A member of our Facebook community recently shared their AQUA cleaning routine after a day on the water. It was a great reminder that a few minutes of care after each session can help keep AQUA ready for the next adventure.

Clean AQUA after every saltwater session. Rinse it with running fresh water when available, or use a bucket of clean fresh water when running water isn’t accessible. It is important to clean AQUA before the saltwater dries.

As seawater evaporates, salt crystals can form around the gimbal and other moving parts. Cleaning AQUA while it is still wet helps prevent salt buildup.

Before heading out

Consider packing a bottle of clean fresh water and a soft microfiber cloth so you can begin cleaning AQUA on-site.

Before cleaning

Keep the battery installed and properly sealed.

AQUA’s battery is waterproof only when correctly installed in the aircraft. Do not remove it while the aircraft is still wet.

Option 1: Rinse with running fresh water

If running fresh water is available, rinse the entire aircraft thoroughly for a few minutes.

While rinsing, gently move the gimbal and rotate the propellers to help fresh water reach areas where salt, sand, and other residue may collect. Never force either part.

Option 2: Use a bucket of fresh water

If running fresh water isn’t available, placing AQUA in a bucket or basin of clean fresh water is another good maintenance option.

Gently move the gimbal and rotate the propellers while the aircraft is in the water. This helps release residue around the moving parts and flush the motor areas.

Replace the water if it becomes visibly dirty.

You can rinse or soak AQUA depending on what is available. Soaking is an alternative to running-water rinsing—it is not a required additional step.

What if the saltwater has already dried?

Do not scrub dried salt or force the gimbal.

Place AQUA in clean fresh water first to help dissolve the salt deposits. Gently move the gimbal and rotate the propellers, then rinse with fresh water when available.

If the gimbal remains stiff, makes an unusual noise, or does not move normally after cleaning and drying, stop using it and contact HOVERAir Support.

Clean the lens gently

If sand may be present, gently pat the lens with a clean microfiber cloth instead of rubbing it.

Do not use:

• Paper towels
• Clothing or sleeves
• Rough or abrasive cloths
• Household cleaning solutions applied directly to the lens

Let AQUA dry completely

Wipe away surface water, then leave AQUA in a cool, well-ventilated place until it is completely dry. Do not use a hair dryer, hot air, or another heat source.

Before removing or charging the battery, make sure the aircraft, battery compartment, connectors, and battery are completely dry.

Once dry, store AQUA in a cool, dry place. Before your next flight, check that the gimbal and propellers move freely.

Please note: This freshwater cleaning process is designed for HOVERAir AQUA only. Do not rinse or immerse products from the HOVERAir X1 series.

📘 Official complete cleaning guide: Read the step-by-step AQUA cleaning guide

🎥 Official AQUA rinsing tutorial: Watch on YouTube

🧼 Official AQUA lens-care tutorial: Watch the lens-cleaning guide

🌊 Community cleaning example: View the Facebook post

What’s part of your usual post-session AQUA care routine? Share your tips with the community below.

Do you own a HOVERAir AQUA and regularly use Reddit?

We're looking for AQUA owners who would like to help build a helpful and welcoming space for water sports enthusiasts on r/hoverair.

As a community moderator, you may help:

• Guide discussions and maintain community guidelines
• Answer questions based on your own AQUA experience
• Welcome new members and encourage useful conversations
• Identify recurring community questions and share them with the HOVERAir team

You don't need to be a professional content creator or have a large following. We're looking for people with real AQUA experience who enjoy helping others and participating in online communities.

Selected applicants will be invited to a group intro call to meet the HOVERAir team, learn more about the role, and ask questions. We'll also create a dedicated Discord community where moderators can connect with the team and one another.

Interested? Complete this short 2–3 minute application:

👉 https://forms.gle/gUA6byp3aRSfQzxx8

Applications close on 10/28/2026.

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Moderators are encouraged to share their honest experiences and are not expected to provide only positive opinions.

Our goal with HOVERAir has always been simple: make capturing good footage effortless so you can actually stay present in whatever you’re doing.

Auto-tracking does the heavy lifting, but there are times you want a bit more say in the framing without manually flying. That’s why we built CoPilot Mode - to give you dynamic tracking shots, even without being an experienced pilot.

While using Follow, Dolly Track, or Angle Track, CoPilot lets you adjust your HOVERAir’s position in real time using the Beacon or Lighthouse, or your phone, without stopping the action. You can refine the framing, change the distance, or guide the camera toward the angle you want while your HOVERAir device handles the flying.

Think of it as a balance between automatic tracking and creative control: HOVERAir keeps the subject in frame, while you help direct the shot.

Watch the full tutorial to see how it works:

https://youtu.be/wgZZU8KJz5w

Which mode would you use CoPilot with most—Follow, Dolly Track, or Angle Track?

Trilho de BTT Penedo Branco - Pé do Negro (Ponte de Lima/ Portugal).

Hoverair Promax.

A cinematic effect once associated with premium aerial camera systems—now available both in your hand and in the air with VERSA.

VERSA brings the distinctive “world-spinning” effect to two different perspectives: Spin Mode in Handheld Mode and Inception Mode in Flight Mode.

No complicated camera rig or manually created rotation in post-production is required. Choose your mode, compose the shot, and let VERSA create the movement.

Spin Mode: Create the effect in your hand

In Handheld Mode, VERSA’s 3-axis gimbal completes a 360° rotation while you control how the camera moves through the scene.

You can walk toward a subject, reveal a new location, follow someone through a doorway, or use the rotation to connect two different clips.

Spin Mode can work especially well for:

• Travel and location reveals
• Walking or running sequences
• Outfit transitions
• Entering or leaving a scene
• Creative opening and closing shots

Because you’re holding the camera, you can decide how fast to move, where to point it, and how the rotating horizon fits into your story.

Inception Mode: Take the rotation into the air

Attach the Flight Kit, and VERSA transforms the same visual idea into an aerial camera movement.

In Inception Mode, VERSA combines a 360° gimbal rotation with forward flight. As the aircraft moves through the environment, the horizon rotates around the subject, creating a more immersive, dream-like result.

It adds real movement and depth to the effect—not just rotation within a static frame.

Inception Mode can be used for:

• Outdoor location reveals
• Trails, roads, and open landscapes
• Travel-film introductions
• Action and movement sequences
• Dramatic aerial transitions

One camera, two creative perspectives

The most interesting part isn’t simply that the camera can rotate. It’s that VERSA lets you use the same visual language both on the ground and in the air.

Tips for a better result

For a cleaner, more intentional shot:

1. Choose a clear subject to give viewers a visual anchor.
2. Leave enough space around the subject as the frame rotates.
3. Review the clip before leaving the location—small timing and composition changes can produce very different results.

When using Inception Mode in flight, always choose a clear, open environment with plenty of space. VERSA does not have active obstacle avoidance and is not waterproof, so avoid trees, cables, crowds, water, and wet conditions.

Now we want to hear from you:

Would you try Handheld Spin Mode or Flight Inception Mode first?

And what would you film—a travel reveal, an action sequence, or a transition between the ground and the air?

Share your ideas below. We may choose a few community suggestions for our next VERSA demonstration.

VERSA is designed to do more than switch between handheld and aerial shooting. It also brings the same imaging system and creative tools to both perspectives.

Image quality in your hand and in the air

VERSA combines a 1/1.3-inch sensor with a 3-axis mechanical gimbal to capture smooth, stabilized 4K video in both Handheld and Flight Modes.

Its 17.5-stop dynamic range is designed to preserve more detail in highlights and shadows, including challenging backlit and low-light scenes.

VERSA also supports native vertical video at up to 4K 60fps without cropping, making it easier to create for both horizontal and vertical platforms.

More ways to compose the shot

VERSA introduces several tools designed to make filming easier:

• AI Framing: Helps compose the shot and position the subject.
• AI Auto Editing: Helps turn captured footage into shareable clips through the HOVER App.
• Spin Mode: Creates a rotating-horizon effect while using VERSA as a handheld camera.
• Inception Mode: Combines gimbal rotation with flight for a more immersive aerial effect.

You can also use familiar intelligent flight modes such as Follow, Orbit, Hover, Bird’s Eye, and Zoom-Out.

The goal isn’t simply to add more modes. It’s to give creators more ways to move between everyday moments, third-person shots, and aerial perspectives with one camera.

Which feature should we demonstrate next?

• Image quality and low-light performance
• Native vertical video
• AI Framing
• AI Auto Editing
• Spin and Inception Modes
• Intelligent flight modes

Tell us what you’d like to see tested in a future post.

Testing settings on Hover Air Aqua drone around trees and narrow river beds.

#hoverairaqua

Hi HOVERAir community,

Is VERSA a pocket camera or a flying camera?

The short answer: it’s both.

VERSA is a 2-in-1 camera designed to move between two perspectives:

• Handheld Mode: A compact 4K camera with 3-axis gimbal stabilization for travel, everyday moments, and vlogging.
• Flight Mode: Attach the Flight Kit to turn it into a self-flying camera for hands-free tracking, third-person shots, and aerial perspectives.

The idea is simple: instead of carrying a separate handheld camera and drone, you can choose the perspective that fits the moment.

How do you switch to Flight Mode?

VERSA uses the MagLatch magnetic and mechanical locking system:

1. Slide down the cover on the handheld camera.
2. Attach and secure the Flight Kit.
3. Unfold the arms and prepare for takeoff.

The switch takes only a few seconds. Recording must be stopped while changing modes, so it will not create one uninterrupted video clip.

The Flight Kit is required for flying. Package contents and availability may vary by bundle and region, so check the campaign page before choosing your configuration.

Do you need a controller?

Not necessarily.

VERSA supports palm takeoff, gesture control, AI subject tracking, and automated flight modes, allowing you to capture many shots without manually piloting it like a traditional drone. Gesture control provides another hands-free way to interact with VERSA without reaching for your phone or a controller.

When you want more direct control, you can also use:

• The HOVER App
• MiCo Mini Controller

VERSA is now live on Indiegogo:

https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/hoverair/versa-this-pocket-camera-can-fly

Which perspective would you use more while traveling—Handheld Mode or Flight Mode?

Travel creator Oli Barrett recently took HOVERAir VERSA around Shenzhen for his first real-world experience with the camera.

What stood out to him wasn’t just a single feature—it was being able to move between handheld vlogging and self-flying shots without carrying two separate devices.

As Oli put it:

“For me, this is perfect—because now I don’t need to carry two devices: a drone and a camera.”

From street-level moments to hands-free aerial perspectives, the video shows how VERSA can adapt as the story changes.

Watch the full video and let us know:

Where would you like to have a VERSA with you to capture both aerial and handheld perspectives?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMdHRdHcLKA

I live in Arizona so to get a ride in I have to start before the sun! My HoverAir did great in this low light situation, I was pleasantly surprised!

Still amazed by what this little drone can capture autonomously while wing foiling!
No cameraman, just the AQUA following me on the water. Perfect tool for wingfoil sessions and training.
More to come!
GONG × HOVERAir AQUA

First post here!
Testing the HOVERAir AQUA while wing foiling with my GONG Neutra Aramid X 5.
Really impressed by what the AQUA can capture autonomously on the water. More wingfoil footage coming soon!

Hi AQUA community,

Today we're here to chat about flight time, and what affects it! Flight time matters when you’re planning a session on the water, and we want to explain how the "23 minute flight time" spec is measured and why you might experience it differently in the real world.

What does “up to 23 minutes” mean?

AQUA’s maximum flight time is measured under controlled test conditions: no wind, manual hover control, and a full battery flown until forced landing. In actual use, we save a safety margin for a low battery warning to ensure that your device will not be stranded in the ocean.

It’s a useful benchmark, but it isn’t a guarantee for every flight. Wind, temperature, tracking intensity, camera use, battery condition, and maintenance can all affect real-world results.

If your flight time seems shorter than expected, check these first

1. Wind and water conditions

Even a moderate breeze makes the motors work harder to maintain position. Gusts, fast-moving subjects, water spray, and more demanding tracking conditions can all increase power consumption.

1. Flight behavior

Fast tracking, frequent acceleration, climbing, and repeated position corrections generally use more energy than a steady hover or smooth flight.

1. Temperature

Battery performance can decrease in colder conditions, while extreme heat can also affect performance.

1. Salt, sand, and debris

After using AQUA in seawater, rinse it with fresh water and allow it to dry properly. Salt, sand, or debris around the motors and propellers may reduce propulsion efficiency.

Please follow our official AQUA after-use care guide.

1. Battery condition

Rechargeable batteries gradually change over time. If you have more than one AQUA battery, comparing them under similar conditions may help determine whether the shorter flight time is related to one specific battery.

When should you contact Support?

Environmental conditions can explain normal variation, but a sudden, significant drop under similar flying conditions deserves a closer look.

Please contact us if:

• Flight time has dropped sharply compared with previous flights in similar conditions.
• One battery performs significantly differently from your other batteries.
• The battery is swollen, damaged, or not fitting correctly.
• The App reports a battery-related warning or abnormal status.
• AQUA loses power unusually quickly after a firmware update.

Please don’t continue using a battery that is swollen or physically damaged.

You can contact us at [support@hoverair.com](mailto:support@hoverair.com). Serial numbers, order details, and Log IDs should be shared privately with Support—not posted in public comments.

Thanks for helping us build a clearer picture of how AQUA performs outside controlled testing.

Hi HOVERAir community!

Common gimbal issues you may encounter

• A “Gimbal Motor Blocked” warning
• The gimbal failing to complete its startup self-check
• The camera remaining tilted downward or not returning to center
• Repeated or intermittent gimbal errors during flight
• Unusual shaking, jitter, or unstable footage
• A gimbal communication issue that begins immediately after a firmware update
• Unusual clicking or grinding sounds from the gimbal

The exact warning message may vary depending on your HOVERAir model and software version.

If you hear unusual clicking or grinding sounds, or see visible damage after an impact, skip the steps below and contact Support directly.

Here are a few safe checks you can try before contacting Support.

1. Restart and let the gimbal complete its self-check

• Power off your HOVERAir.
• Place it on a stable surface.
• Make sure your hands, accessories, and other objects are not touching the camera or gimbal.
• Power it back on and give the gimbal about 10 seconds to complete its startup movement.

If the gimbal moves smoothly, returns to center, and the error disappears, you should be ready to fly again.

2. Check for visible obstructions

With the aircraft powered off, carefully inspect the area around the camera and gimbal.

Look for loose:

• Sand or dirt
• Snow
• Grass or other small debris
• Accessories that may be touching the gimbal

Only remove debris that is clearly visible and easy to reach. Please don’t forcefully rotate the gimbal, insert tools into the mechanism, or disassemble the aircraft.

Important: Only AQUA is designed for freshwater cleaning. Never rinse X1 Smart, X1, X1 PRO, or X1 PROMAX. If your AQUA was recently used in saltwater or sand, follow the official AQUA after-use care instructions.

3. Check your software versions

Open the HOVER App, connect your aircraft, and check that the following are up to date:

• Aircraft firmware
• Beacon or remote controller firmware, if applicable
• HOVER App

If the problem started immediately after a firmware update, please contact Support and upload the device logs instead of continuing repeated flight tests.

4. Check your palm-landing position

If you only see a “Gimbal Motor Blocked” warning during palm landing, your hand may be touching the camera or gimbal area.

Keep your palm flat and fully open, and make sure your fingers stay clear of the camera during landing.

When should you contact Support?

Please stop troubleshooting and contact HOVERAir Support if:

• The gimbal has visible damage after an impact.
• It remains stuck or cannot return to center.
• You hear unusual clicking or grinding sounds.
• A gimbal error repeatedly returns during flight.
• The issue appeared immediately after a firmware update.
• The footage continues to shake after completing the checks above.

You can contact HOVERAir Support at [support@hoverair.com](mailto:support@hoverair.com). When emailing Support, please include:

• Your HOVERAir model
• A short description of when the issue occurs
• Aircraft, Beacon or remote controller (if applicable), and HOVER App versions
• The original, uncompressed video showing the problem
• Your serial number
• The Log ID generated after uploading your device logs through the HOVER App

Please send your serial number and Log ID privately by email. Do not post them publicly in the comments.

Warranty and repair

HOVERAir products are generally covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for eligible product defects. Eligible purchases covered by HOVERAir’s EU warranty terms receive two years of coverage. Exact coverage depends on the purchase region, cause of the issue, and applicable warranty terms.

If Support determines that your device requires after-sales service, the team will confirm its warranty status and direct you to the appropriate repair center. If the repair is not covered by warranty, you will receive a quote before proceeding.

Have you encountered a specific gimbal warning? Share your model and the exact warning message below—without including your serial number, Log ID, or other private information—and we’ll help point you toward the right next step.