I read about the VPS (Vision Positioning System) that it prefers to disable for flights over the water, because the drone can measure the attitude wrongly, and also try to auto land. The water for this system behaves like a solid surface, and can mess around the drone. But what is the minimum to fly over the water with safe? 2 meters, or maybe 3?

Have an idea?

Hello and good day allyssongemelli. Thank you for reaching out. It is not recommended to fly the aircraft close to the water. When flying above water, the vision positioning function will turn off automatically and only the GPS and barometer are used for positioning, if affected by the accuracy range, and an accident might happen. In addition normally the vision positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitude of 0.3 to 10 meters. Thank you for your understanding and support.

DJI Stephen Posted at 8-16 10:41
Hello and good day allyssongemelli. Thank you for reaching out. It is not recommended to fly the aircraft close to the water. When flying above water, the vision positioning function will turn off automatically and only the GPS and barometer are used for positioning, if affected by the accuracy range, and an accident might happen. In addition normally the vision positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitude of 0.3 to 10 meters. Thank you for your understanding and support.

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When flying above water, the vision positioning function will turn off automatically
Really  ?????
Are you certain of that?

Labroides Posted at 8-16 14:33
When flying above water, the vision positioning function will turn off automatically
Really  ?????
Are you certain of that?

I would be not so sure about that. Better to turn off before start flying over the water.

I too fly a P4A.   I have flown down around 8 ft off the water with no trouble; WITH VPS ON.   However, the water was clear and shallow, whereas the bottom was easily seen.   Did this allow the VPS to work normally?   I have also flown over muddy, flood waters.   The height there was approx. 20ft.   Hover was stable and normal.   I try and maintain 20ft min when over ‘stained’ water.   I have not seen where water current/ripples have affect.   Always err on safety.

You can turn off VPS, I think it's better. Maybe this height of 8 ft is secure, I think I'll try 10 ft for safe. The problem could be low and water that is very clear, can mess up the drone, the image.

just not too low, simplest answer i can give you  

DJI Stephen Posted at 8-16 10:41
Hello and good day allyssongemelli. Thank you for reaching out. It is not recommended to fly the aircraft close to the water. When flying above water, the vision positioning function will turn off automatically and only the GPS and barometer are used for positioning, if affected by the accuracy range, and an accident might happen. In addition normally the vision positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitude of 0.3 to 10 meters. Thank you for your understanding and support.

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Good job Stephen , you was "jonny on the spot" with that answer

D2_hunter Posted at 8-20 16:57
just not too low, simplest answer i can give you

But 2 meters? 3m?

I live in the desert where we have no water so haven't actually flown over it, but if I were to there's no reason why I would go much lower than 20 feet. I know we see a lot of YouTube videos of people flying real low and they sacrifice their bird in the act, because nobody knows if the drone one moment might make an adjustment  or if there is an upward slope in the water or if a wave produces a high bounce that may wet your drone to the brink? There is no margin of error flying over water, whereas at least on solid ground if you have Care Refresh you can recover the drone????..

quite often fly low over water in normal never had issues maybe just lucky 3min 24 seconds

I like that stream flight.  Looks like you almost lost it at 2:15 .  I wouldn't try a flight like that myself - which makes it fun to watch.  :-)  

Jonboy Posted at 2-26 07:27
quite often fly low over water in normal never had issues maybe just lucky 3min 24 seconds https://youtu.be/C086vpL3qOA?t=204

Very nicely filmed.  Gentle & relaxing.  I loved it

Manxmann Posted at 2-27 01:01
Very nicely filmed.  Gentle & relaxing.  I loved it

Thanks Manxmann

Mark The Droner Posted at 2-26 07:56
I like that stream flight.  Looks like you almost lost it at 2:15 .  I wouldn't try a flight like that myself - which makes if fun to watch.  :-)

It really is not dificult, just take it slow the bit at 2:15 was obstacle avoidance just dipped its nose as i backed off :-)

I usually don’t fly below 3 meters above the waters surface, I leave all settings as they would normally be for regular flight, just don’t take your eyes off the phantom in case it starts to drift..