Hello, I have a DJI Mini 4 Pro, and I feel there is a height limitation of 120m. I saw a comment from you about this. I would like to understand the disadvantages and advantages of changing to class C1.
What is your location? The C classification is for EASA countries only. It’s not recognized anywhere else.
Blair said:
What is your location? The C classification is for EASA countries only. It’s not recognized anywhere else.
Portugal
@Blair
Yes, it is marked with class C0. It was purchased in January 2025.
Hal said:
@Blair
Yes, it is marked with class C0. It was purchased in January 2025.
So your answer is… you can’t change the classification to C1 because your drone is a C0 class drone.
Why is this not obvious?
@Blair
That’s not true. You can classify it to go ‘ahead’ to another category, to remove some restrictions but get other restrictions…
Kingsley said:
@Blair
That’s not true. You can classify it to go ‘ahead’ to another category, to remove some restrictions but get other restrictions…
A C0 drone cannot inherently ‘become’ a C1 drone. C0 and C1 classifications are based on the drone’s weight and intended use, as defined by the manufacturer. While a manufacturer could choose to mark a drone weighing less than 250g (C0) as a C1, this is a manufacturer decision, not a process of a drone changing its classification.
A drone cannot be simply reclassified by the pilot or by changing firmware. The manufacturer’s designation of the drone’s class (C0 or C1) is the determining factor.
If you don’t know the rules, please don’t comment. A C0 drone CAN become a C1 drone. Weight is used for the initial classification, but if you install a different battery, which weighs more than the standard one, you fall into the C1 category and need a new classification applied.
And it’s up to the pilot to request the correct category.
@Kingsley
I know the rules. What you just posted is a link to the manufacturer reclassifying the drone, which I clearly said was something that they can do.
“The manufacturer’s designation of the drone’s class (C0 or C1) is the determining factor.”
@Blair
Yes, the manufacturer reclassifies it, BUT you must request it.
Because the manufacturer can’t know the actual weight of all drones they sold. They can’t know what additional accessories that increase the weight you’ve installed. In the end, it’s you who must ‘reclassify it’ by declaring you want it in that category.
OP asked if he can reclassify his drone. The answer is yes. Just request it. The manufacturer doesn’t care about the actual weight of the drone. If you request it, you’ll get it regardless of weight.
EDIT: OP never said ‘I’m gonna just write C1 and that’s it.’ He just asked if it is possible… The answer is yes, just contact the manufacturer, not a simple ‘no, it’s impossible to do.’
@Kingsley
This comment is empty, admin should fix
If you declassify to C1, further restrictions apply. You would require a license even if the drone is less than 249g. You would need to have remote ID at all times. You can’t fly over uninvolved people. And depending on the country, further restrictions may apply.
Remember also that you cannot reverse and go back to C0 once the drone becomes C1.