DJI Mini 4 Pro Weight Class in the UK
Quick Answer
The DJI Mini 4 Pro has a Maximum Takeoff Mass (MTOM) of 249g, placing it just under the critical 250g threshold. This means it operates under Open Category A1 with reduced restrictions. However, it does not carry a class marking (it is a legacy drone), and adding accessories can push the total weight over 250g, which changes the rules that apply to you.
UK Drone Weight Thresholds
The UK drone regulatory framework defines several weight categories that determine what rules apply to your flights. Understanding where your drone sits is essential for compliance:
| Weight Category | MTOM Range | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-250g | Under 250g | Open A1. Flyer ID required. Can fly over uninvolved people. Fewest restrictions |
| 250g to 500g | 250g – 499g | Open A1 (with C1 class mark) or A3 (legacy). Flyer ID + Operator ID. More distance requirements |
| 500g to 2 kg | 500g – 1,999g | Open A2 (with C2 class mark) or A3 (legacy). Operator ID required. Distance from people |
| 2 kg to 4 kg | 2,000g – 3,999g | Open A3 only (150m from residential/commercial areas). Operator ID required |
| 4 kg to 25 kg | 4,000g – 25,000g | Specific Category likely required. Operational Authorisation from CAA |
The DJI Mini 4 Pro at 249g sits at the very top of the lightest category — one gram below the threshold where additional rules begin to apply.
What MTOM Actually Means
MTOM stands for Maximum Takeoff Mass. This is not just the weight of the drone body — it includes:
- The drone itself (airframe, motors, camera module)
- Battery — the standard DJI Mini 4 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery weighs approximately 77.9g
- Any accessories attached during flight — prop guards, lights, ND filters, strobe beacons, payload attachments
The manufacturer states the MTOM as 249g, which accounts for the drone with its standard battery and no additional accessories.
Accessories That Can Push You Over 250g
Several common accessories add weight that could take your Mini 4 Pro above the 250g sub-category threshold:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro Propeller Guard — adds approximately 27g. This alone would push the total MTOM to around 276g
- Strobe lights / anti-collision beacons — typically 5g to 15g depending on the model
- ND filter sets — generally 1g to 3g per filter, unlikely to push you over on their own
- Third-party payload mounts — can add 10g to 50g or more
If your total flight weight exceeds 250g, the drone is no longer classified as sub-250g for that flight. This means:
- You will need an Operator ID (£10.33/year) in addition to your Flyer ID
- The relaxed rules for flying over uninvolved people may no longer apply
- You may need to fly under A3 subcategory rules (150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas) since the Mini 4 Pro does not have a C1 class marking
Class Markings and Legacy Status
The DJI Mini 4 Pro does not carry a class marking under the current UK/EU classification system. It is classified as a legacy drone. This is important because:
- Class-marked drones (C0 through C6) have specific operational permissions tied to their marking
- A drone with a C0 class mark and under 250g MTOM can fly in A1 with the clearest regulatory position
- Legacy drones under 250g are treated similarly to C0 for most practical purposes, but the regulatory path is slightly different
- The UK is currently in a transitional period for class markings — check the CAA website for the latest guidance on how legacy drones are treated
Practical Weight Management Tips
- Weigh your drone before flying with all accessories attached. A small kitchen scale is sufficient
- Remove prop guards when they are not necessary — they are the most common cause of exceeding 250g
- Choose lightweight accessories — many manufacturers now produce sub-250g-compliant accessories specifically for mini drones
- Record your total MTOM in your flight log for each flight, especially if you swap accessories regularly
- Carry both IDs — if there is any chance you might exceed 250g during a session, having both a Flyer ID and Operator ID avoids any compliance issues
Check Your Weight Category
Use MmowW to determine the correct weight classification and flying rules for your DJI Mini 4 Pro configuration.
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