Will YOUR drone be limited? DJI CONFIRM Mini 4 Pro Height RESTRICTED to 120m!

[@grantw2637]

It's complete BS; I live in an area of steep hills. If I take off from the bottom, I can legally fly to the top without being more than 120m AGL, but not ATP... If I were to take off from the top, I could rise to 120m ATP and fly out over the valley and be completely illegal... The restrictions would stop the legal flight, but not the illegal one... Either make the restrictions strictly AGL not ATP, or leave it to Pilot's responsibility...

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Grant! This is one of the debates I think will become key in consumer drone regulation. Who controls what? There is some benefit to restricting users who are new or who do not seek out the rules, but that falls down in scenarios like those you have posed. Sadly, I think the broad brush of regulation is likely to impact us more than the people they are trying to reach...

[@n0w3lly90]

As a drone flyer for the past 9 years - not a professional, but entirely as an amateur (and I have no plans to become professional either), what concerns me the most is how rapidly/ how quickly the authorities and regulators keep on changing the goalposts on drones, and the more things change, the more they keep turning drones - some not that old - into exceedingly expensive paperweights. And for people who work full time not using such equipment beyond leisure reasons, we now need to study reams of red tape and legalese. It is becoming so tiresome that I wonder if all this isn't by design sometimes! Question: can I take my Mavic Air 2S and use it LEGALLY on the continent after 1st Jan, or, is it the case that if a "C" label is not there, it is banned full stop, or somewhere in between?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! Nothing has changed. This has been coming in terms of regs for years. This is just how DJI are going to deal with those regs. In terms of the Air 2S specifically. It is a legacy drone both in the UK and EASA member states. Only the more recent releases such as the Mavic 3 and Air 3 have the labels. These labels mean nothing in the UK at the moment but would be fully usable in the EU with the added benefits.

[@n0w3lly90]

@@Geeksvana thanks for the response. So what is considered different, e.g. between the Air 2S and the Air 3 for instance in terms of what qualifies one but not the other? The only major difference I can point to is the omnidirectional sensors. Is that what makes the difference? Just to add, and I did all this voluntarily years ago (okay - perhaps not everyone will be inclined), but I have always taken safety and protection seriously, including even getting full insurance and public liability insurance also. Better safe than sorry was always my view on that 😉

[@Geeksvana]

@n0w3lly90 There is a difference in terms of decibel limit. There are some changes to maximum speed etc. But nothing that couldn't mainly be updated via firmware for the Air 2S. It could be made to hold a C2 label certainly. There isn't much desire from DJI to this at the moment. In terms of the wider issue and what separates the new and older drones in terms of safety and justifying one not flying... nothing much. Most recent legacy drones are just as safe now as they were when they launched.

[@n0w3lly90]

@@Geeksvana thank you geeksvana. Must confess to having had little time to delve deeply into these matters, but you have a very good channel, and I find it very informative to home in on the major issues. Right now, trying to find time to get the A2 CofC to recover some of the rights back that we used to have [without it] 😁 But thanks very much: very good content, very useful information that you present 👍

[@HiethGeorge]

Thanks for the update Sean nice and easy to understand, when I go aboard I will just have to walk up the side of the mountains and take off - see you soon cheers H

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Hieth! Appreciate it.

[@Ad_Alta]

Thanks for the video, you are my go-to channel for this! I guess a practical solution would be to start filming at the top of your mountain walk and do your altitude changes downhill? So your altitude could be negative from take off point!

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! Thank you for the kind feedback! Yes, I think that is the kind of easy solution. It is rare that I personally record a particularly long clip, as editing dictates lots of shorter shots. So needing to land to reset is also viable.

[@JulianShagworthy]

Just update the home point as you climb higher 😊

[@inspiredtotired8369]

What people might need to be aware of, is if they're are going to refuse the update now. If they crash their drone in the future, will the replacement drone be pre-loaded with the "restricted" FW? I don't think the Mini 5 Pro (or even a possible Mini 4) released after 1/1/24 won't give you an option to dodge the restriction. Sean, is there any chance we'll get "FCC" mode in the UK?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! A good point. I think flying to the latest firmware will soon be part of regulation for consumer drones as it already is for 'commercial' operators. The FCC mode is unlikely to be openly permitted in the UK. Although it is hard to find OFCOM openly seeking to enforce the use. It is technically a criminal offence.

[@lindsayheyes925]

This is ridiculous: I will be able to fly DOWN a mountain as far as VLOS allows, then back up to 120 metres above my take-off point - but I won't be able to fly the same vertical interval if I take off from below. If I go to the EASA area with my Mini 4 Pro, it appears that an update will irrevocably convert it to apply this limit to my flights in the UK. Anyone who uses their drone in the UK and in the EU will have to get a second drone. It is outrageous. 120 metres a.g.l. is 120 metres a.g.l., and we've been able to comply with that for years.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Lindsay! I think this is the true debate of all this. Although this restriction does not impact many people and their drone flights, it is a concern in terms of where it will end. The restriction allows illegal flight to happen, just not in the way they envisaged. It shows the lack of knowledge of the product they are regulating, along with how tough it is to find a reasonable line.

[@JulianShagworthy]

This is incorrect/unrealised - I'm in the UK and recently travelled to France. The 500 metre limit dropped to 120 metres while over there, and reverted back to 500 metres when I returned, so don't worry. Regarding going uphill, just update your homepoint from time to time and you'll get a fresh 120 metres.

[@IrishDougal]

Just a quick note to say yes I’ve both been to and flown a drone in Liechtenstein it’s a small but stunning country!

[@Geeksvana]

Amazing! Thank you for commenting. It is going on my drone flight bucket list.

[@AndersonDroneServices]

@@Geeksvana l've also been, stunning scenery, between the Rhine and mountains.

[@VideoUser3053]

The 120m limit - the vast majority of flights are fine well below that for me for image reasons etc

[@Geeksvana]

Same here. 120m is usually way to high to get the shot.

[@ShaunCoyle1]

Hi Sean, please advise. If you were buying a Mini 4 Pro as your first drone today would you get one right away in December 2023 or wait for the C labelled after the 1st January 2024?

[@Dave-sb4iy]

Hi Sean, I’ve watched many of your videos, particularly with regard to technical and regulatory issues as you seem to do the research and know your stuff; your time is appreciated. I have a M4P, I am in Spain quite a lot and have got the 120m restriction recently; it’s not much of an issue but annoying when I don’t hike up, and take off in the wind shadow at the bottom of the mountain to get the sunset shot over the top and then get the message! Question is, should I declassify the drone before returning to the UK before the end of the year; or, will this have implications if EASA have a different interpretation of their own regulations, or could it cause any issues with the CAA if they bring in the 120m limit as well or require drones to be classified? Has anyone obtained clarification from EASA on specifically whether a declassified M4P would then become a legacy drone and be in the A1 category? Any advice, suggestions are welcome? Cheers, Dave.

[@dunrav3n]

Sorry, but does the take off point aways stay the same, if you walk/cycle up a hill and then reset the home point does that reset the point that the 120 is measured?

[@Geeksvana]

That should be the way it works and the way I would assume as well. However, tests from a pilot in the EU have shown that you need to land again to reset. Updating the hone position did not clear it. More tests needed though.

[@drone_kev]

I think some get confused between max height and distance so this should help avoid confusion.

[@Geeksvana]

Great point! It will help for that.

[@allegriach]

I recently sold my Air 2 to Liechtenstein. I’m living in Switzerland and we are quite bond to this country, of course depending where in Switzerland people live. Fun fact: When I wanted to send my packet they told me, it’s an international delivery, I need to do in online. They use Swiss currency there’s no border-control and the Swiss mail is with participation and cooperation with Liechtenstein.

[@rockbyter2011]

So the Min 4 Pro may not fit in these regulations? It can use the batteries from the Mini 3 Pro that gives it a maximum take off mass of over 250g in the UK as these are available unlike the plus batteries that were excluded from UK.

[@RobR386]

My Mavic 1 is a legacy drone by definition, I have somewhat taken over its operating system, so I have complete control on its "limits", but hey ho I bought the thing, how it's used should be my choice not some computer server owned by a company in China, FTR: I do fly within the CAA regs 😊

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Rob! Absolutely! Many people make their own changes. I think the thinking behind this kind of restriction on firmware is to 'help novice users and occasional flyers. Who it has to said are often the people who end up in the headlines. I do agree with the overall sentiment of your comment though. It has been a debate in my own mind for a long time about who own the drone etc. (Perhaps I should stop debating things with myself though, I rarely win).

[@RS474]

What about the ruling that says we can fly 15m higher than 120m if we have been asked by the owners of a structure over 105m tall?

[@Geeksvana]

Anyone flying in the EASA member state, so not the UK, would not be able to do this without deregistering the drone from the C label system...

[@DroneAndConfused]

Hi, Thanks for all the info. Am I correct in thinking that until 2024 I can take a Mini 3 Pro to the EU in the A1 CAT. Does this change after after 2024. If so what CAT would I believe to fly.

[@Geeksvana]

Yes! 100% correct. After that to keep the same benefits in the EU, (i.e. A1 access), you will need a C0 drone. After 2024, your drone will need to operate in the specific category, which is not really realistic in terms of paperwork, cost and training etc.

[@PuckVerheul]

So I will buy my drone in The Netherlands, and I’m going to Canada in January 2024. The regulations of the 120m wil change if I go there because of the location?

[@Funtimes909]

In drone assist it shows different circles and colours I've just got a mini 4 and not sure what colour parts I'm aloud to fly in, new to this as you can tell, thanks

[@johnburns5783]

If I purchase a Mini 4 Pro in the U.K., does it actually have the C0 label on it ? ( even though C labelling hasn’t been adopted by the U.K. ? )

[@Geeksvana]

Hey John! Yes, DJI drones will have a C label when purchased in the UK. They do not make specific droned for different regions anymore. The drone recognises where it is when it connects to the Internet for registration and downloads the relevant firmware etc.

[@gravyboatdrone4060]

Hi, great video...why do they make it so complex! So I have a mini pro 4 and live in the UK, I have neither the 120m restriction or the option to apply to declassify in the app...that makes sense. But what happens in Jan 2024 if I I haven't declassified beforehand? Will the 120m restriction be applied? My head hurts 🤕

[@Adz]

I want to buy the mini 4 pro now in the UK. But take it to Norway in January. I’m assuming though, that in the UK I won’t have that option to remove the label and de-restrict the altitude limit. So would my only option be to buy it now, travel to an EU country before the end of the year and de-restrict it there?

[@krisslad0]

Hope there will be an option to upgrade the drone with EU update prior to leaving UK. If not, user will be forced to find reliable WiFi as soon as possible after arriving in EU. Not a great option for people travelling with a tent.

[@VideoUser3053]

Mini 4 Pro a fantastic product - loving it

[@Geeksvana]

It is amazing!

[@wardenatravels]

I was looking at the new rules for Uas flights in EU after Jan 1st for Mini 2 legacy drones on the EASA website noticed the following paragraph “Staring from 1 January 2024, all drones needs to be equipped with a remote identification system”. Has anyone noticed this also?

[@Dom-De]

So, flying far up a hill won't be possible 🤬 The limit will be 120m from take-off, which IS NOT THE UK LAW - which is 120m from the nearest ground.

[@Geeksvana]

This will not impact UK drone flyers, as DJI have kindly left us out of the impacted region. That of course depends on the public consultation and if the UK continues to follow the EU adopted regs.

[@QuattroUK2011]

Great video - could you make a follow up and outline some points for and against removing the C0 label? I am worried that if I remove the sticker now and get the flight hight restriction lifted then the drone will no longer comply to the UK regulations in future.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! Thank you for your kind feedback. That question has been asked a few times and I will get a clip up on the topic. Overall, the issue with removing it would be placing the Mini 4 into the specific category. Then you will not be able to use it in the open category in the EU. Unless there are specific reasons, such as flying around mountains etc, personally I would leave it on and risk the update not clearing upon return. Not ideal though. We are running tests this week and will report back soon more fully.

[@QuattroUK2011]

@@Geeksvana Thank you for all the hard work you do for the community

[@Geeksvana]

@QuattroUK2011 thank you so much! Means a lot.

[@HD-Warrior]

For the last 2 flights my Mini 4 Pro has been restricted to 20m hight for the 1st 5m of flight any ideas

[@InTheFootstepsofHeroes]

You’re probably logged out from the app.

[@williamwalton6934]

Sean, while you are researching the issue about people in the UK travelng to where they need to follow the new rules, could include the USA residents who visit these areas? Also, you didn't get to my quesstion during the live chat about how this ruling affects someone who takes off from a ledge to video a valley that may be well below the take off point. Thamks.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Bill! Hope you are well. I will add the USA location in terms of research on removing the update. On the issue of flying below, that would be outside of the restriction DJI are trying to cover themselves on here. So I would expect that to be perfectly possible. Sorry I didn't spot this in the chat.

[@JulianShagworthy]

My MP4 is 500 metre (out the box) and FCC enabled (via Drone Tweaks), and it is never seeing an internet connection again.

[@danthedroneman5771]

It's gone from me having to take my Mavic 3 and RC to Poland so I could apply for a C1 label through a special portal, to me having to rip a label off a Mini 4 Pro and tell DJI through a special portal. Oh how the turn tables.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Dan! Yep. I think DJI are just trying to do the minimum and remove themselves from the equation. Which I think is probably best and most simple.

[@petetazflies]

I would certainly find it hard to keep the mini drone in line of sight over 120m 😢

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Pete! That is for sure. Above 100m it is pretty hard to see depending on the colour of the sky. I was shocked when I switched to the Air 3 how much easier I could see it.

[@petetazflies]

@Geeksvana I will have to look at them 😅 I've had drones since they came out Parrot first, I think 😪 PLUS its only a hobby on fair weather days and never go near people anyway 😊

[@JulianShagworthy]

Buy the super bright LEDs, they double your VLOS distance in the day and make it effectively infinite at night.

[@lesliechristopher9071]

Much needed feed.

[@grahampearce2405]

Well I was thinking about buying one, and after some research I have decided not to bother. The thought of spending best part of £1,000 on a mini 4 pro and fly more pack, only to see it's use banned for some reason or other, or it's use so restricted that it becomes literally unusable.

[@JulianShagworthy]

Don't know if this helps, but I bought an MP4 on the 6th Jan and it is fully enabled up to 500 metres out the box. Also have the FCC mod and between the two, it's incredible. Personally speaking, it won't be seeing an Internet connection ever again 👍

[@LWM_modelling]

While stationed in Germany with the army I actually inadvertatly invaded lichtenstein for ten minutes when our convoy crossed over the border after getting lost we managed to turn around quickly enough to avert a diplomatic incident and no I wasn't the convoy leader😂🎉

[@Geeksvana]

Well Bill... I would like to say I am surprised but are you sure it was inadvertent? You didn't fancy taking a small nation as your own? In all seriousness, thanks for your service and I hope you are well sir!

[@mariomegamarble]

Hi do I need my A2 certificate to fly in any red zones or authorization zones in Europe

[@Nkkdxn45j]

I don't fly camera drones, and know damn all about them, but it seems to me there might be something to be said for home build, using something like iNav - which probably has the right sort of functionality. That way you are at least in charge of your own destiny.

[@patfish3291]

with C0 your UK drones will also be limited in the EU with the beginning of 2024. But not in the UK

[@davidhora]

I like DJI to update their flight done sim to allow all drones to fly on it as I can not fly a DJI 3 mini pro drone on it.

[@FPVSteve]

I actually support this (let's be honest, hobbyists will hack this almost instantly anyway) because it'll keep casual users below the legal limit - it does illustrate why closed-systems aren't always the best choice though.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Steve! I agree. This might help keep one or two casual users out of the press!

[@gwoolie]

How about the bigger drones? I have a UK and Ireland for my MP3 and Mavic 3 pro. Ive a CoFC2 certificate too, which i know means sqaut in EU which is a shame as id liked to have taken the Mavic Pro away to France and the Dolamites.

[@Yotengri]

In Europe they limited to 120 meters.You need some special stickers that they don't send them in time.l returned my dji mini 4 pro and bought another drone trom other brand.

[@DFDVP]

I just updated mine and its not restricted yet still 500m

[@Stone1108]

Not buying another mini until DJI are able to move away from those darned screw on,with minute screws, propellers, never used my Dremel as a mini disc cutter so often!

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Andrew! They are fiddly aren't they!!

[@spacehopper77]

As someone who lives in a mountainous area I think this restriction for mini drones is perfectly sensible. If you want to climb a mountain with a drone then surely a larger drone, with better wind performance, easier to see, faster climb and decent speeds is the correct tool for the job. Perhaps DJI should label the mini drones as town drones, while the air 3 or bigger as mountain drones? Like bicycles. 🤔

[@Geeksvana]

Good to hear feedback from someone living in an area which might be impacted. I agree that overall it isn't a bad idea.

[@Richie5903]

I don't get the issue .. to fly legally you are not supposed to exceed 120m / 400ft. Personally I think it's a good thing as so many people still fly illegally and dangerously which causes us all issues when flights they take go wrong. The only reason we have most of these rules anyway is because so many were flying dangerously. I would rather it all be nipped in the bud now and people are forced to fly within the rules before they are able to ruin the hobby entirely. If you need to fly higher , you get a better licence and use a more suitable drone for the job , not an entry level drone

[@dennisx4492]

My mini 4 pro does up to 500M

[@patfish3291]

We can now remove our C0 from the Mini 4 Pro and get C1 in 2024 instated in the EU ... that's perfect!

[@Geeksvana]

Sadly no. The Mini 4 Pro is not certified as a C1 drone in the EU. You cannot apply the label to any drone sadly.

[@jackguinn8462]

Why would anyone want to fly over 320 ft. anyway? Low and slow for me is just fine.

[@Trevor_Fuss]

While this is only for the EU, I would like to see DJi bring it in world wide with authorisation being required to Exceed 120m / 400ft the same way as you need to Unlock airspace in the App to fly in certain areas. This would stop people exceeding the height limit without taking steps which may make them think twice about breaking the rules. At the end of the day this limit would only effect less than 1% of people who have the quailfications and authorisation to Exceed 120m / 400ft.

[@Geeksvana]

Trevor!! Hope you are well sir. It is an interesting take. I do not disagree on the whole. Ensuring occasional users do not impact things by getting themselves in the headlines is something I support, and this might help achieve that. The issue is where is the line...

[@tomate2008]

This will become the england law trust me, we have not really left the eu, we still have over 4000 of their laws.

[@jonathanpillinger6227]

Not really quite the thrust of the video but I am happy to accept the height restriction as I will be moving between UK and a holiday home in France. Haven’t taken any of my drones to France yet but I’m march im planning to take my mini 4 pro there. I’m not sure what registering and other hoops I have to jump thru to be all above board flying in France.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Jonathan! We do have a video on rules explaining how to get the right info for each EU country. With France, there are also ground issues to keep in mind in terms of privacy. The basics are the same as the UK, which you need to repeat for EASA.

[@JulianShagworthy]

If your drone is under 800g, no need to register in France. Usual 120 metre limit applies, but the main difference is you mustn't fly over people's property without their permission.

[@abobbybaby4]

I can see a rich drone flyer suing DJI for changing something that he paid big money for without his authorization. DJI are not the police. Let them do their own job and DJI can do theirs: making and selling great product. If certain drones are illegal then don’t make them with that illegal function.🤷🏻🤦🏻‍♂️

[@IdahoMthman]

Congratulations to the EU pilots

[@pdtech4524]

Condolences surely? 😮🤔

[@basemandog]

For this reason…. I don’t buy DJI