Drone Rules Under 250g Australia: Complete 2025 Legal Guide

Introduction

Flying drones under 250g in Australia offers exciting opportunities — but you still need to know the rules. While sub-250g drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Mini 3 avoid some registration and licensing requirements, there are still important laws you must follow.

At Flying Glass, we specialise in helping individuals and businesses understand drone rules under 250g Australia. We offer consultancy services if you’re trying to undertake complex drone operations. Or better yet, why not get Flying Glass to handle the job for you legally and professionally?

This complete 2025 guide fully explains drone rules under 250g Australia and how you can fly confidently and legally across Australia.

drone rules under 250g australia

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What Are Drones Under 250g?

Drones under 250g are lightweight aircraft that often fall into the “excluded category” under CASA regulations. Popular models under drone rules under 250g Australia include:

  • DJI Mini 4 Pro
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro
  • DJI Mini 3
  • DJI Mini SE
  • BetaFPV Pavo25 (FPV)
  • Autel EVO Nano+

Thanks to their low weight, these drones face fewer restrictions – but that doesn’t mean you can fly them anywhere or do anything you want under drone rules under 250g Australia.

Drone Rules Under 250g Australia

Registration Rules

  • Drones under 250g for recreational use do NOT need to be registered with CASA.
  • Drones under 250g for commercial use DO need registration with CASA ($40 every 12 months).

Licencing Rules

  • Recreational flyers using sub-250g drones don’t need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).
  • Commercial flyers may not need a RePL if operating under the “excluded category”. However, you must notify CASA of your intended operations.
  • Complex or higher-risk operations (flying near people, near aerodromes, beyond visual line of sight) require additional approvals.

Flying Glass offers consultancy services if you’re unsure whether your operation needs special permissions — or we can fly legally on your behalf.

Operating Rules

Even if your drone weighs under 250g, you must still follow the standard drone safety rules:

  • Fly only in visual line of sight.
  • Fly below 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
  • Keep 30 metres away from people not involved in the operation.
  • Don’t fly over crowds, beaches, or heavily populated areas.
  • No flying within 5.5km of a controlled aerodrome without approval.
  • Don’t fly at night unless you meet CASA night flying requirements.
  • Respect privacy and avoid recording people without consent.

For a full list of CASA’s rules, see the official drone safety rules.

What Can You Do With a Drone Under 250g?

Recreational Use

  • Capture stunning landscapes.
  • Record travel videos.
  • Practice FPV skills safely.

Commercial Use

  • Real estate photography.
  • Social media content creation.
  • Aerial shots for websites or promotions.
  • Inspections of low-risk sites.

Note: Commercial work may still require insurance even if operating under the excluded category.

Flying Glass can assist with both consultancy services and direct drone operations across Australia.

Advantages of Flying a Drone Under 250g

  • Easier to fly legally with fewer administrative burdens.
  • More flexible operation zones compared to heavier drones.
  • Portability: Easy to travel with.
  • Lower risk if a crash occurs.
  • Affordable insurance premiums.

Penalties for Breaking Drone Rules in Australia

Flying without following the rules can result in:

  • Fines exceeding $1,000.
  • CASA enforcement actions.
  • Civil penalties for serious breaches.

Always fly safely — or consult Flying Glass for professional help with compliance.

Top Sub-250g Drones in Australia for 2025

DJI Mini 4 Pro

  • 4K HDR Video
  • Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
  • Excellent for beginners and pros

DJI Mini 3 Pro

  • 4K60 video
  • Vertical shooting mode
  • Great for social media creators

DJI Mini 3

  • Budget-friendly
  • Long flight time
  • Lightweight and easy to fly

DJI Mini SE

  • Entry-level drone
  • 2.7K video capture
  • Ideal first drone

Autel EVO Nano+

  • 50MP camera
  • Great low-light performance
  • Competitor to DJI Mini 4 Pro

Essential Drone Accessories for Sub-250g Drones

Batteries and Charging

  • DJI Mini 4 Pro Intelligent Flight Batteries
  • Two-Way Charging Hub

Propellers and Guards

  • DJI Mini 4 Pro Propeller Guard
  • Quick Release Folding Propellers

Cases and Bags

  • Hard Carrying Case for Mini 4 Pro
  • Waterproof Drone Backpack

ND Filters

  • DJI Mini 4 Pro ND Filter Set
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro Polarising Filter Set

Memory Cards

  • SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD (V30/UHS-3)

Landing Pads

  • Portable Foldable Drone Landing Pad

Common Complex Drone Jobs (Even Under 250g)

Some jobs, even with a sub-250g drone, may still require special permission or professional help:

  • Flying over populated events (sporting events, festivals).
  • Operating near airports.
  • Night filming.
  • Commercial filming in restricted zones.
  • Roof and infrastructure inspections.
  • Search and rescue support.

If you are unsure whether your planned job is legal, Flying Glass offers consultancy services to assist. We can:

  • Help you with CASA approvals.
  • Provide spotters and safety plans.
  • Handle the job ourselves under our professional certificates.

How Flying Glass Can Help

Flying Glass provides:

  • Drone Consultancy Services: Need approval from CASA? We can prepare the paperwork and risk assessments.
  • Professional Drone Services: Skip the hassle — hire us to legally fly on your behalf.
  • Training Services: Learn how to fly legally and safely with our SkyMedia Training.

As an authorised DJI reseller and licensed drone operator, we know how to fly by the rules — and help you do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions: Drone Rules Under 250g Australia

Do I need to register a 249g drone in Australia?

Only if flying commercially. Recreational flights under 250g do not require registration.

Can I fly a 249g drone over people?

No. CASA rules still prohibit flying over people not involved in the flight.

Can I fly a 249g drone near an airport?

No, unless it’s a non-controlled aerodrome and you follow specific distance restrictions.

Can I do commercial work with a drone under 250g?

Yes, but you must register the drone and comply with all operational rules.

Is night flying allowed with a drone under 250g?

No, unless you have specific approvals and meet night operation standards.

How high can I fly a sub-250g drone in Australia?

Maximum height is 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

What happens if I break drone laws in Australia?

You can face fines, enforcement actions, and civil penalties.

Where can I get help if my drone job is complicated?

Contact Flying Glass for consultancy or professional services.

Final Thoughts: Fly Smart with Drone Rules Under 250g Australia

Flying a drone under 250g in Australia opens up exciting possibilities — but it’s vital to know and follow drone rules under 250g Australia. Whether you’re flying recreationally, launching a creative project, or conducting commercial work, understanding CASA regulations ensures you stay legal and safe.

If your project is complex or you’re unsure about compliance, Flying Glass offers expert consultancy services to help you obtain approvals under drone rules under 250g Australia. Or simply hire our professional drone pilots to complete your job legally and efficiently.

Ready to fly smarter? Contact Flying Glass today for expert advice, drone consultancy, or professional drone operations across Australia under drone rules under 250g Australia.