The DJI Avata 2 has one built-in light: an aircraft status indicator on top of the body that shows the drone's state in color. It has no landing light and no dedicated anti-collision strobe. To fly at night in the US you need lighting that shows the drone's position, and Part 107 pilots need anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles, so many owners add a small clip-on strobe. LED strips and "tactical" light kits are third-party add-ons with real trade-offs.
What the status light means
From DJI's Avata 2 manual:
| Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red, yellow and green alternating | Powering on, running self-tests |
| Slow green blink | Positioning with GNSS or vision |
| Slow yellow blink | No GNSS or vision positioning |
| Slow purple blink | Manual mode |
| Fast yellow blink | Controller signal lost |
| Slow red blink | Takeoff disabled, for example low battery |
| Fast red blink | Critically low battery |
| Red blinking | IMU error |
| Red and yellow alternating | Compass calibration needed |
| Solid red | Critical error |
If takeoff is blocked, the goggles show the reason. For other DJI models, see DJI drone lights meaning and Avata 2 yellow light.
Lights and FAA night rules
- Recreational: at night the drone must have lighting that lets you see its location and orientation. See can you fly a drone at night.
- Part 107: night operations need current training and anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate that avoids a collision.
- In goggles, your visual observer is the one watching those lights.
The Avata 2's small status light isn't sold as an FAA anti-collision light. If you fly at dusk or night, add a strobe that's rated for 3 statute miles.
Before you add a strobe or LED kit
Third-party LED strips, light mounts and "tactical" light kits are sold for the Avata 2. DJI doesn't make one. Keep these points in mind:
- Weight. The Avata 2 is about 377 g. Every gram cuts flight time and agility. Choose the lightest strobe that meets the rule.
- Sensors. Don't block the downward and backward vision sensors or the infrared sensor on the bottom. Blocked sensors mean poor hovering and failed landings.
- Camera view. A light on the front can show up in your shot or cause glare.
- Mounting. Use a secure mount, not just tape. A strobe that falls off in flight is a hazard.
- Europe. DJI says that to keep C1 class status, you shouldn't add any payload to the Avata 2. See flying a drone in Europe as a US tourist.
LED strips for looks
Colored LED strips can make night FPV clips look great, but they're decoration, not compliance lighting. They also add weight and wiring that can come loose in a crash. Keep them light and away from the sensors and props.
Night flying is harder on the Avata 2
There's no Night mode, no auxiliary landing light, and no obstacle avoidance. Vision positioning also weakens in the dark. Read Avata 2 night mode before you try it.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
For daytime flying the DJI Avata 2 needs nothing extra. For night shoots, add a compliant strobe and a visual observer.
Related guides
- DJI Flip lights: status lights, strobes and light kits
- DJI Mini 4 Pro lights: auxiliary light, status LEDs and strobes
- DJI Mini 5 Pro lights: anti-collision strobes and light kits
- DJI Neo lights: anti-collision strobes and light kits
- DJI Air 3 lights: auxiliary light, LEDs and anti-collision strobes
- DJI Air 3S lights: auxiliary light, spotlights and anti-collision strobes
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