5 Reasons I Still Love The Mavic Air

[@Dronevalley]

CORRECTION - I totally goofed on the sensor package I described in the clip. The Mavic Air has Front, Rear and Bottom vision sensors as well as bottom IR. I mentioned in the clip that it had side sensors and it doesn't. I apologize for any confusion and was shooting 3 quad reviews on the same day and got my specs mixed up. Chalk it up to age and excitement (mostly excitement).

[@peterbennett7983]

Yup, that had me scratching my head. My only crash was sideswiping a tree. Broke all 4 propellers, but the airframe was unscratched. Slapped on some MAS props which I just received and was back in the air!

[@JClintB6538]

That's ok, we all get mixed up sometimes, it's easy to do. As soon as you said that about the side sensors I thought, he's got the back sensors mixed up. It's no problem.

[@edwardduffy1529]

I love the Mavic Air too. Will you be reviewing the Mavic Air 2 soon? Need to know if it supports the DJI goggles.

[@simpleman5688]

Your videos Rick, are like the Air itself: a whole lot packed into shorter time than most other u-tubers. Very concise and professional. Thank you, sir.

[@JSKCKNIT]

I still love my Mavic Air! I just finished uploading a flight I did today and said some of the same comments you did!

[@RobertMacCready]

Just got my DJI Mavic Air, 2 days ago. Did 2 batteries flights yesterday and 2 today. Wow. I did own a Big DJI a few years ago but this one is exceptional. AND I bought a refurbished model. Cannot tell it from new. Even to the stickers on the drone. I mean I went over it with a fine tooth comb and it is perfect. The flying is excellent too. Had some wind today at the Polo Field but the Mavic Air took it on like a champ. And the video quality is exceptional too. Thanks so much for your videos, they are excellent.

[@Dronevalley]

Robert, I'm glad you're having fun with the Mavic Air. It's an amazing quad and one of my favorites. I'll have a few more clips posting soon on the quad and other tech so be sure to stop by the channel so you don't miss anything. Rick

[@StanCook]

Rick, I agree with you 100%. I too fly my Mavic Pro Platinum most of the time but a week ago I had to go to Hawaii for my granddaughter's wedding on the north shore. I packed the Air since, as you say, it is so small as easy to pack for a trip. It was beautiful on the north shore for the wedding. Unfortunately, we were a few miles for an Army base and there was a TFR inforce for the whole time we were there. It lifted the day after we left. Best laid plans.

[@BrantAerials]

Thanks Rick. The Mavic Air is the drone I fly all the time. I find it hard to imagine a good reason to upgrade. My drone does everything I ask it to do. Everybody I show it to seems impressed!

[@AdrianMateoDrones]

Good morning Rick. How are you doing this morning Sir? Thanks for sharing this great video with us. I have to agree with you. I absolutely love my Dji Mavic Air. This drone has been a blast since the day I first got it. Is so small to carry everywhere, yet so powerful and fun to fly. I really appreciate all the love and support my drone brother Rick. Love and enjoy your videos and channel. Please keep those good videos coming and keep up the good work. BIG LIKE AND THUMBS UP 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯💯💯💯. Have a great day Captain 👨‍✈️. Thanks for all you do and please keep flying.

[@BIGDRONEFLYER77RC]

Still love mine as well, thanks Rick for sharing.

[@xtroncool007]

Great vid Rick as per usual Love it

[@markferrell2470]

You are one of the best for the great info and knowledge. Thanks for getting back. Mavic Pro mini is out now, I’ll look forward to your insights

[@markferrell2470]

Rick, you are the only person I’ve ever heard talk so fast with so much content and never have I heard you say “ahh” or umm. I had the Mavic Pro and loved flying it until one day I crashed it and it fell in a river and after one year someone found it and it was returned. I only say that is after I crashed the expensive Mavic Pro I went and bought the Mavic Air, I was a little Afraid to fly the thing but I finally was able to with not much fear. I was all excited one day I took it to the foothills here in Colorado where I live and got it all set up and took it up about 100’ and was taking pictures of the creek and all of a sudden it lost connection at about 40’ up and took off and nothing I could do seemed to get control back. It finally landed in a huge pine tree but thankfully I could see it. I had to hire a tree trimmer service to come up from town and he finally got it down, Now I am afraid again to fly the Mavic Air, all that just to say I’m not so sure about the Mavic Air as you are.

[@Dronevalley]

Mark, thanks for the post and I actually have two of the I fly and use a parabolic range extender when I fly them to give me a little extra signal strength but have been lucky to never have had a flyaway. Sorry to hear about yours but I'd recommend to find a new area to fly and get the bird back up in the air. The longer you wait, the harder it'll be to build up your confidence again and that's speaking from experience as I've parked a few quads in the trees over the years. Stop back soon for more content. Rick

[@Ecohen52784]

Rick you are spot on, I 100% agree with you!!! This is my go to drone. I love the Mavic Pro 2 but the Mavic Air is still my favorite. So easy to pack and go. Thank you for pointing out the benefits on why the Mavic Air is still a wonderful drone!!!

[@MoeinEsther]

Nice video thank you for sharing with us.

[@rapaent]

Thanks for the great video......... I've owned the MA since it came out and I totally agree that it's an awesome quad. I love the little guy as much as the first day I got it. Thanks again! 👍😊

[@flnative523]

Nice video as usual. I do wish you'd shown video examples of the autonomous features you were describing.

[@daithiod]

Superb presentation.

[@alanplummer]

Excellent review! Thank you!

[@hudster80]

That was Great Adventure behind you! I am close to that area often because of my military drill once a month at McGuire!

[@TheCratter]

I carry mine in my Camelback everytime I go riding my bicycle. 18 months later I still love my MA.

[@fishingsolopnw]

I still love mine too, absolutely great for travel and the camera performance is great.

[@Tashyogi]

Hi there, can you fly only with the remote controller and drone alone? My phone will still be connected but wil have no signal or wifi since will be in a foreign country. Have a mavic air. Thanks

[@FringeMinority]

I've only had my MA for just over two weeks. Unfortunately, the weather here has not been kind, but I've had it out a few times. I am blown away by the portability and technology packed in this drone. Keep up the great reviews!!

[@oldbutnotpastit5033]

Hi Rick, After watching your reviews I decided to buy a DJI Mavic Air and have been really pleased with it, however after recently having a number of random ‘No image transmission’ issues I decided to try and refresh the controller firmware using DJI assistant 2 (Using windows 10 -64bit) although I have all the latest DJI software and firmware installed. I had no problems connecting and updating the firmware of the drone with DJI assistant 2 but it does not recognise the controller. Looking online I see a number of people seem to have the same problem- are you aware of any driver issue with the Assistant 2 software, or can recommend any solution. Keep up the reviews -I love your enthusiasm Regards Bob

[@TomSpurlock]

Nice review Rick. I've never been a fan of MavicAir, primarily because of the WiFi. I'm surprised you can go over 1 mile, reliably. That's good to know. For 500 dollars more, I prefer my Mavic2Zoom. My backpack is smaller than yours (even though the craft is slightly larger), and the portability is why the M2Z is my go-to drone when I'm travelling, for the same reasons as yours. Other benefits of M2Z over the Mavic Air: 1, it has a 2X optical zoom in 4K mode, and 4X zoom when recording in 1080 (my favorite feature). 2. Four more minutes flight time. 3. Three mile flight range. 4. It's very quiet, the most quiet drone DJI makes. The MavicAir is really loud. 5. It has side looking OA sensors, and they work well. However, you are right about the number of features in such a small package. It's good value for the price point.

[@triggeredcheese1260]

I reckon the mavic air 2 now is better than the zoom nearly

[@bryanbuff]

Still the best value out there and the best one to travel with. The range/signal isn’t great in areas with a lot of interference (but I got a $10 booster than helps a bit) and flight time isn’t the best, but those are easily overcome by the advantages: price/value, size/portability, quality, ability to use your phone to fly it in a pinch. Also, anyone flying the Mavic Air should get the Master Airscrew V2 props. They reduce the high pitch of the stock props quite a bit.

[@Tashyogi]

Hi Rick! Just subscribed to your channel and thanks for the great videos and info! Quick question plz: if you travel overseas and and want to fly but you don't have WIFI connection(lets say somewhere in the mountains) , can you still fly with only the remote controller only? Since my phone will not have connection in a foreign country. Regards jurgen #dronevalley

[@dr.dougdroneson4239]

Rick, I am a huge fan of the Mavic Air but have wondered why there are no foldable props like the Spark or larger DJI drones. I know the Spark will fit but due to prop size differences it is not advised. I have purchased props on Amazon that clearly said "Foldable" but were clearly a $5 cheap solid prop. Back they went. So, question 1 - do you know of anyone that sells foldable props or even a 3 blade version for the Mavic Air? 2 - Do you have the ability to 3D print some. I know I would be interested greatly. Thanks for all the great content. I hope to grow my channel as you have done. A great inspiration.

[@droningharry]

Rick, I love my Air. It’s pretty much the only Drone I really fly anymore, at least when I’m able to out. I have a badly broken Ankle that required surgery to fix. So the bad news was you’re pretty much gonna be confined to home until At least Thanksgiving maybe longer. I can’t put any weight on it. Worst part it’s my right so even when it improves I can’t drive until Christmas at the earliest. Anyway had a P3SE was my favorite, flew it all the time. Got the Air and sold the Phantom 3 weeks later. Still have my Spark but if this Mini rumor is true that might be history as well. One question, what do you think of Master airscrew Props. Do you use them or stick with DJI Props? Thanks and great video.

[@vinceflores9422]

Hey brother would you still recommend the MAVIC AIR because I’m looking to buy one and is it reliable because I heard there is problems with the controller

[@colinschrank5576]

Do you think the arctic white colour is the way to go rather than the black so it won't over heat in the hot sun in the summer?

[@jimpalmer7231]

Hey Rick, great review, all comments are spot-on. I love my Air too, I take mine everywhere I go, and put it up in minutes to get "that perfect video record". I've had mine since they were released and it is my Go-To drone, when I show my friends what this jewel can do, I tell them that it is almost "idiot-proof", perfect for the beginner drone pilot as well as the experienced. I will take the MA, before I take my pro or my P4, every time. It is such a great piece of fun, why wouldn't I? Thanks Rick, I watch all your clips and am excited to see more, Happy Flying Sir, keep em coming!

[@johnathonbrown837]

im sure you have mentioned this in other videos or comments but i was wondering what audio equipment you use, your sound is great, could i get your set up

[@RobFuz]

I love mine too! Great video on a great drone! Thank you for a great video!!! I see the fly more red version is discontinued on B & H and the prices on some of the colors are up to $900+ ????

[@arnavchadha6323]

I got mine at Best Buy for 900 with fly more combo

[@RobFuz]

Great deal for that package! I paid $600 for the single battery package on eBay. It was used but in great shape.

[@gil57usa]

In the video taken flying over the lake, Did you use a filter and if so which one? Thanks. Great review btw.

[@gavejoke]

Wifi connectivity is really good but it main drawback is over city flight where you get a lot of signal interference Good luck

[@jerrys5946]

I get interference even out of the city. My Mavic Pro never had those issues flying in the same areas.

[@bobwallis1757]

Thanks Rick, great video! Does the Mavic Air have course lock or the ability to maneuver in a similar way?

[@Dronevalley]

It has both active track (for following an object) and a system called APAS that is amazing at avoiding objects when flying. I actually took it to the pine barrens in NJ when I first started flying it and it was able to easily weave in and out of the trees. Pretty amazing tech. Thanks for the post and stay tuned for the Christmas giveaways. Rick

[@thefourpals]

Maybe you can answer this simple question for me. Does the TSA allow my Mavic Air PROPs to be carried on with my drone. When traveling with my Phantom, I take those props off and put them in my checked-in luggage because they are larger and "could" be used as a weapon (so, not allowed to be carried-on). But the Mavic Air props are much smaller.Have you had any problems carrying-on your Mavis Air w/props on?Tom P.

[@Dronevalley]

Thanks for the post and I've never had an issues with any of the props. I know that the larger quads props could be considered a weapon but I've never had TSA or anyone ask me about them. I'm sure you'll be OK with the Mavic Air. I travel with it all the time and have never had even a single question. Just be sure to bring your batteries on with you as a carry-on. Stay tuned for more content this week. Rick

[@thefourpals]

Thanks.

[@SeanOzz]

ok, what roller coaster park is that and why oh why did you not go fly closer and show us. :(

[@Dronevalley]

Helipad on the location and they get a little hinky when flying near the park. Gotta respect the rules :)

[@andyp.4205]

Nothing beats finding this on clearance at Target for $399.

[@RobFuz]

Andrew Petroff Online? Where???

[@JSKCKNIT]

@@RobFuz I'd pick up another at that price!

[@RobFuz]

I would love to get another one. I looked in The Target app it didn’t find it

[@andyp.4205]

I found it in 2 local Targets in the electronics case. I looked at the Target app and didnt show it either.

[@JSKCKNIT]

That's awesome! Those are the best finds.

Love my MA, but am SO insecure with the connection problems I get every now and then. No matter how updated my drone and controller are, sometimes I fly with no problems, sometime I almost lose the drone with lost connection! Really frustrating! And I see that so often on the internet, makes me even more insecure!

[@jerrys5946]

I agree

[@eXbee]

I also love my mavic Air. It's hard to crash it (you can see my "almost crashes" on my channel), it has good quality etc. Do you use any wifi booster ?

[@Blackscoutwinter]

Do you figure the ipad mini 5 will work with the Mavic air / mini? Thanks

[@AddyOverbeeke]

All good reasons to like. I don't have the Mavic Air but have Mavic Pro, P4 and P4p v1. I have considered getting the Air, but holding off for with what I have for now and waiting to see what's on the horizon for DJI. Enjoyed the aerial videos, thanks for sharing. Will you be a SpinUp 2019 next week?

[@Dronevalley]

Addy, thanks for the post and DJI always has something cooking so goo plan there. I actually won't be a t SpinUp this year as I have a "real" job commitment that has me somewhere else next week that I couldn't shake. Please say hi to the gang for me and I promise to be there next year.

[@AddyOverbeeke]

@@Dronevalley Hi Rick. Understand, but too bad, I was hoping to meet you in person for some interesting conversation. I am a recently retired engineer from 39+ years in the aerospace industry and find your reviews and personal demeanor interesting and keeps me coming back to see your YT posts each time I get a notification. Maybe next year? This will be my first SpinUp and looking forward to meeting people that share my same interests in one of the many hobbies I have. I am now able to put more effort into my commercial drone venture and will be posting more often soon to my small hobby YT channel. So RIck, what is the "real" job that you do? I hope to have conversation with you in the near future. Keep making those awesome videos.

[@jevanpolock]

You mention that the Air has side sensors but I only think there are Fronts, Back and Bottom ones that I know of.

[@Dronevalley]

John, I goofed on that one and posted a correction in the comments. I was flying and reviewing 3 quads this weekend and got the specs mixed up. Sorry for the confusion and you're right about the sensor package. Stay tuned for more content posting this week. Rick

[@billthedronereviewerclassics07]

Rick excellent video ! Mavic Air is a great drone. My only downside with this is the noise factor.

[@richardpalmer4594]

Love your channel, but I gotta say that if portability is the reason for taking the air on trips, the Mavic 2 Pro is a superior drone with only a slightly bigger footprint. I do like the air, but its loud, the wifi sucks and the battery time is 18 min on a good day. If you own an air thats fine cause its a better drone then most out there, but it sales are down for a reason.

[@Filmman586]

Is that "Six Flags Great Adventure" in the background? Cool!

[@WildBillRidesAgain]

Hey Rick, I noticed you have the stock propellers on yours. I almost was going to return mine because the high pitched scream they produced was almost unbearable to listen to. I didn't want to fly that thing anywhere near other people. Then I found the Master Airscrew stealth propellers. Just wondering if you tried them because they were the things that made me hang on to it. While the prop scream is still there, they reduce the sound pitch much lower making it a more pleasant flying experience for me and anyone near me. I see no drop in performance

[@dandudra]

was going to get one i have the Spark now and was going to upgrade to the Air but they raised the price up $ 200 dollars

[@papijay7]

I have a connection cable problem. It keeps disconnecting. I’m not enjoying it any longer. Can you recommend good connection cable. The DJI cable didn’t last.

[@Dronevalley]

Thanks for the post and I use a more durable cable that connects to the lower USB-A connector on the remote when flying. We sell a custom version on our site for all of the phones/tablets on the market if you want to check it out here - tinyurl.com/y3ppr45c. It lasts a lot longer and makes it really easy to connect your controller to your device. We have plenty in stock and ship for free, daily. Rick

[@josephburrows3711]

Yes Mavic air is great just wish DJI didn't update there program for NFZ Sydney Aust . and up & down the coast is full of NF Zones

[@SteveStanger]

I love my mavic air.

[@edwardduffy1529]

when will you be reviewing the Mavic Air 2?

[@Dronevalley]

I should have mine in about a week and will have a series of clips on the channel as soon as it arrives. Rick

[@tazzmanbees9832]

Hey Rick I have a couple of questions number one what is your opinion on the coil antennas for your controller and the other is school zones are no fly zones but if you have permission for the superintendent or the principal can you fly over a school on the off hours

[@timelesstruths]

Love something that love you.

[@jamesr.9239]

I'd have to say that my MA was my second favorite drone compared to my Phantom 4. But now that my P4 went into a spin and experienced rapid deceleration on contact with the ground from 400', I am left with the MA as my only drone . I still don't like it as much as the P4 which was more stable , faster , and had longer range and flight time. The major positives for the MA is its portability and lower cost. Since I am heavily invested in P4 batteries and accessories , I will probably look to purchase a used P4P since it seems probable that no P5 will ever be released.

[@maxkielbasa6079]

Have you seen the mavic mini? I can't wait for your review

[@peterotoole5699]

How does Skydio 2 compare to Mavic Air?

[@mithrandir1313]

DJI did a great job consumer proofing this drone!

[@ericdelana9964]

Hey You mentioned side sensor's twice if not more I have a magic air for over 5 months and have not found they, could you explain that?

[@bryanbuff]

He corrected himself in the top comment. There are no side sensors or top sensors on the Mavic Air.

[@daveeverett9341]

So Rick, that bag would easily hold a Mavic Pro or 2 Pro. Also, you're using a clamshell case for controller, but not quad? Saw those props snapping and catching when you pulled the quad out... Quad and RC in clamshells and stowed in a small shoulder bag or jacket pockets. Now that really leverages the small form factor. Performance wise, the air flies half speed and power of the Mavic series. I don't get reliable distance from the Air, either. WiFi is poor on range, very unreliable. Very noisy! High pitched whining is much more disturbing to bystanders than Mavic with low noise props. Upside: 60fps & rear obstacle.... avoidance.

[@terryedgerton7513]

Gday Rick. I have read, seen and heard of the Air having nasty problems with range when in ordinary conditions. What is your findings?🇦🇺

[@BL-zw5oi]

Terry Edgerton best results tend to come from manually selecting your Transmission channel. Leaving it in auto just doesn’t seem to work right. Also, turn off your phone’s Bluetooth sensor

[@INTELMAXELL]

Now the real question is, do you like the Mavic Air more then the Parrot Anafi?

[@iQamarAmerica]

I wanted to buy my first drone still in confused state. Which one should I buy, I want to get top notch.

[@RobFuz]

Mavic Air Rocks

[@iQamarAmerica]

KEN5423 - Yes you are right Sir, I did’t watch the whole video before posting my queries. My apology, please forgive me. 🙏

[@iQamarAmerica]

KEN5423 - I will buy my friend, thanks for your help.

[@ericdelana9964]

@@iQamarAmerica check ebay I have a red mega pack for sale, pretty cheap.

[@iQamarAmerica]

Eric DeLana - Thank you Eric. Let me check and update you.

[@jrgenkrsgaard7709]

I also love my Air, but I miss one feature, Atti Mode. I use it from my boat and it absolutely dont like it when the boat moves. Anyone else having problems with that?

[@sinebar]

I love the MA so much I bought three. One of each color.

[@productguru8323]

Can you say the same scince the Mini is out?

[@Dronevalley]

Yep, still love the Mavic Air quad and it has a few features that the Mavic Mini lacks. I do love the Mavic Mini but the Mavic Air is still an upgrade. Rick

[@Steve_J]

I guess I'm spoiled with my P4P because I just can't get that excited when I fly my MA. I wish people would stop calling UltraHD (3840X2160) 4K (4096X2160). I know it is a industry label but it ISN'T 4K and there is a difference, just do the zoom in test. I have never got more then 6700ft. with my MA and I really wish it didn't have WIFI. It is very portable but loud. I paid almost $1100 for the fly more kit but I really wish I would have "cowboyed" (is that a word? LOL) up and put the extra $$ for the Mavic pro 2 (at the time they were $1400). I guess it works for a backup but I wouldn't recommend one, just my opinion.

[@DroneIt-bf9xp]

Just wish that the other DJI drone were able to connect to the smart controller....

[@viclagstv]

i love my mavic air

[@Dronevalley]

Thanks for the post and it's one of my favorite quads to fly. Stop back soon for more content. Rick

[@awesome69691]

great review i have a spark and p4 but love the air

Hi, good morning!!! Thanks for sharing your video with us, congratulations, let's go forward!!! What's new on my channel? I invite you to see the Volantex 757-3 and Parrot Bebop 2 flying simultaneously before the plane crash... it crashed without any control from a height of over 30 or 40 meters... the Arkbird blocked maybe due to excessive wind-induced instability... I was left with no control over the plane, I just watched it fall... you are always welcome!!!

[@SeanOzz]

love my air but i find myself grabbing my zoom 90% of the time now a days. Though, the form factor of the air is the best of all i own or have flown. just wish it had occusynch. no clue how you got 2 miles away with yours. i've done so much to try and get super far connects and am lucky to hit a mile.

[@Dronevalley]

Ozz, thanks for the post and for stopping by. I'm a slightly older guy so I try and keep it less and a few thousand feet out for most of the shoots. I agree with you on the Mavic 2 Zoom and use that (and the Pro) locally but when I'm jumping on a plane and packing space is tight for the trip, the Mavic Air is always in the case. Even though I'm shooting in 1080p most of the time when I travel, I like having it handy so I can get the shots I would have missed in not bringing the larger quad along. Stay tuned this week as I have a cool clip posting on a new Audio Kit we are releasing for the Smart Controller. Rick

[@SportbikeUnitedRiderz]

SOLD MY MA MANY MONTHS AGO.

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

who cares, idiot

[@JoeL-zx2tl]

Still like my phantom 4 pro

[@graphguy]

Mavic air is just too loud and annoying. There are many that are equal or superior and are not so disruptive.

[@user-ki7wj1di8j]

Is it made in China if it is don't want it!

[@paulfueri350]

The Mavic air was a piece of crap wanna come out the Mavic pro was better than that the Mavic air is still a piece of crap and always will be because of the transmission system is an argue think so I like all your videos that you do but you promote a DJI Import Mavic air a bit too much to the Mavic air was not that great of a drone noisy and crappy transmission system sorry about that Rick but I’m just telling you how I feel

[@Dronevalley]

Paul, I appreciate the post and I agree that the Mavic Pro (and Mavic 2) are better quads than the Mavic Air in a side-by-side comparison but I've had a lot of luck with the Mavic Air and it's the perfect quad for travel. The enhanced Wifi works great out to about a mile (especially if you add a parabolic range extender) and the image quality is just as good as the Mavic Pro. We all have our favorite quads but I did the clip to let everyone know that over a year later, I still love this quad. Stop back soon as I have more content posting. Rick

[@samsons_cannabis]

Great video. I'm looking for batteries for the mav air??? Anyone?? I'm in Canada open to offers....