consists of two separate districts + flanking Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. + - Rincon Mountain District (East): 32.1793° N, 110.7368° W (~67,293 acres) + - Tucson Mountain District (West): 32.2530° N, 111.1987° W (~24,034 acres) + - Total area: ~91,327 acres + - Both districts within Tucson International Airport (TUS) Class C + - Nearest city: Tucson, AZ (park surrounds city on two sides) + - Saguaro Wilderness (~70,905 acres) — Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) + - FAA Class C Airspace (TUS) — ATC authorization mandatory + - FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide + - LAANC availability: check FAA UAS Facility Map (TUS grid) + - Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment + - FAA Class C violation: civil penalties up to $27,500/day + + possible certificate action + - Equipment confiscation by park rangers + ## Special Permissions + - NPS Special Use Permit required + - FAA LAANC or DroneZone authorization for Class C airspace + - Scientific research with NPS-approved research permit + Submit requests to: Saguaro NP Superintendent, + 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730
May 28, 2026 2:05 AM
Approved
• Added NPS drone ban for Saguaro NP with saguaro ecosystem context.
Moderation feedback
Approved
Confidence: 0.95
Your proposed edit has been approved. The updated rule now accurately reflects the prohibition of drone operations in Saguaro National Park, emphasizing the protection of its unique saguaro cactus ecosystem.
Changed fields
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Flight status | Permission | NoFly |
| Summary | United States National Parks are restricted from taking off, landing, or controlling a drone within the park to those with permission. Which is rare to receive. | Drones are prohibited in Saguaro National Park per NPS policy. Saguaro cactus ecosystem protection. |
Before
## This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System. https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm
After
## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park **Drone flights are prohibited** in Saguaro National Park. ### Key Rules - No recreational drone use within either district (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain) - Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit - Nesting Gila woodpeckers and elf owls in saguaro cacti are sensitive to aerial disturbance ### Source - Saguaro Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
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+ **Drone flights are prohibited** in Saguaro National Park. + + ### Key Rules + - No recreational drone use within either district (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain) + - Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit + - Nesting Gila woodpeckers and elf owls in saguaro cacti are sensitive to aerial disturbance + + ### Source + - Saguaro Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm - https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm
May 27, 2026 10:57 PM
Approved
• Rollback user history: Included broken and wrong link... In every post. Mass edit spam of national parks adding nothing specific.
Moderation feedback
Administrative rollback audit entry.
Changed fields
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Flight status | NoFly | Permission |
| Summary | Drones are prohibited in Saguaro National Park per NPS closure order. No recreational use permitted. | United States National Parks are restricted from taking off, landing, or controlling a drone within the park to those with permission. Which is rare to receive. |
Before
## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park **Drones are not allowed** in Saguaro National Park. ### Key Rules - No recreational drone flights in either the Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain Districts - Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration - Protected Sonoran Desert ecosystem and nesting raptors are sensitive to drone disturbance ### Source - Saguaro NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
After
## This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System. https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm
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+ This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System. - - ### Key Rules - - No recreational drone flights in either the Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain Districts - - Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration - - Protected Sonoran Desert ecosystem and nesting raptors are sensitive to drone disturbance - - ### Source - - Saguaro NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm -
May 27, 2026 10:17 AM
Approved
• Rollback user history: Bad outlines
Moderation feedback
Administrative rollback audit entry.
Changed fields
Mapped shape change
Click to load this change into the shared map viewer here.
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Flight status | NoFly | Permission |
| Summary | Drones are prohibited in Saguaro National Park per NPS closure order. No recreational use permitted. | United States National Parks are restricted from taking off, landing, or controlling a drone within the park to those with permission. Which is rare to receive. |
| Mapped shapes | 3642d2ee-f805-491d-b79b-1f7b715b2337 | 93a9d2bc-564d-44f1-a140-e684dfcb78e2 |
Before
## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park **Drones are not allowed** in Saguaro National Park. ### Key Rules - No recreational drone flights in either the Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain Districts - Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration - Protected Sonoran Desert ecosystem and nesting raptors are sensitive to drone disturbance ### Source - Saguaro NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm
After
## This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System. https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm
Show inline change markers
+ This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System. - - ### Key Rules - - No recreational drone flights in either the Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain Districts - - Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration - - Protected Sonoran Desert ecosystem and nesting raptors are sensitive to drone disturbance - - ### Source - - Saguaro NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm -
Changed fields
Mapped shape change
Click to load this change into the shared map viewer here.
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Rule category | — | Ground |
| Flight status | — | Permission |
| Summary | — | United States National Parks are restricted from taking off, landing, or controlling a drone within the park to those with permission. Which is rare to receive. |
| Mapped shapes | — | 93a9d2bc-564d-44f1-a140-e684dfcb78e2 |
Before
After
## This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System. https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm
Show inline change markers
+ ## + This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System. + + https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm