Is the DJI Air 3 waterproof? Flying in rain and over water

No, the DJI Air 3 is not waterproof and has no IP rating. DJI's manual says not to fly in rain, snow, fog or other severe weather, and its sensors and cameras need dry, clear conditions to work. You can fly over water carefully, but a dunk usually ends in a repair or replacement.

Air 3 and water — The Air 3 has no water resistance rating. Flying over water is possible with care, but landing in it or flying in rain can destroy it.

Why rain is a problem

Electronics are exposed. Motors, vents and ports are open to water. The remote controller isn't waterproof either.
Vision sensors fail. Water drops on the sensor glass blind obstacle sensing and positioning.
Rain and wind come together. Storms bring gusts, and DJI rates the Air 3 for wind up to 12 m/s.
Batteries and water don't mix. A wet battery can short.

If rain starts mid-flight, bring the Air 3 home and land right away. See can you fly a drone in the rain.

Flying over water

Plenty of pilots shoot beaches, lakes and boats with an Air 3. Do it safely:

Wait for a strong GPS lock and a recorded Home Point before you head out.
Fly high enough. The downward vision system may not work properly over water, so the drone may not avoid water below it when landing.
Watch the battery. Set a conservative RTH and turn back early, especially into wind.
Avoid low passes over waves. Spray and a sudden drop can catch you out.
Launching from a boat? Update the Home Point as the boat moves. DJI's manual says not to launch the drone from your hand.
Know the rules. Check for restrictions on beaches and parks. See can you fly a drone at the beach.

If your Air 3 gets wet

Don't power it on. Remove the battery right away.
Dry the outside with a soft cloth. Remove the microSD card.
Salt water is worse. It corrodes electronics fast. Get it to a repair center quickly.
Don't use rice or a hair dryer. Rice doesn't remove water from inside, and heat can damage parts.
Get it inspected before flying again. DJI also says to let the aircraft dry completely inside and out after exposure to rain.

Contact our repair team or DJI support for an inspection.

Does DJI Care Refresh cover water damage?

Yes. DJI Care Refresh covers accidental damage, including water damage, for a set replacement fee. It doesn't make the drone waterproof, but it takes the sting out of an accident. Buy it within 48 hours of activating the drone. See DJI Care Refresh.

Need a water-resistant drone?

DJI's consumer drones aren't water resistant. Enterprise drones like the Matrice 30T and Matrice 350 RTK carry an IP55 rating for working in rain, at a much higher price. For most people, the answer is to fly the DJI Air 3 in dry weather and insure it.