Hi
This page is for checks you should perform to make sure you have a good Mavic Air (guess this could apply to any quadcopter), given it's recent release in Feb 2018.  Below are some checks, will edit this as entries are added and issues found.  As and when I have time, I will also add in link to threads where these issues were seen, and a summary of what was needed to fix them.

- Check all accessories are present in your combo choice

- Read the manual on how to charge the batteries, and charge them --> https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/ ... 20Manual%20v1.0.pdf

- Check the arms fold properly and the props clear the main body, and have a clear gap between the tip of the prop and the main body.  Props should be at a slight angle, higher near the body, lower away from the body, like "  / o \  " --> Post #46 has a good picture in this topic... Mavic Air Bent Propeller Thread

- Check the props ARE NOT BENT, have no play--> Post #46 has a good picture in this topic... Mavic Air Bent Propeller Thread
- Check the props' quick release clamps have no give

- Remove the gimbal protector and Inspect the 4k camera to make sure it has no visible external damage or anything "behind' the lens, like dirt or damage.

- Read the manual, preferably twice, and save it on your phone so you can read it in the field --> https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/ ... 20Manual%20v1.0.pdf

- Update the firmware to the latest version, as prompted in the app

- Power up and set beginner mode (this sets a reduced range)

- Go into the app and go to the channel settings and review the wifi channels to see how free or busy the wifi channels are at your test location
- Check the app for how many GPS satellites you have acquired

-Verify you have a RTH set - Important

- Take a short video and photo, at whichever resolution you will most use.

- Perform a short range test with the following conditions   -- Check the antennas are positioned correctly
   -- Check your outbound path is into the wind
   -- Verify your RTH point
   -- Verify your phone has lots of power
   -- Put your phone into airplane mode - Not sure how to cache the maps in the app, will update when I find out or someone updates this thread

- Note the distance, band and error messages when you see problems with connectivity and video stutter

- If batteries allow you, repeat the test with an increased distance repeating the same checks before take off.  Satellites and RTH point especially.

- Land the drone manually

- Connect the USB-C cable and download the footage to your computer, to check this can be done

- Check the footage to see if the sensor is working as expected, without any obvious artifacts or issues.  This could be dirt behind the cover, portions of the image being captured with the incorrect colour (this will be obvious like purple across the top half)

TBC

Reserved for additional checks

Hey Pummy, thanks for bringing this to our attention. Generally, I'd suggest doing a routine check to see whether there is any obvious damage as always. There will be error messages in APP if something goes wrong. Also, read the user manual for several times and make sure you understand your little partner: https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/ ... 20Manual%20v1.0.pdf

Very good point! Some newcomers tend to only check if the color of their bird is right and go out for some range tests in a windy cold day optimally in totally EM polluted area and than coming here crying a river of what went wrong when they crash it.