Micro Drones
Mavic Mini Myths, Busted
What sub-250 gram aircraft actually let you do, and the caveats people skip past.
The sub-250 gram class attracts more misinformation than any other part of the Canadian framework. Here are the questions we get most, answered plainly.
Is it actually 249 grams?
Yes. Even with a microSD card fitted, the Mavic Mini weighs 249 g. The Mini 2 comes in slightly lighter at roughly 247 g.
Do I need a pilot certificate to fly it?
No. Aircraft under 250 g fall outside the registration and certification requirements that apply to small RPAS. That is the whole appeal of the class.
There are caveats, though, and they matter. You may fly nearly anywhere except Class F (CYR) restricted airspace, airspace restricted by NOTAM or by a disaster response, national and provincial or territorial parks, and any operation that puts people or aircraft in harm’s way — that last one being CARs 900.06, which applies at every weight.
Changed in 2025: since 1 April 2025, flying a microdrone at an advertised event requires a Special Flight Operations Certificate. If the event was promoted in advance, the weight exemption does not cover you.
Can I fly it in controlled airspace?
Yes, but be vigilant. The DJI Fly app does not depict controlled airspace — you will see restrictions near airport arrival paths and on airport property, which is not the same thing. Use NAV Drone or the National Research Council’s site selection tool for the authoritative picture.
Reading the NRC site selection tool
Load the map, select the game controller icon on the left for “Category of Operations”, and choose MICRO (under 250 g).
Solid red areas are restricted airspace, closed to all aircraft including micro drones. Areas outlined in red warrant a high degree of caution: they are either controlled airspace, within 3 NM of an airport, or within 1 NM of a heliport. For an aircraft of 250 g or more those locations would be off limits without an Advanced certificate and a drone approved for the operation.
Which app, and is it good enough for work?
DJI Fly, not DJI Go — the older app and its features are not compatible with the Mini.
For paid work: sometimes. The fixed f/2.8 aperture removes control professionals often want. It is a good piece of kit but probably not your whole kit. Our view is that a sub-250 g aircraft belongs in every pilot’s bag, either as the primary or as a backup to something larger.
Weather and connection
DJI does not recommend flying the Mini in rain, and advises avoiding snow and winds above 8 m/s.
Connection at close range is fine. Pilots used to Mavic Pros tend to find the Wi-Fi link on the Mini 1 and Mini SE disappointing at distance — a common complaint. The Mini 2 moved to OcuSync 2.0 with a claimed line-of-sight range up to 10 km.
Flying a micro drone properly?