Mini 5 Pro Weight Controversy: Why Drone Owners Don’t Need to Worry

Since launch, there has been a lot of focus on the DJI Mini 5 Pro and confusion surrounding its weight. So far, each Mini series drone released by DJI has been clearly marked as 249g. This is, of course, essential in many regions, as it allows drone users to fly their sub-250g drone with more freedom. It’s no surprise, then, that when this label was missing from the new Mini 5 Pro, concerns arose - especially with the published weight difference of just 3–4 grams.

Due to numerous factors, the manufacturing of the DJI Mini 5 Pro has been heavily focused on the European market, and the drone has been produced to conform to the EU/EASA class marking of C0. This allows for some variation in the weight limit due to manufacturing differences. EASA has confirmed that the drone still complies for the EU region. In fact, EASA has officially confirmed that the DJI Mini 5 Pro maintains its C0 classification, even though many units weigh 253–254g. EASA engineer Natalie Di Ronny clarified that the prEN 4709-001 standard allows a 3% tolerance on maximum take-off mass during certification.

UK drone users have expressed concern, as there is currently a hard limit of 250g under existing regulations. However, in conversations with the UK CAA and national police, it has been confirmed that there is no desire or intention to alter enforcement advice or to actively pursue the issue. This is partly because the variation in weight is so small, and partly because, in just a few months, the UK will begin recognising EASA class markings.

In preparation for this, the UK CAA has already published the new UK Drone Code and confirmed the upcoming recognition of EASA/EU class markings. This is a clear indication from the CAA and a step towards easing concerns.

UK specialist drone insurer Coverdrone has also published an article explaining why they continue to provide coverage for all Mini 5 Pro drones owned by customers. The responsibility to follow local regulations remains with the operator.

Ultimately, this issue comes down to enforcement and consumer protection. UK police are simply not patrolling the streets looking for DJI Mini 5 Pro drones that are 2–3 grams overweight, nor are they carrying the calibrated scales needed to confirm this. It is highly unlikely that any prosecution would pass the two essential legal tests required for a charge, given the extremely narrow weight difference.

If a consumer were to write to the CAA and ask for confirmation of the legislation or regulations, they would receive a formal legal answer. This is the same as with many other technical aspects of drone law: while certain rules exist in legislation, they are not actively enforced as a priority. Remember, drone enforcement in the UK is carried out by the police who have far more pressing matters to address.

It should be noted that this is a manufacturing allowance. As such, consumers can remain confident in the class marking system and are not expected to verify the conformity of the product themselves. However, if you add accessories such as lights or landing gear that increase the drone’s weight, that becomes a separate issue and could potentially breach regulations.

This topic is, in reality, more of an online fascination and debate, and will not impact users in the real world.

Please note that this blog post is provided as an opinion piece and does not represent legal advice in any way.