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Drones are exciting devices to fly. They are like hovering robots that can take pictures from the air or do stunts. With all the new technology in our world today, drones are becoming more advanced in order to fulfill consumers’ wants and needs.
Some companies even make drones that are water-resistant. So, does this mean that you can fly drones (and specifically the Mavic Mini) in the rain?
The DJI Mavic Mini should not be flown in the rain. Moisture can get into the electronics or camera lens of the Mavic Mini and cause things to begin malfunctioning.
Drones are not meant to fly in the rain and DJI (the manufacturer of the Mavic Mini) doesn’t recommend flying their drone in any rain, snow, or high winds. Truthfully, even flying your drone when there is extremely high humidity could cause issues as it could cause your drone’s electronics to begin to corrode if not dried out properly.
Out of all the drones on the market, it seems like the Mavic Mini could possibly fly in a drizzle or rain since it has little to no openings in which any liquids could enter and damage the internal components.
However, DJI has said that it should not be done so it’s best not to take the chance of ruining your drone and try and fly it in the rain against the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Most drones are not waterproof although some are water resistant and the Mavic Mini drone is no exception. Although accidentally flying it when a few drops of rain are falling likely won’t damage it, any more water spray than that could destroy your Mavic Mini.
This drone is also very small and light for easy carrying, meaning it is not a good idea to purposefully fly this drone in bad weather. Rain is often accompanied by strong winds which the Mavic Mini cannot handle very well either.
The strong winds could also kick up extra dust, dirt, or sand which in turn could damage the electronics or even the props of your drone.
The Mavic Mini has a wet suit that buyers can purchase separately for additional ingress protection from the rain and many people have used these covers and flown their drones in rainy conditions. These skins are typically made of silicone and are designed to protect your device.
The only bad thing about flying it in the rain is if water gets into its electrical components, however with the wet suit you shouldn’t have to worry about the rain ruining your drone.
This water-resistant cover is meant to be used in the pouring rain but even if you have protective skin on it you will likely void the warranty from DJI unless you have their extra DJI Care protection.
You can purchase the Mavic Mini protective skins by clicking here.
Other Issues With Flying Your Drone In The Rain
Flying your drone in the rain can make for some cool pictures but drone pilots also have to consider a few other things (even if their drone has an IP rating that makes it water-resistant or waterproof). Some things that can cause issues with your drone when flying in the rain are:
- Rain often comes with fog or low visibility which can affect your visual line of sight
- Every drone has a different level of protection (the drone’s IP rating) so some drones might be fine in a drizzle while it will destroy other drones.
- The obstacle avoidance system might not work properly
- Rain can affect the vision sensors on your drone which could make it more difficult to fly safely
- The wind that often comes with rain can affect the stabilization of the drone.
These are just a few of the issues that drone hobbyists will encounter when it comes to flying their drones in the rain. So even if your drone has water protection you still risk damaging it in other ways if you aren’t careful.
In my opinion, even if your drone is rated as water-resistant I personally don’t believe it is worth the extra risk to your electronics, circuit board, etc. to intentionally fly it in the rain. If you get caught in a freak storm or something then having a water-resistant drone might be a life saver but to intentionally fly your drone in the rain… I just wouldn’t do it.
What Happens If My Drone Gets Wet?
You are flying your drone and enjoying the fresh air. Clouds gather together as the sky starts to darken. Droplets of water begin appearing on the ground and you realize that your drone is about to be caught in a rainstorm.
What happens if it gets wet?
If a drone gets wet, it’s likely that one of its electrical speed controllers will blow a fuse. Water and electricity don’t mix so if your drone is caught in a downpour it could become entirely destroyed.
If the drone gets wet, remove it from any water and immediately switch the power off. Remove the battery as soon as you can.
Using distilled water, rinse it as much as you can. Take off the cover and set it down into a tub of raw rice. Wait until it is completely dry (about an hour) before you try to put the battery back in and turn it back on again.
When you turn your drone back on, keep the top removed and check for any short circuits, smoke, or fire. If anything like this happens, switch it off right away.
Look to see what has been damaged and call the drone company to see what can be done. Some companies will offer to repair the drone.
Since most drones are expensive they will often have some type of warranty for the device. Check with the manufacturer of your aircraft to find out what can be done for a drone that has experienced water damage.
Which Drones Are Waterproof?
If you know you will be using your drone around water, consider buying a waterproof drone. Yes, they do exist! You can enjoy the flight without having to worry about it getting wet.
There are drones that are indeed waterproof meaning you can fully submerge the device in water without ruining it. Their electric components are covered so that water cannot enter inside.
Some of the most popular waterproof drones are:
- Swellpro Splash Drone 3 Plus
- PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard Edition
- Goolsky JJRC H31
There are waterproof and water-resistant drones and it is important to know the difference. If a drone is said to be waterproof they are completely sealed to not let water into its electronic parts and you are able to submerge it in water.
But if the drone is said to just be water-resistant it may have some opening in which water can find its way inside and ruin the electronic parts and you should be careful as to not put these into any water.
The Swellpro Splash Drone 3 Plus is waterproof. It is also strong and fast and provides excellent performance. This drone is able to endure harsh weather such as rain and snow. A 4K camera and payload release function complete this top-level drone.
The PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard Edition is also waterproof. It takes high-quality photos and videos even in the rain. The case is water resistant and also is equipped with water-landing floats so you can film on top of the water.
The Goolsky JJRC H31 is waterproof and it is lightweight and agile. This drone is great for stunt tricks in the air and it being waterproof makes it perfect for water stunts as well.
It doesn’t come with a camera but is a precise and exciting drone.
Will DJI Repair Water-Damaged Drones?
When you make a large purchase such as a drone, you want to be careful that nothing happens to it. DJI, a company manufacturing drones for aerial photography and videography, recommends not flying their drones in the rain or getting them wet.
But accidents can happen and what if it happened to your DJI drone?
Under the DJI Care Refresh, they will repair your drone if it is damaged by water along with collisions. However, this program does cost money upfront and also will cost you some money when replacing the drone.
That’s great news! If your drone has suffered a plunge into the water and is having some issues because of it, you can give them a call in order to have it repaired.
For more information about the DJI Care Refresh click here.
Conclusion
It is always a good idea to check up on your drone to see if it is waterproof or water resistant. Most drones are not waterproof and only a few are water resistant so it is highly recommended that you be careful as to not fly your drone in any kind of bad weather to avoid it getting ruined.
Some companies manufacture waterproof drones. Other companies do not. The Mavic mini is not meant to be flown in the rain although some have purchased a wetsuit for it and it has done fine with that protective covering.
Whatever you do, make sure to stay safe and have fun flying to new heights.