Blog
Busting Mavic Mini Myths
Are the rumours true? Read on to find out! [Updated for 2022]
Is it actually 249g?
YES! Even with a micro SD card the Mavic Mini weighs in at 249g. The Mini 2 actually weighs less at approximately 247g.
Do I need a Pilot Certificate or License to Fly the Mavic Mini?
No! The sub-250g class allows for exempt operations from CARS Part IX.
There are a couple caveats to that limitation that we discuss in our micro drone course, but the summary is that you can fly the drone nearly anywhere except for Class F (CYR) Restricted Airspace, airspace restricted by NOTAM or disaster, or in a manner that puts persons or aircraft in harm’s way. (CARS 900.06)
Check out more about how to fly the mini safely and legally in our micro drone course.
Can I fly it in controlled airspace?
Yes! But you have to be extremely vigilant!
You’ll find on the DJI Fly app that controlled airspace isn’t depicted. You will see restrictions near airport arrival paths and on airport property.
Restricted Areas
Correctional centres that aren’t displayed on the VFR terminal area charts
Restricted Areas
Interestingly, the CYR is much larger on the VTA
Approach Paths
Suggested avoidance areas around arrival/departure paths and showing (some) controlled airspace
Airspace Inconsistent
Abbotsford, Langley, Boundary Bay and Pitt Meadows are all class C airspace yet only Langley’s is shown!
NRC Site Selection Tool
The Site Selection Tool has a mode specifically for sub-250g micro drone operations. When you load the map at https://nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/ on the left side, select the game controller icon to choose “Category of Operations” and then select MICRO (<250g).
Areas on the map depicted with solid red are Restricted airspace, places that are restricted to all aircraft by default, including micro-drones. Other areas outlined with solid red lines are areas to exercise a high degree of caution, as they are either controlled airspace, or within 3NM of an Airport, or within 1NM of a Heliport. For a 250g+ drone, these locations would be off limits unless you held an Advanced certificate and your drone was approved for that operation.
Choose your Operation
The Micro Drone Category will filter the map to show applicable operations. This feature is not yet available on the new Nav Drone map.
Micro Drone Map Overview
This is what the map shows when you select micro drones on the NRC Site Selection Tool. Note the red shaded areas (Restricted) and red outlined areas (cautionary).
Controlled Airspace – Micro
What you see if you were to choose a controlled airspace (the Langley Airport) in the Micro category.
Restricted Airspace – Micro
Restricted Airspace (CYR) Class F applies to ALL aircraft from micro drones all the way to jumbo jets, by default that airspace is closed and permission from the controlling authority is required. This is the airspace surrounding the Matsqui Prison, for example.
Can I use the DJI Go app to fly the Mavic Mini?
No, DJI Fly is the app is the app to use with the Mavic Mini. DJI Go and all of its fancy features are not compatible with the Mavic Mini.
Is it good enough to use for work?
Ish? In certain situations, yes. The aperture is fixed at f/2.8 so you lose the control that professionals often want over the camera functions. It’s a good piece of kit, but maybe not your whole kit. The Mini, Mini 2, Mini SE and other sub-250g drones like the Autel Nano are -in our opinion- a drone that every drone pilot should have in their bag as either their primary or a back-up drone for the bigger Mavic series.
Can I fly a Mavic Mini in the rain?
DJI doesn’t recommend it. It also says to avoid snow and winds stronger than 8 m/s.
Is the Mavic Mini connection reliable?
At close range, absolutely. But for those that are familiar with flying Mavic Pros, you’ll be pretty disappointed with the WiFi connection of the Mini 1 and Mini SE at any distance. It’s been a common complaint from users. The updated Mini 2 uses the more robust OcuSync 2.0 protocol with a claimed range of up to 10 kilometers line-of-sight.
Have more rumours you want us to take a look at? Let us know below!
The Mavic Mini connection range is VERY poor! especially in Europa.
I just got my Mini as a supplement to my Phantom 4Pro, my Spark and my Tello.
Right now I prefer the Tello instead of the Mini – I wanted to use both as toys in my garden, but I get better range with the Tello and my IPhone.
So sad that DJI claims a range of 2000 meters… that must be on the moon!
There’s many videos of people taking them basically spot on 4 thousand meters, which is their range. You can’t do that out of your backyard though. Their range is calculated as that in an open area such as a field etc and with line of sight. You cannot fly from your house 4000 meters away totally blind
My DJI Mini in USA goes over 9000 feet distance for me, sounds like EURO Models are limited for legal purposes
Hey mate that might be because you are flying the drone In an urban environment. I have had a mini for a while now and I have found that in urban environments the mini has trouble getting a connection as a result of other wifi signals. Out in the country though it is very good.
I have flown mine for over 1.5 miles and had no problems turned back because of battery otherwise would of gone thurther, I know a guy who has flown his 3 miles with no problems