Is There Really a Downside When a Drone is Over 250g?

Buying Advice Forum
1

Hey everyone! I’m thinking of getting the Mini 4 Pro and I’ve already done some prep—passed TRUST, watching YouTube vids, reading up on everything.

I noticed there are two bundle options: ‘fly more’ and ‘fly more plus.’ The ‘plus’ has heavier batteries, which pushes the drone weight over 250g. I get that if it’s over 250g, I’ll have to register, pay $5 for 3 years, and put a sticker with my registration number on the drone. Since the 4 Pro already has Remote ID, I don’t see that as a big deal.

My question is: why does everyone make such a big deal about staying under 250g? Am I missing something about the responsibilities or limitations once the drone is over 250g? It seems like the rules are the same whether it’s registered or not… but maybe I’m wrong?

Thanks for any advice! Your feedback will help me decide which bundle to go with!

2

In Canada and Europe, there are more differences than just registration. Over 250g affects where you can fly and even the type of license you might need.

As far as I know, under 250g doesn’t transmit Remote ID, but correct me if I’m wrong on that.

3

@Zoren
Can you explain the specific differences for Canada?

4

Val said:
@Zoren
Can you explain the specific differences for Canada?

Flying your drone safely and legally

5

@Zoren
I haven’t noticed big differences in the US. Here, it mostly depends on the airspace: if it’s uncontrolled, you’re good to go; if it’s controlled, you just need permission. But I don’t see anything about drone weight on apps like B4UFLY. Am I missing something specific?

6

@Breck
What you’re probably missing is the hype around Remote ID and the under-250g push by DJI. People think it’s a bigger deal than it really is.

You’re right, the basic rules are the same whether it’s over or under 250g.

7

@Pax
DJI promotes the under-250g feature because they sell these drones globally.

Here’s how you know it doesn’t matter much in the US: it’s all in metric! :joy:

8

Peyton said:
@Pax
DJI promotes the under-250g feature because they sell these drones globally.

Here’s how you know it doesn’t matter much in the US: it’s all in metric! :joy:

Technically, the law says .55 pounds.

9

@Corey
Exactly, that’s the law wording. DJI just likes to brand it as under 250g.

And let’s be real—most Americans aren’t fans of the metric system! :laughing:

10

Peyton said:
@Corey
Exactly, that’s the law wording. DJI just likes to brand it as under 250g.

And let’s be real—most Americans aren’t fans of the metric system! :laughing:

‘USAnians’ :joy::skull::skull::skull:

11

In the US, you’ve got it right. Especially with the Mini 4 Pro, all you really need is to register, have the sticker, and have Remote ID enabled if it’s over 250g with the bigger batteries.

12

Harper said:
In the US, you’ve got it right. Especially with the Mini 4 Pro, all you really need is to register, have the sticker, and have Remote ID enabled if it’s over 250g with the bigger batteries.

I got a Mini 3 and didn’t realize battery weight makes a difference. Bought extra batteries without even thinking about it. So, what’s Remote ID, and why do we need to register? Can you still fly with just TRUST?

13

@Frey
If your drone is at or over 250g (including batteries and accessories), you need to:

  1. Have Remote ID active
  2. Register it with the FAA (costs $5)
  3. Clearly display the registration number on the drone

Flying without these means you’re technically breaking the rules. TRUST alone is fine for recreational flying, but those extra requirements apply once you’re over 250g.

Remote ID is like a digital license plate—it broadcasts an ID and some flight info (position, etc.) to make your drone trackable. For the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro, using the bigger batteries automatically enables Remote ID. If you’re below 250g, it’s optional, and there’s no way to enable it otherwise.

For registration, you just go to the FAA’s website, add some details, pay $5, and that’s it for 3 years. You can find more info here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone

As for the label, a lot of folks just print a small sticker with a label maker or get free stickers from places like Pilot Institute.

14

@Harper
So what if I’m still flying an older model like the Mavic Pro? It was made way before this whole Remote ID thing.

15

Whit said:
@Harper
So what if I’m still flying an older model like the Mavic Pro? It was made way before this whole Remote ID thing.

You’ll need to attach a separate Remote ID module to your Mavic Pro.

16

Honestly, I’m in Canada in the middle of nowhere, so I just fly however I want. The Avata 2 is a blast out here!

17

Zan said:
Honestly, I’m in Canada in the middle of nowhere, so I just fly however I want. The Avata 2 is a blast out here!

Haha, same here! Got an Avata 2, and it’s not like the RCMP are gonna come looking for my registration out here!

18

If you’re not in a super strict country, it’s no big deal. Heavier drones handle strong winds better too.

19

Ash said:
If you’re not in a super strict country, it’s no big deal. Heavier drones handle strong winds better too.

The weight difference with the Mini 4’s regular vs. plus batteries is pretty small, though. It won’t really impact wind resistance much.

20

Depends where you are. In some countries, weight affects restrictions. Like in Australia, drones over 249g face more limits near airports. Europe’s also strict about it.