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Using This Manual
Legend
WarningImportantHints and TipsReference
Read Before the First Flight
Read the following documents before using the MAVICTM Air:
1. Mavic Air In the Box
2. Mavic Air User Manual
3. Mavic Air Quick Start Guide
4. Mavic Air Disclaimer and Safety Guidelines
5. Mavic Air Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines
We recommend that you watch all tutorial videos on the ocial DJI
Disclaimer and Safety Guidelines before you y. Prepare for your rst ight by reviewing the Mavic Air
Quick Start Guide and refer to this Mavic Air User Manual for more details.
TM
website and read the Mavic Air
Video Tutorials
Go to the address below or scan the QR code on the right to watch the Mavic Air tutorial
videos, which demonstrate how to use the Mavic Air safely:
http://www.dji.com/mavic-air/info#video
Download the DJI GO 4 App
Be sure to use the DJI GOTM 4 app during ight*. Scan the QR code on the right to
download the latest version. The Android version of DJI GO 4 is compatible with Android
v4.4 and later. The iOS version of DJI GO 4 is compatible with iOS v9.0 and later.
* For increased safety, ight is restricted to a height of 98.4 ft (30 m) and range of 164 ft (50 m) when not connected
or logged into the app during ight. This applies to DJI GO 4 and all apps compatible with DJI aircraft.
Download DJI Assistant 2
Download DJI Assistant 2 at http://www.dji.com/mavic-air/download
The DJI Mavic Air features a new folding design and a fully stabilized 3-axis gimbal camera capable of
shooting 4K video and 12 megapixel photos. DJI signature technologies such as Obstacle Avoidance
and Intelligent Flight Modes like SmartCapture, Panorama, Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems,
QuickShots, ActiveTrackTM, and TapFlyTM make capturing complex shots easy. The Mavic Air boasts a
maximum ight speed of 42.5 mph (68.4 kph) and a maximum ight time of 21 minutes*.
Feature Highlights
Camera and Gimbal: With the Mavic Air, you are able to shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second
and capture 12 megapixel photos that look crisp and clear, all stabilized by the onboard 3-axis gimbal.
Flight Controller: The next-generation ight controller has been updated to provide a safer, more reliable
ight experience. The aircraft is able to automatically return to its Home Point when the remote control
signal is lost or the battery level is low. As well as being able to hover indoors at low altitudes, the aircraft
can sense and avoid obstacles on its route, enhancing safety.
HD Video Downlink: DJI’s enhanced Wi-Fi technology is built into the remote controller, offering a
transmission range of up to 2.49 mi (4 km)** and making it possible stream 720p video to your mobile
device.
Preparing the Mavic Air
Preparing the Aircraft
1. Remove the gimbal protector from the camera.
2. All aircraft arms are folded before the aircraft is packaged at the factory. First, unfold the rear arms,
then unfold the front arms and the front landing gear.
2
1
3. For safety reasons the propeller guards should be mounted when
using SmartCapture and it is recommended that the propeller guards
are mounted when ying in Beginner mode or indoors. Refer to the
Mavic Air Propeller Guards User Guide to learn more.
* Maximum ight time was tested in windless conditions ying at a consistent
15.5 mph (25 kph). This value should be taken for reference only.
** The remote controller is able to reach its maximum transmission distance (FCC) in a wide open area with no elec-
tromagnetic interference and at an altitude of about 400 ft (120 m).
It is recommended that the gimbal protector be attached when the aircraft is not in use. Make
sure the gimbal is horizontal when mounting or removing the gimbal protector.
Ensure the landing gear is properly unfolded before use. Otherwise, the built-in antennas may
be aected causing serious problems to the video link.
When putting the aircraft away after use, be sure to fold the landing gear rst before folding
the aircraft arms.
To enable Beginner mode, go to Camera View in the DJI GO 4 app, tap , and then tap the
Beginner mode switch. Flight altitude, distance, and speed are limited in Beginner mode.
Beginner mode is available when the GPS signal is strong.
4. All Intelligent Flight Batteries are in Hibernation mode before shipment to ensure safety. Use the
provided AC power adapter to charge and activate Intelligent Flight Batteries for the first time.
Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery fully before each ight is recommended. To charge an Intelligent
Flight Battery after ight, remove it from the aircraft and attach it to the AC power adapter.
Power Outlet
100-240 V
A
A
Preparing the Remote Controller (RC)
1. Unfold the antennas and mobile device clamps.
2. Remove the control sticks from their storage slots on the remote controller and screw them into
place.
3. Choose an appropriate RC cable based on the type of mobile device being used. A cable with
a Lightning connector is connected by default, and Micro USB and USB-C cables are included
in the packaging. Move the cable slider to the end of the slot in the left clamp and connect the
end of the cable to your mobile device. Secure your mobile device by pushing both clamps
inward.
1
2
When using a tablet, use the USB port on the remote controller.
3
4
5
6
7
Do not use the Micro USB and USB ports simultaneously for video linking. Disconnect all
devices from one port before connecting a device to the other port for video linking.
The Mavic Air contains a ight controller, video downlink system, propulsion system, and an Intelligent
Flight Battery. Refer to the aircraft diagram in the Product Prole section.
Flight Modes
The Mavic Air has two ight modes that users can select, plus a third ight mode that the aircraft falls
back to in certain circumstances:
P-mode (Positioning): P-mode works best when the GPS signal is strong. The aircraft utilizes GPS and
the Vision Systems to locate itself, stabilize, and navigate between obstacles. Intelligent Flight Modes
such as SmartCapture, QuickShots, TapFly, and ActiveTrack are enabled in this mode.
When the Forward and Backward Vision Systems are enabled and lighting conditions are sucient, the
maximum ight attitude angle is 15° and the maximum ight speed is 17.9 mph (28.8 kph).
Note: P-mode requires larger stick movements to achieve high speeds.
S-mode (Sport): In S-mode the aircraft uses GPS only for positioning and the Forward and Backward
Vision Systems are disabled. As such, the aircraft is not able to sense and avoid obstacles and
Intelligent Flight Modes are not available.
Note: In S-mode aircraft responses are optimized for agility and speed making it more responsive to
stick movements.
ATTI mode: The aircraft automatically changes to Attitude mode (ATTI mode) when the Vision Systems
are unavailable or disabled and either the GPS signal is weak or the compass is experiencing
interference. When the Vision Systems are unavailable the aircraft is not able to position itself or autobrake, so potential ight hazards exist when ying in ATTI mode. In ATTI mode, the aircraft is easily
aected by its surroundings. Environmental factors such as wind can result in horizontal shifting, which
may present hazards, especially when ying in conned spaces.
It is strongly recommended that you nd a safe place to land as soon as possible if the aircraft
enters ATTI mode. To reduce the likelihood of the aircraft entering ATTI mode and minimize
hazards if it does enter ATTI mode, avoid ying in areas where the GPS signal is weak and
avoid ying in conned spaces.
The Forward and Backward Vision Systems are disabled in S-mode, which means the aircraft
will not be able to automatically sense obstacles on its route.
The aircraft’s maximum speed and braking distance are signicantly increased in S-mode. A
minimum braking distance of 98.4 ft (30 m) is required in windless conditions.
Descent speed is signicantly increased in S-mode.
The aircraft’s responsiveness is signicantly increased in S-mode, which means a small stick
movement on the remote controller will translate into a large travel distance of the aircraft. Be
vigilant and maintain adequate maneuvering space during ight.
Enable “Multiple Flight Modes” in the DJI GO 4 app to allow switching between S-mode and
P-mode.
Use the Flight Mode switch on the remote controller to switch between Flight Modes.
S-mode is only available with a Mavic Air remote controller. S-mode is disabled when ying
The Mavic Air has Front LEDs and an Aircraft Status Indicator as shown in the gure below:
Front LEDFront LED
Aircraft Status Indicator
The Front LEDs show the orientation of the aircraft and the status of some of the functions (refer to
the function sections for more details). The Front LEDs glow solid red when the aircraft is turned on to
indicate the front of the aircraft.
The Aircraft Status Indicator communicates the statuses of the aircraft’s flight control system and
Intelligent Flight Battery. Refer to the table below for more information about the aircraft states indicated
by the Aircraft Status Indicator. The Aircraft Status Indicator also ashes when the Home Point is being
recorded, as described in the Return to Home section.
Aircraft Status Indicator States
ColorBlinking/SolidDescription of Aircraft State
Normal States
Alternating red,
green, and yellow
YellowBlinks four timesWarming up
GreenBlinking slowlyP-mode with GPS
Green
YellowBlinking slowly
GreenBlinking quickly Braking
Warning States
YellowBlinking quicklyRemote controller signal lost
RedBlinking slowlyLow battery
RedBlinking quicklyCritically low battery
RedBlinkingIMU error
RedSolidCritical error
Alternating red
and yellow
Blinking
Periodically blinks
twice
Blinking quicklyCompass calibration required
Turning on and performing self-diagnostic
tests
P-mode with Forward and Downward Vision
Systems
No GPS, Forward Vision System or
Downward Vision System
The Return to Home (RTH) function brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are
three types of RTH: Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH. This section describes these three
scenarios in detail.
GPS
If a strong GPS signal was acquired before takeoff, the Home Point is
Home Point
the location from which the aircraft launched. The GPS signal strength is
indicated by the GPS icon ( ). The Aircraft Status Indicator will blink
green quickly when the Home Point is recorded.
Smart RTH
If the GPS signal is suciently strong, Smart RTH can be used to bring the aircraft back to the Home
Point. Smart RTH is initiated either by tapping in the DJI GO 4 app (and following the on-screen
instructions) or by pressing and holding the RTH button on the remote controller.
Smart RTH can be exited by tapping in the DJI GO 4 app or by pressing the RTH button on the
remote controller.
Low Battery RTH
Low Battery RTH is triggered when the Intelligent Flight Battery is depleted to a point that may aect the
safe return of the aircraft. Return home immediately or land the aircraft promptly when prompted. DJI GO
4 will display a warning when a low battery level warning is triggered. The aircraft will automatically return
to the Home Point if no action is taken after a ten-second countdown. The user can cancel the RTH
procedure by pressing the RTH button or Flight Pause button on the remote controller.
If the RTH procedure is cancelled following a low battery level warning the Intelligent Flight Battery may not
have enough charge for the aircraft to land safely, which may lead to the aircraft crashing or being lost. The
thresholds for the battery level warnings are automatically determined based on the aircraft’s current altitude
and distance from the Home Point. Low Battery RTH will only be triggered one time during each ight.
Critically low battery level warning
(Red)
Low battery level warning
(Yellow)
Description
Battery level is
sufficient (green)
Remaining flight time
Charge required to
return to Home Point
DJI GO 4 Battery level Indicator Bar
12:29
The colored zones and markers on the DJI GO 4 battery level indicator bar reflect the
estimated remaining flight time. They are automatically adjusted according to the aircraft’s
current location and status.
If the current battery level can only support the aircraft long enough to descend from its
current altitude a critically low battery level warning will be triggered and the aircraft will
descend and land automatically. This procedure cannot be cancelled. If there is danger of
collision occurring, push the throttle up and try to navigate away.
If the battery level is sucient the battery level indicator bar in the DJI GO 4 app displays the
estimated remaining ight time based on current battery level.
If a battery level warning appears, take action as described in the table below.
RTH and Battery Level Warnings
Warning
Low Battery
Level
Critically Low
Battery Level
Aircraft Status
Indicator
Blinks red slowly
Blinks red quickly Display ashes redAlarm sounds
DJI GO 4 App
Tap “Go-home” to have
the aircraft return to the
Home Point automatically
or “Cancel” to resume
normal ight. If no action
is taken, the aircraft will
automatically y home after
10 seconds.
Remote
Controller
Alarm sounds
continuously
continuously
Remarks/Instructions
Battery level is low. Fly
the aircraft back and land
promptly, then stop the
motors and replace the
battery.
The aircraft will descend
and land automatically.
This procedure cannot be
cancelled. If there is danger
of collision occurring, push
the throttle up and try to
navigate away.
Failsafe RTH
The Forward Vision System allows the aircraft to create a real-time map of its ight route as it ies. If the
Home Point was successfully recorded and the compass is functioning normally, Failsafe RTH will be
automatically activated if the remote control signal is lost for a specied amount of time (three seconds
when using the remote controller and 20 seconds when ying with a mobile device).
When Failsafe RTH is activated the aircraft starts to retrace its original ight route home. If the wireless
control signal is re-established within 60 seconds of Failsafe RTH being activated, the aircraft hovers at
its present location for 10 seconds and waits for pilot commands. The user may tap in the DJI GO 4
app or press the RTH button on the remote controller to cancel Failsafe RTH and retake control. If no pilot
command is given the aircraft ies to the Home Point in a straight line. If the wireless control signal is still
lost 60 seconds after Failsafe RTH was activated the aircraft stops retracing its original ight route and ies
to Home Point in a straight line.
RTH Procedure
Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH follow this procedure:
1. The aircraft adjusts its orientation.
2. a. If the aircraft is further than 20 m from the Home Point it ascends to the pre-set RTH attitude and
then ies to the Home Point.
b. If the aircraft is between 5 m and 20 m from the Home Point it ies to the Home Point at the
current altitude, unless the current altitude is less than 2.5 m, in which case the aircraft ascends
to 2.5 m and then ies to the Home Point.
c. If the aircraft is less than 5 m from the Home Point it lands immediately.
3. The aircraft lands and stops its motors once it reaches the Home Point.
The Mavic Air senses and actively attempts to avoid obstacles during RTH, provided that lighting
conditions are sufficient for the Forward and Backward Vision Systems to operate. The obstacle
avoidance procedure is as follows:
1. The aircraft decelerates when an obstacle is sensed.
2. The aircraft stops and hovers then starts ying backward and ascends vertically until no obstacle is
sensed.
3. The RTH procedure resumes. The aircraft ies to the Home Point at the new altitude.
The aircraft will not be able to return to the Home Point if the GPS signal is weak or if GPS is
unavailable.
In Smart RTH and Low Battery RTH, during the aircraft’s ascent to its RTH altitude, the ascent
is automatic until an altitude of 65 ft (20 m) is reached. Once the altitude is 65 ft (20 m) or
higher, moving the throttle stick commands the aircraft to stop ascending and to y to the
Home Point at its current altitude.
The aircraft will not be able to avoid obstacles during Failsafe RTH if the Forward and
Backward Vision Systems are unavailable. It is important to set a suitable RTH Altitude before
each ight. Launch the DJI GO 4 app, tap and then set the RTH Altitude.
The aircraft cannot avoid obstacles above or beside the aircraft.
During the RTH procedure the aircraft’s speed and altitude can be controlled using the remote
controller or the DJI GO 4 app, but its orientation and direction of ight are controlled by the
ight controller.
Landing Protection will activate during Smart RTH.
1. When Landing Protection determines that the ground is suitable for landing, the Mavic Air will land
gently.
2. If Landing Protection determines that the ground is not suitable for landing, the Mavic Air will hover
and wait for pilot conrmation.
3. If Landing Protection is not operational, the DJI GO 4 app will display a landing prompt when the
Mavic Air descends below 0.5 meters. Pull down on the throttle or use the auto landing slider to
land.
Precision Landing
The Mavic Air automatically scans and attempts to match the terrain features underneath during Return
to Home. When the current terrain matches Home Point terrain, the Mavic Air will start landing. The DJI
GO 4 app will show a terrain feature mismatch prompt if matching fails.
Precision Landing performance is subject to the following conditions:
a. The Home Point must be recorded upon takeo and must not be changed during ight,
otherwise the aircraft will have no record of the Home Point’s terrain features.
b. During takeo the aircraft must ascend vertically 7 m before moving horizontally.
c. The Home Point terrain features must remain largely unchanged.
d. The Home Point terrain features must be suciently distinctive.
e. The lighting conditions must not be too light or too dark.
The following actions are available during Precision Landing:
a. Throttle down to accelerate landing.
b. Move the control sticks in any other direction to stop Precision Landing. The Mavic Air will
descend vertically after the control sticks are released.
Vision Systems
The Mavic Air is equipped with Forward, Backward, and Downward Vision Systems that constantly
scan for obstacles in front of and behind the aircraft, allowing it to avoid collisions by going around or
hovering (if lighting conditions are adequate).
The main components of the Forward and Backward Vision Systems are four cameras located on the
nose and the rear side of the aircraft.
The Downward Vision System helps the aircraft maintain its current position. With the help of the
Downward Vision System, the Mavic Air can hover in place more precisely and y indoors or in other
environments where a GPS signal is unavailable. The main components of the Downward Vision System
are two cameras and one 3D infrared module located on the underside of the aircraft.
The detection elds of the Forward, Backward and Downward Vision Systems are depicted below. Note
that the aircraft cannot sense or avoid obstacles that are not within the detection elds.
50°
50°
50°
Camera
Centerline
67°
38°
5°
50°
50°
50°
53°
53°
53°
38°
5°
Calibrating Vision System Cameras
The Forward, Backward, and Downward Vision System cameras installed on the aircraft are factorycalibrated, but may require calibration via DJI Assistant 2 or the DJI GO 4 app if the aircraft is subjected
to an impact.
The most accurate way to calibrate the vision systems is by using DJI Assistant 2. Follow the steps
below to calibrate the Forward Vision System cameras, then repeat the steps to calibrate the Backward
and Downward Vision System cameras.
Point the aircraft toward the screen
01
02
Align the boxes
03
Pan and tilt the aircraft
1. Point the aircraft toward the screen.
2. Move the aircraft to align the boxes shown on the screen.
3. Pan and tilt the aircraft as prompted.
When the DJI GO 4 app noties that a vision system calibration is required but a computer is not nearby
a quick calibration can be performed within the app. Tap through “Aircraft Status” > “Vision Sensors” to
start quick calibration.
Quick calibration is a quick x to vision system issues. When possible, connecting the aircraft
to a computer to carry out a full calibration using DJI Assistant 2 is recommended. Only
calibrate when lighting conditions are adequate and on textured surfaces such as grass.
Do not calibrate the aircraft on highly reective surfaces such as marble or ceramic tiles.
The Downward Vision System is activated automatically when the aircraft is turned on. No further action
is required. Using the Downward Vision System, the aircraft can hover precisely even without GPS.
The Downward Vision System is typically used in indoor environments where GPS is unavailable. The
Downward Vision System works best when the aircraft is at altitudes of 1.6 to 26 ft (0.5 to 8 m). If
the aircraft’s altitude is above 8 m the Vision Positioning function may be aected, so extra caution is
required.
Follow the steps below to use the Downward Vision System:
1. Ensure the aircraft is in P-mode and place the aircraft on a at surface. Note that the Downward
Vision System cannot work properly on surfaces without clear pattern variations.
2. Turn on the aircraft. The aircraft will hover in place after takeo. The Aircraft Status Indicator will ash
green twice, which indicates the Downward Vision System is working.
Using the Forward and Backward Vision Systems, the aircraft is able to actively brake when obstacles
are detected in front. The Forward and Backward Vision Systems work best when lighting is adequate
and obstacles are clearly marked or textured. The aircraft must y at no more than 17.9 mph (22.8 kph)
to allow for sucient braking distance.
The performance of the Vision Systems is affected by the surface being flown over. The
aircraft automatically changes from to ATTI mode when the Vision Systems are unavailable
or disabled and either the GPS signal is weak or the compass is experiencing interference.
Operate the aircraft with great caution in the following situations:
a. Flying at high speeds below 1.6 ft (0.5 m).
b. Flying over monochrome surfaces (e.g. pure black, pure white, pure red, pure green).
c. Flying over highly reective surfaces.
d. Flying over water or transparent surfaces.
e. Flying over moving surfaces or objects.
f. Flying in an area where the lighting changes frequently or drastically.
g. Flying over extremely dark (< 10 lux) or bright (> 100,000 lux) surfaces or towards bright
sources of light (e.g. towards sunlight).
h. Flying over surfaces without clear patterns or texture.
i. Flying over surfaces with identical repeating patterns or textures (e.g. tiling).
j. Flying over small and ne objects (e.g. tree branches or power lines).
k. Flying at high speeds of over 11.2 mph (18 kph) at 3.3 ft (1 m).