Can DJI Avata Dive? (All You Need to Know)

The DJI Avata has incredible maneuverability packed with a capable camera, making it an FPV Cinewhoop drone perfect for filming crisp extreme cinematics.

So, can the DJI Avata perform maneuvers like diving?

The DJI Avata can dive only in Manual Mode with the FPV Remote Controller 2. The Avata performs this maneuver slowly compared to FPV drones**. If you want it to be faster, install an external component such as a GoPro to increase the weight without exceeding 600g****.**

And how can I dive with my DJI Avata? Keep with us. This article explains everything you need to know about Avata diving.

What is the dive maneuver? #

Diving involves letting the drone fall without power, so it starts to fall with the camera pointing down. Then you start the engines and recover the Avata.

The idea is to use the drone weight as the means to dive. Gravity will make it fall at high speed.

You aren’t moving the throttle until you reach a low altitude to recover from the maneuver.

How to dive with the DJI Avata #

Although it seems easy, diving is particularly challenging as it involves a meticulous step-by-step process. Once you master each step, you can combine everything to make a safe dive with Avata.

Step 1: Understand your surroundings #

Practice flying in the desired position you want to dive from.

Remember, this drone doesn’t have collision avoidance sensors. Any static or moving obstacle can affect the diving maneuver, making you lose control of the drone.

Always check the zone for static obstacles such as cables, tall trees, branches, rocks, or any other object you can crash into.

Then look around for birds or flying things that can hit your Avata. Avoid diving at times of the day when birds migrate.

This inspection will clear your mind and make you self-aware of the possible dangers you face while diving. That way, you can develop a secure dive path that guarantees an astonishing recording.

Step 2: Split S #

The next step is getting comfortable with the Split S maneuver.

The basic Split S divides into three control movements: A half roll, followed by a half pitch, and a full throttle.

So we advise you to understand each movement first. The Avata will rotate fast, and if you lack the muscle memory for the half roll and pitch, you will lose control, and your drone will fall like a rock.

The best place to practice is an open field, preferably on grass like a park or a soccer field.

The idea is to practice each movement separately, starting with the half-roll.

1. Move the left stick up to throttle your Avata until getting approximately 65 feet of height.
2. At that altitude, throttle to zero by moving the left stick down.
3. Half-roll clockwise by pushing the right stick to the right. Your Avata must be upside down.
4. Half-roll clockwise again to stabilize the Avata.
5. Throttle your drone and gain altitude again to repeat the maneuver.

Practice half-roll combinations until you get comfortable with the drone motion.

Half roll clockwise and counterclockwise, and combine each so your fingers develop the muscle memory to do it without hesitating.

The next step is to add the half pitch.

1. Move the left stick up to throttle your Avata until getting approximately 65 feet of height.
2. At that altitude, throttle to zero by moving the left stick down.
3. Half-roll clockwise by pushing the right stick to the right. Your Avata must be upside down.
4. Half-pitch by moving the right stick down once.
5. Now your Avata is level.
6. Throttle your drone and gain altitude again to repeat the maneuver.

One trick is to move the right stick fast to half roll and half pitch while you get used to the motion. Then you can move it slowly to get a slow-motion kind of movement.

Another trick to save your Avata from crashing is to press the left forward pause trigger. The drone enters Normal Mode without falling as it self-stabilizes, hovering in place at a certain altitude.

Step 3: The dive #

Now that you know how to perform the Split S maneuver safely, it’s time to practice the fall.

In this part of the dive, you push the throttle stick down, having zero acceleration control. The drone will indeed accelerate while falling.

1. Fly the Avata to the desired altitude.
2. Perform a Split S maneuver. The catch here is to pitch the Avata until the camera points down.
3. Let the Avata fall with the throttle stick down until you reach a safe altitude.
4. Increase the throttle and the pitch angle simultaneously. Move the left stick up and the right stick down gently, adjusting the throttle and pitch as necessary.

Congrats, you have completed an Avata dive.

Depending on the environment and the shot you want, you might need to adjust the pitch and roll slightly during the fall. Avoid rough movements, as you can lose control of your drone.

If you start losing drone control, press the FPV Remote Controller 2 left forward trigger to enter Normal Mode. This can save your Avata from crashing.

Is the DJI Avata dive-safe? #

The cool thing about the Avata is that it’s lightweight for being an FPV Cinewhoop.

The fall is more controlled, giving you extra time to recover from the dive. You can reach 50 MPH when the Avata falls, so increase the throttle and pitch it back from a safe altitude.

However, being so lightweight affects its maneuverability in windy conditions and makes it especially susceptible to drag.

Some pilots like to install accessories like other cameras to increase weight.

We don’t recommend installing these accessories, but if you will do it, limit the Avata weight to 600 grams. You guarantee the engines and propellers will lift the drone without much effort.

Where should I train myself to dive? #

Although it’s tempting to go to the field and try the dive until you get a beautiful recording, it’s also frightening if you lack the necessary experience.

Use a simulator to eliminate unnecessary risk.

In the DJI Virtual Flight, you can simulate the dive in different scenarios with your Avata. You only have to connect your FPV Remote Controller 2 via USB-C cable to your mobile phone or Windows PC.

The idea is to develop muscle memory. You have the skills to control the drone when you get to the waterfall you want to record.

Mastering the DJI Virtual Flight won’t guarantee seamless flying. This software emulates wind, gravity, and drag with exactitude, but you need to practice outside what you learned on the simulator.

Can you dive with the Motion Controller? #

You can only dive with the FPV Remote Controller 2. The reason is that the Motion Controller can’t access Manual Mode.

Then you can’t perform extreme maneuvers like the Split S or let the aircraft fall without pressing the acceleration trigger.

However, you can perform an assisted dive in Sport Mode and Head Tracking with the DJI Goggles 2.

So first activate Head Tracking:

1. Find the touch panel on the right side of the Goggles 2.
2. Swipe your finger down from the top edge to access the Shortcut menu.
3. Swipe your finger from the rear edge to the center until you highlight the Head Tracking icon in yellow. Tap it.

The idea is to reach a high altitude. From there, look down for the gimbal to move the camera downside. Move your hand down while pushing the acceleration trigger fully.

Although it’s not an actual dive, it gives you the feeling of falling at a controlled speed.

This dive looks more like the one done by a person skydiving with a parachute so you can capture spectacular recordings of a landscape.