This entire discussion is frustrating at so many levels for sub-250g drone ops in Canada.
We get the armchair lawyers (typically licensed drone ops) reading the rules and chastising us if we don't comply 100% and citing rules for licensed A or B ops as if they apply to microdrones... then in the next breath we get "Eh, it's close enough, who's going to check."
Pick ONE please?
Most drone ops (recreational or not, sub250 or not)
want to comply with the law and rules. Most of us who are likely to be posting on a site like this have at least read the TC pages related to it (and I'll be honest here, I've not only studied the laws - I've even had conversations with TC officials to confirm my understanding - so be wary of trying to pull rank here).
The short version as of today (2 Oct 25) is that TC has
not officially decided whether or not a Mini 5 Pro is classified as a microdrone. One representative has said yes, but not in any official capacity. The reality is that the
Mini 4 Pro could
also go over 250g. Mine is exactly 249g so any variances in the drone caused by moisture or in the scales could put it over. The
only reason this has become such an issue is because DJI, for the first time, stated on the box that the drone is 249.9g +/- 4g, basically underlining what we all knew: some will go over.
The general if tacit assumption we all had was that a little over the line, especially when the drone maker said "Trust us, it's under 249g", was probably nothing to worry about and in fact, it does seem like it was. It's not like we were intentionally breaking the rules. If DJI hadn't added the +/- 4g, we'd probably all be flying them blissfully unaware or not caring even though honestly, we should have checked. Being underweight is like checking the props and motors - it's part of the flight checklist.
BUT... at the moment, unless told otherwise by TC, flying a drone that you
know to be overweight as a microdrone is a violation of the rules. The fact that it's almost impossible that you'll be caught or punished isn't really an ethical argument especially if you then turn around and complain about microdrones doing other relatively harmless (and in many cases allowed, contrary what some of the arm chair lawyers think) actions.
Moreso, the equivalent agency in the EU solved this simply: M5Ps are certified as C0 drone. End of discussion. TC can do the same thing. Or DJI can make a slightly lighter battery with a little less time.
Or you can fly illegally (even if it's a fairly trivial and minor illegality). It's up to you.
But please drop the attitude. We should ALL be encouraging ALL drone ops to fly in the rules.
That benefits us all.