The civilian operation of drones or unmanned aircraft in Fountain Hills is almost exclusively governed by the Federal Aviation Administration and Arizona State Statute.

Laws passed by the State Legislature specifically prohibit municipal and county jurisdictions from making their own rules regulating the aircraft, according to Town of Fountain Hills Community Services Director Mark Mayer.

Mayer updated members of the Community Services Advisory Commission at a meeting June 27.

Mayer said the State Legislature took the lead because it wanted consistent regulation statewide. The only decision being left to local authorities is where the drones may be operated.

Mayer said the state law allows that communities with more than one park (Fountain Hills has four) may choose which facility the unmanned aircraft may be used. He said, although not yet official, in all likelihood that site will be Desert Vista Park in the upper section away from the dog park.

Mayer said Desert Vista is away from residential areas, has fewer organized activities to conflict with and has greater open area for visibility.

That visibility is a key factor related to the FAA rules governing the drone operations.

FAA rules say the aircraft must remain within a visual line of sight of the operator at all times. The FAA also allows for a visual observer, creating a two-person operational team if desired or necessary.

The unmanned aircraft may weigh no more than 55 pounds.

It may not be operated over any persons not in direct control of the aircraft.

The FAA rules allow for daylight operation only – 30 minutes prior to official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.

Federal rules set the maximum altitude above ground level for the drones at 400 feet.

The FAA is also requiring a remote pilot airman certificate for operation for either the operator or someone supervising the operator.

The minimum age for an unmanned aircraft operator is 16 years old.

As of February 2016 there were 325,000 registered after the FAA required registration beginning in January. To register a drone visit federaldroneregistration.com.

For detailed information regarding the new FAA regulations, which take effect in August visit the FAA website, faa.gov.