Transport Canada Clears DJI Mini 5 Pro Despite Weight Variance Concerns

Transport Canada has officially confirmed that the DJI Mini 5 Pro will maintain its micro drone classification despite weight variations that can push some units above the critical 250-gram threshold, according to an official statement obtained by drone community member, Mat Mathews from Blackhawk Aeronautical Solutions. The clarification comes as drone operators worldwide have expressed concerns about the DJI Mini 5 Pro’s weight specifications. While DJI markets the drone as weighing 249.9 grams, the company acknowledges a manufacturing tolerance of ±4 grams, meaning some units could weigh up to 253.9 grams – technically exceeding the 250-gram limit that separates micro drones from more regulated aircraft categories. Correction: We have just received an email from Transport Canada clarifying the matter. Please see below:

Hello,

We are reaching out to you regarding your article titled “Transport Canada clears DJI Mini 5 Pro despite weight variance concerns” which was posted on September 25, 2025.

For the benefit of your readers, we would like to clarify that there is an inaccuracy in the first paragraph, stating the following: “Transport Canada has officially confirmed that the DJI Mini 5 Pro will maintain its micro drone classification despite weight variations that can push some units above the critical 250-gram threshold, according to an official statement obtained by drone community member, Mat Mathews from Blackhawk Aeronautical Solutions.”

Drone pilots are solely responsible for confirming the weight of their drone. The weight and capabilities of the drone, distance from bystanders, and airspace rules define your category of drone operation. Each category has a different set of rules that drone pilots must follow.

In Canada, drones that weigh less than 250 grams are called microdrones. If the operating weight of the drone is 250 grams or more, it isn’t a microdrone. If you wish to operate a drone that weighs 250 grams or more, you must register it and obtain a Pilot Certificate. If you are concerned that your drone might weigh 250 grams or more, you should register it and obtain a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations or Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.

In addition to following Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), drone pilots are subject to all federal, provincial, territorial and municipal laws that may apply, including with respect to privacy and trespassing.

Finally, anyone who witnesses unsafe or illegal drone use should contact Transport Canada or local law enforcement. Transport Canada encourages them to record as much information as possible to help Transport Canada review incidents more effectively (i.e. clear photos or videos, date, time, drone type, other identifying marks). Witnesses can report their concerns to Transport Canada at: Report a drone incident.

We hope this clarifies the matter, and please do not hesitate to contact us at …@tc.gc.ca for further information.

H. A.

Senior Communications Advisor, Media Services | Conseiller principal en communications, Services aux médias
Transport Canada | Transports Canada
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

Canadian Regulators Provide Manufacturing Tolerance Relief

Mike Tomm, Civil Aviation Inspector for General Aviation at Transport Canada’s Prairie and Northern Region, addressed the issue directly in a communication shared through drone community channels.

“If the operator is utilizing standard batteries, the +/- 4g issue not considered to be a big issue (at this time),” Tomm stated in the official message.

The inspector emphasized a crucial condition:

“What this means (for the time being) is that so long as you do NOT use a high capacity battery and stick with the standard OEM batteries, Transport Canada WILL recognize the Mini 5 as a mRPA [micro Remotely Piloted Aircraft].”

This decision aligns Canada with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which previously announced that the Mini 5 Pro would retain its C0 classification despite the weight variance. However, it contrasts with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s approach, which doesn’t appear to allow similar manufacturing tolerances.

DJI Mini 5 Pro Weight Variance Creates Global Regulatory Patchwork

The DJI Mini 5 Pro’s weight issue has created an unusual situation where the same drone model faces different regulatory treatment across jurisdictions. In Europe, EASA’s acceptance of manufacturing tolerances means operators can fly the Mini 5 Pro under relaxed micro drone rules regardless of minor weight variations.

The 250-gram threshold is significant because crossing it typically triggers additional requirements including drone registration, operator certification, and more restrictive flight rules. For recreational pilots staying under this limit means simpler compliance and greater operational flexibility.

Community Collaboration Delivers Clarity

The official clarification came through the efforts of Mat Mathews from Blackhawk Aeronautical Solutions, who worked with Transport Canada contacts to obtain definitive guidance on the weight issue. The information was subsequently shared through the Calgary Drone Group Facebook community, demonstrating how drone operators are actively seeking regulatory clarity on emerging issues.

Transport Canada’s position provides relief for current and prospective Mini 5 Pro owners in Canada, allowing them to operate under micro drone regulations as long as they use standard factory batteries rather than higher-capacity alternatives.

DroneXL’s Take

Transport Canada’s pragmatic approach to the Mini 5 Pro weight variance shows how regulators can adapt to real-world manufacturing realities while maintaining safety standards. The key restriction on battery types suggests authorities recognize that weight tolerances should have practical limits – operators can benefit from regulatory flexibility, but not if they’re actively trying to circumvent weight restrictions with aftermarket modifications.

This decision creates an interesting precedent for how aviation authorities might handle similar manufacturing variance issues in the future. It also highlights the value of community advocacy in obtaining regulatory clarity – sometimes the best way to get answers is simply to ask the right questions to the right people.

What’s your experience with Mini 5 Pro weight measurements? Have you encountered any regulatory challenges with weight variance in other drone models? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​