DJI Mavic Mini - What Does It Mean for Canadian Drone Regulations
DJI has just announced the release of their newest drone, the DJI Mavic Mini. The Mavic Mini is mainly marketed on its small size and weight, specifically 249 grams, which is printed on the drone itself. This weight is very important, because most drone regulation refer to drones between 250 grams and 25 kilograms. The Mavic Mini comes in just one gram under that, at 249 grams. So, what exactly does that mean? Do the regulations not apply to this drone? Can you fly the Mavic Mini wherever you want? Read on to find out.
Canadian Drone Regulations
On January 9, 2019, Transport Canada released a new set of rules for flying drones in Canada. The new rules are enforced by Transport Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Braking these rules can result in serious consequences, including large fines and even jail times. Below is some key highlights of the news drone laws in Canada
All pilots of drones that weigh between 250 g and 25 kg must get a drone pilot certificate.
All drones that weigh between 250 g and 25 kg must be registered with Transport Canada. Pilots must mark their drones with their registration number before they fly.
All drones must be flown within the operator’s line of sight and below 122m (400feet) in the air
You can visit Transport Canada’s website for a full list of Canadian Drone Regulations.
Do The The Canadian Drone Regulations Apply to DJI Mavic Mini?
The Canadian Drone Regulations are targeted at drones between 250 grams and 25 kilograms. Since the DJI Mavic Mini’s official weight is 249g, do these regulations not apply to it? False. Even though the Mavic Mini doesn't not meet the minimum weight outlined in these regulations, it is considered a Micro Drone (under 250g). According to Canadian Drone regulations, Micro Drones do not fall into the basic or advanced operations categories. But it clearly states, if you have a micro drone, you must never put people or aircraft in danger. Always fly responsibly. So what Exactly does this mean?
Basic and Advanced Operation Categories
Basic Operations
If you meet all 3 of these conditions, you're conducting basic operations:
You fly it in uncontrolled airspace
You fly it more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders
You never fly it over bystanders
If you do not meet any 1 of these 3 conditions, you are conducting advanced operations.
Advanced Operations
If you meet any 1 of these conditions, you are conducting advanced operations:
You want to fly in controlled airspace
You want to fly over bystanders
You want to fly within 30 metres (100 feet) of bystanders (measured horizontally)
If you fall into one of these two categories, besides flying responsibly and never put people or other , aircraft in danger, there are additional rules you have to follow. These include:
Register your drone with Transport Canada before you fly it for the first time
Mark your drone with its registration number
Pass the Small Basic Exam (Basic Operations) or the Small Advanced Exam (Advanced Operations)
Be able to show your Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations/Advanced Operations and proof of registration when you fly
Pass a flight review with a flight reviewer (Advanced Operations Only)
Seek permission from air traffic control to fly in controlled airspace (Advanced Operations Only)
Fly within the operational limits of your drone
The above list of rules does not apply to the DJI Mavic Mini. So, if you fly the Mavic Mini, you do not need to register your drone, write a Small Basic Exam or Small Advanced Exam, or have a pilot’s certificate. These are the only rules that do not apply to drones under 250 grams, including DJI’s Mavic Mini.
What Rules Do Apply to DJI Mavic Mini
The DJI Mavic Mini fall under Transport Canada’s Micro Drone category. If you have a micro drone, you must never put people or aircraft in danger. To keep yourself and others safe, you must always fly your drone:
where you can see it at all times
below 122 metres (400 feet) in the air
away from bystanders, at a minimum horizontal distance of 30 metres for basic operations
away from emergency operations and advertised events
Avoid forest fires, outdoor concerts and parades
away from airports and heliports
5.6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) from airports
1.9 kilometres (1 nautical mile) from heliports
outside controlled airspace (for basic operations only)
far away from other aircraft
Don’t fly anywhere near airplanes, helicopters and other drones
Even though you do not need to register your drone, or be able to show your pilot’s certificate when flying a Micro Drone such as the DJI Mavic Mini, you must still follow all the rules of safe flying. You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules.
Final Thoughts
The DJI Mavic Mini is an amazing accomplishment by DJI Global. It’s small size combined with amazing features will introduce drone flying to a whole new demographic. The Mavic Mini’s low price and being classified as a Micro Drone lowers the barrier of entry into the drone hobby. Without the need to register your drone and a small aircraft pilot’s certificate, it is much easier to get out and fly. But you still must follow all the rules of flying safely and never put people or aircraft in danger. Always fly responsibly and have fun!
Helpful Links
Flying Your Drone Safely and Legally
Find your category of drone operation
Getting a drone pilot certificate
Privacy guidelines for drone users
Disclaimer
The article above is the Canadian Drone regulations to the best of my understanding. Be sure to fully read and understand the Canadian Drone Regulations before flying the DJI Mavic Mini or any other drone. If you need any clarification or more information contact Transport Canada, or a legal professional. Always fly safe and have fun!