249g Drones Explained for Pakistani Buyers
A 249 g drone sits just under the 250 g line that splits Category I from Category II in Pakistan's Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules 2024. That means no Remote Pilot Licence and no track-and-trace device, but it does not mean no registration: every drone, even a 249 g Mini, must be registered with the PCAA within 15 days of purchase. This guide explains the 249 g rule, the Plus battery trap, and which models qualify.
Updated 8 November 2026
Why so many drones weigh exactly 249 g
Many countries draw a line at 250 g. Drones under that weight are treated as low risk, with lighter rules. DJI designed its Mini series to weigh 249 g so buyers worldwide can fly with fewer requirements, and Autel did the same with the EVO Nano+. The number is not about camera quality; it is about the regulatory line.
In Pakistan the line also sits at 250 g. The Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules 2024 put drones up to 250 g in Category I and drones over 250 g up to 10 kg in Category II (Geo News, 16 June 2024; Dawn, 24 June 2024).
What Category I changes in Pakistan
For a drone of 250 g or less:
- no Remote Pilot Licence is needed (the licence applies to Categories II, III and IV)
- no track-and-trace system is required (that rule applies to registered drones over 250 g, according to Unmanned Airspace, June 2024)
- no need to log each operation in the CAA electronic system, which Dawn reported applies to Category II to IV operators
Everything else still applies: registration, the standard flying conditions (below 200 feet, daylight, within sight), restricted areas and any Section 144 or federal ban.
Registration is still required
This is the most common mistake. Under the 2024 rules all drones must be registered with the PCAA, and new buyers must apply within 15 days of purchase (Geo News, 16 June 2024). Dawn (24 June 2024) reported that even toy-type aircraft are covered. No source we found exempts Category I from registration.
Some older shop listings in Pakistan say "no CAA registration required" for 249 g drones. That is out of date. Follow our drone registration guide (How to Register a Drone in Pakistan).
Last checked: October 2026.
Category I vs Category II at a glance
- Registration with the PCAA within 15 days: Category I yes, Category II yes
- Renewal every three years: both
- Remote Pilot Licence: Category I no, Category II yes
- Track-and-trace system: Category I no, Category II yes
- Logging operations in the CAA e-system: Category I no, Category II yes (Dawn, 24 June 2024)
- Standard conditions (200 ft, daylight, line of sight) and restricted areas: both
- Federal and Section 144 bans: both
Sources: Geo News (16 June 2024), Dawn (24 June 2024), Unmanned Airspace (June 2024). The final gazette text of the rules is unverified, so check with the PCAA. Last checked: October 2026.
The Plus battery trap
DJI sells an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus for the Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro. It gives much longer flights; DJI quotes about 45 minutes for the Mini 4 Pro instead of 34. But it is heavier, so the drone's take-off weight goes over 250 g. With a Plus battery fitted, the drone is a Category II drone, and you need a Remote Pilot Licence.
This matters when buying a Fly More Combo Plus, which normally ships with Plus batteries instead of standard ones. If you want to stay in Category I, use standard batteries. Read our Fly More Combo explained (DJI Fly More Combo Explained) guide before choosing a bundle.
Accessories also count
Take-off weight includes everything attached when the drone leaves the ground. Propeller guards, ND filters, strobe lights, stickers, landing gear extensions and phone mounts can all push a 249 g drone over the line. Keep accessories to the minimum if you want to stay licence-free, and weigh the drone if unsure.
249 g drones in our range
- DJI Neo (DJI Neo): 135 g, 4K/30fps, propeller guards, made for selfies and follow shots. About 18 minutes per battery.
- DJI Mini 2 SE (DJI Mini 2 SE): 249 g, 2.7K video, about 31 minutes. A simple low-cost first drone.
- DJI Mini 3 (DJI Mini 3): 249 g, 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K HDR, about 38 minutes, true vertical shooting.
- DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI Mini 3 Pro): 249 g, 4K/60fps, forward, backward and downward obstacle sensing, about 34 minutes.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI Mini 4 Pro): 249 g, 4K/100fps slow motion, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, about 34 minutes.
- Autel EVO Nano+ (Autel EVO Nano+): 249 g, 50MP 1/1.28-inch sensor. Discontinued by Autel in July 2025, with support until 2030.
Flight times are the manufacturers' figures in ideal conditions. Browse all under 250g drones (Under 250g Drones).
Who should choose a 249 g drone
A 249 g drone is the right choice if you are new to flying, travel a lot, want a drone that fits in a small bag, or simply want to avoid the licence step. Content creators, families and hobby photographers are usually happy with a Mini. Wedding videographers also like them for indoor hall work, where a small, quiet drone with obstacle sensing is safer around guests.
If you plan paid work in wind, at long distances or with zoom and thermal cameras, budget for a Category II drone and the Remote Pilot Licence instead. Our drone buying guide (Drone Buying Guide for Pakistan) helps you decide.
Limits of a 249 g drone
Light drones have real limits. They are pushed around more by wind, which matters on rooftops, beaches and in the northern areas. Their sensors are smaller than those on the Air or Mavic series, so low-light video is noisier. And they carry no thermal or zoom payloads.
If you need a bigger sensor, longer zoom or stronger wind resistance, a Category II drone such as the DJI Air 3 (DJI Air 3) may suit you better, with the licence that comes with it. Compare the classes in our DJI Mini vs Air vs Mavic (DJI Mini vs Air vs Mavic) guide.
Flying a 249 g drone during 2026 bans
Category I does not exempt a drone from bans. The Interior Ministry's nationwide suspension of outdoor flights (27 February 2026) and provincial Section 144 orders apply to all drones. Punjab's latest order, reported on 29 September 2026, allows small drones indoors at halls and marquees (The Nation). Check the drone ban status page (Drone Ban Status in Pakistan: Federal and Provincial Tracker) before flying.
