Can the DJI Flip fly in rain or at night?

Rain: no. The DJI Flip isn't waterproof and has no IP rating. DJI says not to fly it in rain, snow or fog, and to land as soon as possible if rain starts. Night: yes, with care. In the US you can fly the Flip after dark if it has lighting that shows its position. Its forward 3D infrared sensor works in the dark, but it has no Night mode, and its downward vision positioning needs light.

Why rain is a problem

Water can get into the motors, battery contacts and vents, and wet lenses and sensors give the drone bad readings. The Flip's full propeller guards don't change this. They protect the props, not the electronics.

If you get caught in a shower:

1. Return and land right away.
2. Power off and remove the battery.
3. Wipe the outside with a dry, soft cloth.
4. Let it dry fully, inside and out, before the next flight.

Water damage isn't covered by DJI's standard warranty. DJI Care Refresh covers accidental damage, including water. More detail in is the DJI Flip waterproof.

Mist and fog are risky too. Fog hides the drone from you, and wet air coats the sensors. The Flip's rated operating range is -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F), so cold drizzle adds a battery problem on top.

Flying the Flip at night

The law. Recreational flyers in the US can fly at night if the drone has lighting that lets them see where it is. Part 107 pilots need current night training and anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. The Flip has status lights but no anti-collision strobe, so add a small strobe made for drones. See can you fly a drone at night.

The sensors. The Flip has two systems:

• Forward 3D infrared sensing. It measures distance with its own infrared light, so it can detect obstacles ahead and brake even in the dark. It covers the front only, not the sides or rear.
• Downward vision and infrared sensor. DJI says it needs a textured surface and more than 15 lux of light. In darkness the Flip leans on GPS, so it may drift more when hovering low.

The camera. The f/1.7 lens and 1/1.3-inch sensor handle dusk and city lights well. Normal video goes up to ISO 6400; D-Log M stops at 1600. There's no special Night mode, so true darkness looks noisy. Settings and tips: Flip night mode.

Night flying checklist

1. Scout the area in daylight for wires, poles and trees.
2. Set Return to Home altitude above everything on the route.
3. Use a remote controller, not palm or app control.
4. Add a strobe and check the takeoff weight stays where you want it.
5. Fly blue hour first, 20 to 40 minutes after sunset, before trying full darkness.
6. Keep it in sight the whole time, and land with battery to spare.

Need a drone for bad weather?

No DJI consumer drone is rated for rain. If you must fly in wet conditions for work, look at enterprise drones with an IP rating, such as the Matrice 30T, rated IP55. For better low-light video in a consumer drone, the Air 3S has a 1-inch main sensor and nightscape obstacle sensing.

For dry-weather flying, day or dusk, the DJI Flip is a great, easy drone. Just check the forecast first.

Related guides

• Can you fly the DJI Flip indoors?
• Can you fly the DJI Flip without a controller?
• DJI Flip Fly More Combo: is it worth it?
• DJI Flip night mode and low-light video: what to expect
• DJI Flip top speed: how fast does it fly?
• Do you need a license or registration to fly the DJI Flip?

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