One of the most common questions in the Romanian drone community is: “I have a DJI Mini — do I still need a licence?” The short answer: under 250 g simplifies some obligations, but it does not remove flight rules. Here is the full clarification for Romania.
What “under 250 g” means in the EU
EU Regulation 2019/947 classifies UAS by mass and risk. A drone under 250 g (take-off mass, including battery and accessories) may benefit from certain facilitations in the Open category — for example, some marking or registration requirements may differ from heavier drones.
Important: even a drone under 250 g must be operated under Open category rules, including:
- compliance with UAS geographical zones
- compliance with NOTAMs
- distances from people (applicable subcategory)
- maximum altitude (generally 120 m)
Do you need A1/A3 for a DJI Mini?
In practice, most pilots — including those with a DJI Mini — obtain A1/A3 competency through AACR to confirm knowledge of regulations and operate legally in Open subcategories.
Technical exceptions for very light UAS do not exempt you from:
- checking restricted zones
- obtaining clearances where required
- civil and safety responsibility
See our guide: How to obtain A1/A3 category
UAS operator registration
Even with a DJI Mini, assess whether you are a UAS operator under the legal definition — if you conduct operations that fall under the registration obligation, you must register with AACR regardless of drone mass.
DJI Mini and restricted zones
Low weight does not open prohibited zones:
- airports and CTR
- military zones (MoD)
- national parks with restrictions
- temporary NOTAM zones
Use the Drone Log map for verification before flight.
Quick comparison
| Aspect | DJI Mini (<250 g) | Drone >250 g | |--------|-------------------|--------------| | Open classification | Yes, light subcategory | Typically A1/A3 | | Operator marking | Mass-specific rules | Generally mandatory | | UAS zones | Equally strict | Equally strict | | MoD clearance | If the zone requires it | If the zone requires it | | A1/A3 recommended | Yes, for compliance | Yes, mandatory |
Common myths
“It is too small for radar to see me”
Authorities do not rely on radar alone. Incidents are reported by the public, police, or ATC.
“I only fly for 5 minutes, it does not matter”
Duration does not exempt you from rules. A short flight in a prohibited zone remains illegal.
“I bought it in a shop, so it is legal to fly anywhere”
Legality of sale does not equal the right to fly anywhere.
Recommendations for DJI Mini pilots
- Weigh the drone with all accessories mounted for flight
- Obtain A1/A3 and operator registration if required
- Check the UAS map + NOTAM every time
- Avoid flying over crowds
- Document flights in a flight log
Conclusion
The DJI Mini is an excellent drone for beginners, but “without a licence” is a dangerous phrase. In Romania, operate responsibly: competency, pre-flight checks, and respecting zones — no matter how small the drone is.