DJI Mini 4 Pro: A High-Flying Controversy Bound by the 120-Meter Ceiling?

In a world where drones have become more than mere recreational devices, DJI, a leading name in the industry, recently launched its latest model – the DJI Mini 4 Pro. And while innovations should ideally be met with applause, this was not the case for DJI’s new release.

The 120-Meter Controversy

Fresh out of the box, early users of the Pro made a startling discovery: the drone was capped at a flying height of 120 meters from the take-off point. In many regions, this might not sound like a major hurdle.

But picture this explains Wiebe de Jager from DroneWatch: you’re in rugged, mountainous terrain, wanting to launch from a valley and fly seamlessly alongside the imposing cliff faces. At 120 meters, you’ve hit your ceiling, and any obstacle taller becomes a problem.

Responding to the outcry, DJI quickly released a software update. Just like other DJI drones, the maximum flight altitude of the Mini 4 Pro can now be set up to 500 meters. A sigh of relief for many.

EU Regulations Weigh In

But here’s the catch: the European aviation authorities, focusing on maintaining the sanctity of their airspace, set a directive. Drones tagged with a C0-label, which includes the DJI Mini 4 Pro, are restricted to 120 meters above their take-off point, explains De Jager. The EU regulation 2019/945 states the maximum altitude above the take-off point is limited to 120 m. Whether in valleys or alongside mountains, the rule is clear.

Dji Mini 4 Pro: A High-Flying Controversy Bound By The 120-Meter Ceiling?
DJI Mini 4 Pro: A High-Flying Controversy Bound by the 120-Meter Ceiling?

What Lies Ahead for DJI Mini 4 Pro Users?

While DJI currently enjoys some leniency, allowing users to set their altitude limits, a looming date might change that. Post January 1, 2024, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, which is marketed as C0-compliant, might once again be chained by an unalterable software update, reinstating the 120-meter altitude restriction.

A tricky situation for drone enthusiasts? Definitely. Your only workaround, according to DroneWatch to ensure your takeoff point is as elevated as possible. While this method might give you a few extra meters, flying further from the peak will quickly breach the 120 meters above ground level.

There’s a silver lining for or Mini 3 (Pro) users. You could choose to overlook any retrofit upgrades aiming to make the drone C0-compliant. Post-2024, drones weighing under 250 grams can operate in Open subcategory A1 without a Cx-label. In an era of rapid technological growth, it seems the European skies are not so limitless after all.


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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

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One comment

  1. Is there any updated info on this since 2024 in the USA? This would be reason enough to sway me away from the 4.

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