APPENDIX B-2

DJI Inspire 1 Manufacturer’s User Manual
INSPIRE 1

V1.0

2015.3

User Manual
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 3

Contents

Using this manual

Legends 2

Before Flight 2

Watch the video tutorials 2

Download the DJI Pilot app 2

	 Product Profile	

Introduction 6

Feature Highlights 6

Assemble the Aircraft 7

Aircraft Diagram 9

Remote Controller Diagram 9

Aircraft

Flight Controller 12

Flight Mode 12

Flight Status Indicator 12

Return to Home (RTH) 13

Dynamic Home Point 15

Vision Positioning System 16

Flight Recorder 17

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 17

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery 18

Remote Controllers

Remote Controller Profile	 24

Remote Controller Operations 24

Dual Remote Controllers Mode 29

Remote Controller Status LED 31

Linking the Remote Controller 32

Remote Controller Compliance Version 33

Gimbal and Camera

Camera Profile	 35

Gimbal 36
4 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

Camera	 40

Map 43

Academy	 43

User Center	 43

Flight

Flight Environment Requirements	 45

Flight Limits and Flight Restriction Area 45

Preflight Checklist	 49

Calibrating the Compass	 49

Auto Take-off and Auto Landing	 50

Starting/Stopping the Motors 51

Flight Test 51

FAQ

Appendix

Specifications	 57

Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC)	 60

How to Update Firmware 61

FCC Compliance 62
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 11

Aircraft

This chapter describes the features of 

the Flight Controller, Vision Positioning 

System and the Intelligent Flight Battery.
12 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

Flight Status Indicator 

The INSPIRE 1 comes with the Front LED, Rear LED and Aircraft Status Indicator. The positions of these 

LEDs are shown in the figure below:

The Front and Rear LED show the orientation of the aircraft. The Front LED displays solid red and the 

Rear LED displays solid green. 

Aircraft Status Indicator shows the system status of the flight controller. Refer to the table below for more 

information about the Aircraft Status Indicator: 

Aircraft

Flight Controller 

The Inspire 1’s flight controller is based on DJI flight controller with several enhancements such as new 

flight mode and new safe mode. Three safe modes are available: Failsafe, Return Home and Dynamic 

Home Point. These features ensure the safe return of your aircraft if the control signal is lost. A flight 

recorder stores crucial flight data for each flight. 

Flight Mode

Three flight modes are available. The details of each flight mode are found in the section below: 

P mode (Positioning) : P mode works best when GPS signal is strong. There are three different states of P 

mode, which will be automatically selected by the Inspire 1 depending on GPS signal strength and Vision 

Positioning sensors:

P-GPS: GPS and Vision Positioning both are available, and the aircraft is using GPS for positioning. 

P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but the GPS signal is not. Aircraft is using only Vision 

Positioning for hovering 

P-ATTI: Neither GPS or Vision Positioning available, aircraft is using only its barometer for positioning, 

so only altitude is controlled. 

A mode (Attitude): The GPS and Vision Positioning System is not used for holding position. The aircraft 

only uses its barometer to maintain altitude. If it is still receiving a GPS signal, the aircraft can automatically 

return home if the Remote Controller signal is lost and if the Home Point has been recorded successfully. 

F mode (Function): Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) is activated in this mode. For more information 

about IOC, refer to the IOC in Appendix.

Use the Flight Controller mode switch to change the flight mode of the aircraft, refer to the “Flight 

Mode Switch” on P27 for more information. 

Front LED Rear LED

Aircraft Status Indicator
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 13

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Aircraft Status Indicator Description

Normal

 Red, Green and Yellow Flash 

Alternatively Power on and self-check

 Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Aircraft warming up

 Green Flashes Slowly Safe to Fly (P mode with GPS and Vision Positioning)

X2 Green Flashes Twice Safe to Fly (P mode with Vision Positioning but without GPS)

 Yellow Flashes Slowly Safe to Fly (A mode but No GPS and Vision Positioning)

Warning

 Fast Yellow Flashing Remote Controller Signal Lost

 Slow Red Flashing Low Battery Warning

 Fast Red Flashing Critical Low Battery Warning

 Red Flashing Alternatively IMU Error 

— Solid Red Critical Error 

 Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively Compass Calibration Required

Return to Home (RTH)

The Return to Home (RTH) brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are three cases 

that will trigger RTH procedure; they are Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH and Failsafe RTH.

GPS Description

Home Point

The Home Point is the location at which your aircraft takes off when the 

GPS signal is strong. You can view the GPS signal strength through 

the GPS icon ( ). If you are using the Dynamic Home Point 

setting, the Home Point will be updated to your current position as you 

move around and when the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks green. 

Smart RTH

Using the RTH button on the remote controller (refer to “RTH button” on P28 for more information) or the 

RTH button in the DJI Pilot app when GPS is available to enables smart RTH. The aircraft return to the 

latest recorded Home Point, you may control the aircraft's orientation to avoid collision during the Smart 

RTH. Press the Smart RTH button once to start the process, press the Smart RTH button again to exit 

Smart RTH and regain the control.
14 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Battery Level 

Warning Remark Aircraft Status Indicator DJI Pilot app Flight Instructions

Low battery 

level warning

The battery 

power is low. 

Please land the 

aircraft.

Aircraft status 

indicator blinks 

RED slowly.

Tap “Go-home” to have 

the aircraft return to the 

Home point and land 

automatically, or “Cancel” to 

resume normal flight. If no 

action is taken, the aircraft 

will automatically go home 

and land after 10 seconds. 

Remote controller will sound 

an alarm.

Fly the aircraft 

back and land 

it as soon as 

possible, then 

stop the motors 

and replace the 

battery. 

Critical Low 

battery level 

warning

The aircraft 

must land 

immediately.

Aircraft status 

indicator blinks 

RED quickly.

The DJI Pilot app screen will 

flash red and aircraft starts to 

descend. Remote controller 

will sound an alarm.

The aircraft 

will begin to 

descend and land 

automatically.

Estimated 

remaining 

flight time

Estimated 

remaining flight 

based on current 

battery level.

N/A N/A N/A

Low Battery RTH 

The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is depleted to a point that 

may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or land the aircraft immediately 

when these warnings are shown. DJI Pilot app will advise user to return the aircraft to the Home Point 

when low battery warning is triggered. Aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is 

taken after 10 seconds countdown. User can cancel the RTH by pressing once on the RTH button. The 

thresholds for these warnings are automatically determined based on the current aircraft altitude and its 

distance from the Home Point. 

Aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support the aircraft to land to the ground 

from the current altitude. User can use the remote controller to control the aircraft’s orientation during the 

landing process.

The Battery Level Indicator is displayed in the DJI Pilot app, and is described below

Battery level indicator

Critical Low battery level 

warning(Red)

Low battery 

level warning

Sufficient battery 

level(Green)

Remaining flight time

Power requires 

to return home
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 15

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH, therefore it is important to set an 

reasonable Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch the DJI Pilot app and enter “Camera” 

view and select “MODE” to set the Failsafe altitude. 

Aircraft will stop ascending and immediately return to the Home Point if you move the throttle 

stick during the Failsafe.

Failsafe RTH

Failsafe RTH is activated automatically if remote controller signal (including video relay signal) is lost for 

more than 3 seconds provided that Home Point has been successfully recorded and compass is working 

normally. Return home process may be interrupted and the operator can regain control over the aircraft if 

a remote controller signal is resumed.

Failsafe Illustration 

 When the critical battery level warning activates and the aircraft is descending to land 

automatically, you may push the throttle upward to hover the aircraft and navigate it to a more 

appropriate location for landing.

 Color zones and markers on the battery level indicator reflect estimated remaining flight time 

and are adjusted automatically, according to the aircraft’s current status.

GPS

Dynamic Home Point

Dynamic home point is useful in situations when you are in motion and require a Home Point that is 

different from the takeoff point. GPS module is located at the position shown in the figure below:

Ensure the space above the GPS module is not obstructed when using Dynamic Home Point. 

 5 Go Home(20m can be set)

Fast Blinking Yellow

 1 Record Home Point (HP)

 Blinking Green

 3 Remote Controller Signal Lost

Fast Blinking Yellow

 2 Confirm Home Point

Blinking Green

 6 Landing after Hovering 15secs

Fast Blinking Yellow

 4 Signal Lost Lasts 3secs.

Fast Blinking Yellow

Height over HP>20m

Elevate to 20m

Height over HP<=20m

20m

<8m
16 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

There are two options for Dynamic Home Point.

1. Set the aircraft current coordinate as the new Home Point. 

2. Set the remote controller’s coordinate as the new Home Point. 

Setting Up Dynamic Home Point

Follow the steps below to setup Dynamic Home Point:

1. Connect to the mobile device and launch the DJI Pilot app and go to the “Camera” page.

2. Tap“ ”and select“ ”, to reset the remote controller’s coordinates as the new Home Point.

3. Tap“ ”and select“ ”, to reset the aircraft’s coordinates as the new Home Point.

4. The aircraft status indicator blinks green to show Home Point is set successfully.

Vision Positioning System

DJI Vision Positioning is a positioning system that uses ultrasonic and image data to help the aircraft 

identify its current position. With the help of Vision Positioning, your Inspire 1 can hover in place more 

precisely and fly indoors or in other environments where there is no GPS signal available. The main 

components of DJI Vision Positioning are located on the bottom of your Inspire 1, including [1]two sonar 

sensors and[2]one monocular camera. 

Using Vision Positioning 

Vision Positioning is activated automatically when the Inspire 1 is powered on. No manual action is 

required. Vision Positioning is typically used in the indoor environment where no GPS is available. By 

using the sensors on the Vision Positioning system, Inspire 1 can perform precision hovering even when 

no GPS is available. 

[1]

[2]
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 17

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Follow the steps below to use Vision Positioning:

1. Toggle the switch to “P” as shown the figure to the right:

2. Place the Inspire 1 on a flat surface. Notice that the Vision Positioning system 

cannot work properly on surfaces without pattern variations. 

3. Power on the Inspire 1. The aircraft status indicator will flash twice in green light, 

which indicates the Vision Positioning system is ready. Gently push the throttle up 

to lift off, and the Inspire 1 will hover in place.

The performance of your Inspire 1’s Vision Positioning System is subject to the surface you are 

flying over. The ultrasonic waves may not be able to accurately measure the distance over sound 

absorbing materials, and the camera may not function correctly in suboptimal environments. The 

aircraft will switch from “P” mode to “A” mode automatically if both GPS and Vision Positioning 

System are not available. So operate the aircraft cautiously when in any of the following situations: 

Flying over monochrome surfaces (e.g. pure black, pure white, pure red, pure green).

Flying over a highly reflective surfaces. 

Flying at high speeds(over 8m/s at 2 meters or over 4m/s at 1 meter).

Flying over water or transparent surfaces.

Flying over moving surfaces or objects.

Flying in an area where the lighting changes frequently or drastically. 

Flying over extremely dark (lux < 10) or bright (lux > 10,000) surfaces. 

Flying over surfaces that can absorb sound waves (e.g. thick carpet). 

Flying over surfaces without clear patterns or texture. 

Flying over surfaces with identical repeating patterns or textures (e.g. tiles with same design). 

Flying over inclined surfaces that will deflect sound waves away from the aircraft.

In the event of loss of remote controller’s signal, the aircraft will hover for 8 seconds and then 

auto-land if it is in “P” mode. 

Keep the sensors clean at all times. Dirt or other debris may adversely affect the effectiveness 

of the sensors.

The effective hovering altitudes of the aircraft is from 0 to 2.5 meters. 

Vision Positioning system may not function properly when the aircraft is flying over water.

Vision Positioning system may not be able to recognize pattern on the ground in low light

conditions (less than 100lux).

Do not use other ultrasonic devices with frequency of 40 KHz when Vision Positioning system is 

in operation. 

Vision Positioning system may not be able to stabilize the aircraft when flying close to the

ground (below 0.5 meters) in fast speed.

Keep the animals away from the aircraft when Vision Positioning system is activated. The sonar 

sensor emits high frequency sound that is only audible to some animals.

Flight Recorder 

Flight data is automatically stored in the internal storage device of the aircraft. User can gain access to 

these data through the DJI Pilot app. This includes flight duration, orientation, distance, aircraft status 

information, speed, and other parameters. 

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 

Use only DJI approved propellers with your Inspire 1. The grey or black nut on the propeller indicates 

the rotation direction of the propeller and where it should be attached. To attach the propellers properly, 
18 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Ensure propellers are attached to its corresponding motors, otherwise the aircraft cannot take off. 

Handling the propellers with care. 

Manually tighten each of the propellers on the corresponding motors to ensure it is attached firmly.

Detaching the Propellers 

Hold the motor still. Then spin the propeller in the unlock direction indicated on the propeller itself. 

Detaching 1345s Quick-Release Propellers

Press the 1345s Quick-Release propellers downward firmly then rotate the propeller in the unlock 

direction to unlock the propellers. 

Check that the propellers and motors are installed correctly and firmly before every flight. 

Ensure that all propellers are in good condition before each flight. DO NOT use old, chipped, 

or broken propellers.

To avoid injury, STAND CLEAR of and DO NOT touch propellers or motors when they are spinning.

ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience. 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery

The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery has a capacity of 4500mAh, voltage of 22.2V, and smart chargedischarge functionality. It can only be charged with an appropriate DJI approved charger.

Intelligent Flight Battery Charger

match the nut with the dots on the motors of your Inspire 1:

Propellers Grey cap(1345) Black cap(1345R)

Figure

Attach On Motors without a black dot Motors with a black dot

Legends Lock : Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to mount and tighten

 Unlock : Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to loosen and remove 

Attaching the Propellers

1. Attach the propellers with a grey nut onto a motor without a black dot and spin the propellers clockwise 

to secure them in place. Attach the propellers with a black nut onto a motor with a black dot and spin 

the propellers counter clockwise to secure its position. Be sure to completely tighten each propeller by 

hand before flight.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 19

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Functions

1. Battery Level Display: LEDs display the current battery level. 

2. Battery Life Display: LEDs display the current battery power cycle. 

3. Auto-discharging Function: The battery automatically discharges to below 65% of total power when it 

is idle (press the power button to check battery level will cause battery to exit idle state) for more than 

10 days to prevent swelling. It takes around 2 days to discharge the battery to 65%.It is normal to feel 

moderate heat emitting from the battery during the discharge process. Discharge thresholds can be 

set in the DJI Pilot app.

4. Balanced Charging: Automatically balances the voltage of each battery cell when charging.

5. Over charge Protection: Charging automatically stops when the battery is fully charged. 

6. Temperature Detection: The battery will only charge when the temperature is between 0 °C(32°F) and 

40°C (104°F). 

7. Over Current Protection: Battery stops charging when high amperage (more than 10A) is detected. 

8. Over Discharge Protection: Discharging automatically stops when the battery voltage reaches 18V to 

prevent over-discharge damage

9. Short Circuit Protection: Automatically cuts the power supply when a short circuit is detected.

10. Battery Cell Damages Protection: DJI Pilot app shows warning message when damaged battery cell 

is detected.

11. Battery Information History: Show the last 32 entries of battery information records that include warning 

messages and so on. 

12. Sleep Mode: Sleep mode is entered after 10 minutes of inactivity to save power. 

13. Communication: Battery voltage, capacity, current, and other relevant information is provided to the 

aircraft’s to the main controller.

Refer to Disclaimer and Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelins before use. Users take full 

responsibility for all operations and usage.

Battery must be fully charged before using it for the first time. Refer to "Charging the Intelligent 

Flight Battery" P21 for more information .

Using the Battery 

Powering ON/OFF

Powering On: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to power on. The 

Power LED will turn red and the Battery Level Indicators will display the current battery level. 

Powering Off: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to power off.

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Power Button

(Built-in LED)
20 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Low Temperature Notice:

1. The performance of the intelligent Flight Battery is significantly reduced when flying in a low

temperature environments (those with air temperatures below 5°C). Ensure that the battery is fully 

charged and the cell voltage is at 4.43 V before each flight. 

2. Using the Intelligent Flight Battery in extremely low temperature environments (those with air

temperatures below -10°C) is not recommended. When flying in environments with temperatures 

between 5°C and -10°C, the Intelligent Flight Battery should be able to achieve the appropriate voltage 

levels (above 4.2 V), but it is recommended that you apply the included insulation sticker to the battery 

in order to prevent a rapid drop in temperatures. 

3. If the DJI Pilot app displays the “Critical Low Battery Level Warning” when flying in low temperature 

environments, stop flying and land the aircraft immediately. You will still be able to control the aircraft’s 

movement when this warning is triggered. 

4. Store the Intelligent Flight Battery in a room temperature environment and ensure that its temperature 

exceeds 5°C before using it in the low temperature environment.

5. When using the Inspire 1 in a low temperature environment, begin by allowing the aircraft to hover at a 

low altitude, for approximately one minute, to heat the battery. 

6. To ensure optimum performance, keep the Intelligent Flight Battery’s core temperature above 20°C 

when in use.

In cold environments, insert the battery into the battery compartment and allow the aircraft to 

warm up for approximately 1-2 minutes before taking off.

Checking the battery level 

The Battery Level Indicators display how much remaining power the battery has. When the battery is 

powered off, press the Power Button once. The Battery Level Indicators will light up to display the current 

battery level. See below for details.

The Battery Level Indicators will also show the current battery level during charging and 

discharging. The indicators are defined below.

 : LED is on. : LED is flashing.

 : LED is off.

Battery Level 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Level

87.5%~100%

 75%~87.5%

 62.5%~75%

 50%~62.5%

 37.5%~50%

 25%~37.5%

 12.5%~25%

 0%~12.5%

 =0%
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 21

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Battery Life

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Life

90%~100%

 80%~90%

 70%~80%

 60%~70%

 50%~60%

 40%~50%

 30%~40%

 20%~30%

 below 20%

When battery life reaches 0%, it can no longer be used.

For more information about the battery, launch DJI Pilot app and check the information under the 

battery tab.

Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery

1. Connect Battery Charger to a power source (100-240V 50/60Hz).

2. Open the Protection Cap and connect the Intelligent Flight Battery to the Battery Charger. If the battery 

level is above 95%, turn on the battery before charging.

3. The Battery Level Indicator will display the current battery level during charging.

4. The Intelligent Flight Battery is fully charged when Battery Level Indicators are all off. 

5. Air cool the Intelligent Flight Battery after each flight. Allow its temperature to drop to room temperature 

before storing it for an extended period. 

Do not charge the Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller with standard charger (model: 

A14-100P1A) at the same time, otherwise the charger may overheat.

Always turn off the battery before inserting it or removing it from the Inspire 1. Never insert or 

remove a battery when it is powered on.

Charger Intelligent Flight Battery 

Power Outlet

Battery life

The battery life indicates how many more times the battery can be discharged and recharged before 

it must be replaced. When the battery is powered off, press and hold the Power Button for 5 seconds 

to check the battery life. The Battery Level Indicators will light up and/or blink as described below for 2 

seconds:
22 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Battery Level Indicators while Charging

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Level

0%~25%

25%~50%

50%~75%

75%~100%

Fully Charged

Charging Protection LED Display

The table below shows battery protection mechanisms and corresponding LED patterns. 

Battery Level Indicators while Charging

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Blinking Pattern Battery Protection Item

LED2 blinks twice per second Over current detected

LED2 blinks three times per second Short circuit detected

LED3 blinks twice per second Over charge detected

LED3 blinks three times per second Over-voltage charger detected

LED4 blinks twice per second Charging temperature is too low 

(<0°C)

LED4 blinks three times per second Charging temperature is too high 

(>40°C)

After any of the above mentioned protection issues are resolved, press the button to turn off the Battery 

Level Indicator. Unplug the Intelligent Flight Battery from the charger and plug it back in to resume 

charging. Note that you do not need to unplug and plug the charger in the event of a room temperature 

error, the charger will resume charging when the temperature falls within the normal range. 

DJI does not take any responsibility for damage caused by third-party chargers.

How to discharge your Intelligent Flight Battery:

To effectively calibrate the battery capacity, it is recommended to charge and discharge the 

battery thoroughly for every 10 charge-and-discharge cycle. User should install the battery onto 

the aircraft and then power on the aircraft to initiate the discharge process, discharge the battery 

until the aircraft is powered off automatically. User should then fully charge the battery to ensure 

the battery is working at its optimal.

Slow: Place the Intelligent Flight Battery into the Inspire 1’s Battery Compartment and power it 

on. Leave it on until there is less than 5% of power left, or until the battery can no longer 

be turned on. Launch the DJI Pilot app to check battery level.

Rapid: Fly the Inspire 1 outdoors until there is less than 5% of power left, or until the battery can 

no longer be turned on.
44 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

This chapter describes the flight safety 

and flight restrictions.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 45

Flight

Flight

Once pre-flight preparation is complete, it is recommended to use the flight simulator to learn how to fly 

safely. Ensure that all flights are carried out in a suitable location. 

Flight Environment Requirements

1. Do not use the aircraft in severe weather conditions. These include wind speed exceeding 10m/s , 

snow, rain and smog.

2. Only fly in open areas. Tall buildings and steel structures may affect the accuracy of the on-board 

compass and GPS signal.

3. Avoid from obstacles, crowds, high voltage power lines, trees or bodies of water.

4. Minimize electromagnetic interference by not flying in area with high levels of electromagnetism, 

including mobile phone base stations or radio transmission towers. 

5. Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environment factor such as air density and temperature. 

Be very careful when flying 14700 feet (4500 meters) or more above sea level as battery and aircraft 

performance may be reduced.

6. The Inspire 1 cannot operate within the polar areas in “P” mode.

Flight Limits and Flight Restriction Area 

Flight limits on height and distance can be set. The details of these flight limits are described in the following 

section.

All unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators should abide by all regulations from such organizations as 

the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), FAA and their own national airspace regulations. For 

safety reasons, the flight limits function is enabled by default to help users use this product safely and 

legally. The flight limits function includes height limits, distance limits and No Fly Zones.

When operating in P Mode, height, distance limits and No Fly Zones work together to manage flight. In A 

mode only height limits work and flights cannot go higher than 120 meters.

Max Height & Radius Limits

Max Height & Radius limit flying height and distance, and the user may change these settings in the 

DJI Pilot App. Once complete, your Inspire 1 will fly in a restricted cylinder that is determined by these 

settings. The tables below show the details of these limits. 

Max Height Max Radius

Home Point

Height of aircraft 

when powered on
46 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

GPS Signal Weak Blinking Yellow

Flight Limits DJI Pilot App Aircraft Status Indicator 

Max Height Flight height restricted to 

120m and under. 

Warning: Height limit 

reached. None.

Max Radius No limits

 If you fly out of the limit, you can still control the Inspire 1, but cannot fly it further. 

 If the Inspire 1 flies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back within 

range automatically. 

Flight Restriction of Restricted Areas 

Restricted areas include airports worldwide. All restricted areas are listed on the DJI official website at 

http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc. Restricted areas are divided into category A and category B. 

Category A areas cover major international airport such as LAX and Heathrow, while category B areas 

includes smaller airports.

Category A Safety Zone 

(1) The category A “safety zone” is comprised of a small “no-fly zone” and a range of “restrictedaltitude zones”. Flight is prevented in the “no-fly zone” but can continue with height restrictions in the 

restricted-altitude zone.

(2) 1.5 miles (2.4 km) around a designated safety zone is a no-fly zone, inside which takeoff is prevented. 

(3) 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to 5 miles (8 km) around restricted areas are altitude restricted, with maximum 

altitude going from 35 feet (10.5 m) at 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to 400 feet (120 m) at 5 miles (8 km). 

(4) A “warning zone” has been set around the safety zone. When you fly within 320 feet (100m) of the 

safety zone, a warning message will appear on the DJI Pilot App.

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green 

Flight Limits DJI Pilot App Aircraft Status Indicator 

Max Height Flight altitude must be under 

the set height. 

Warning: Height 

limit reached. None.

Max Radius Flight distance must be within 

the max radius.

Warning: Distance 

limit reached.

Rapid red flashing 

 when close to the 

max radius limit.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 47

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Category B Safety Zone 

(1) Category B “safety zone” is comprised of a “no-fly zone” and a “warning zone”.

(2) 0.6 miles (1 km) around the safety zone is a designated “no-fly zone”.

(3) A “warning zone” has been set around the safety zone. When you fly within 0.6 miles (1Km) of this 

zone, a warning will appear on the DJI Pilot App.
48 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green 

Zone Restriction DJI Pilot App Prompt 

Aircraft 

Status 

Indicator

 No-fly Zone

Motors will not start. Warning: You are in a No-fly 

zone. Take off prohibited.

Red flashing

If the aircraft enters the 

restricted area in A mode but 

P mode activates the aircraft 

will automatically descend to 

land then stop its motors after 

landing. 

Warning: You are in a No-fly 

zone, automatic landing has 

begun. (If you are within 1.5 mile 

radius)

Restrictedaltitude flight 

zone

If the aircraft enters the 

restricted area in A mode but P 

mode activates, it will descend 

to a safe altitude and hover 15 

feet below the safe altitude.

Warning: You are in a restricted 

zone. Descending to safe 

altitude. (If you are between the 

range of 1.5 mile and 5 mile 

radius)

Warning: You are in a restricted 

zone. Max flight height restricted 

to between 10.5m and 120m. Fly 

Cautiously.

Warning zone No flight restriction applies, but 

there will be warning message.

Warning: You are approaching a 

restricted zone, Fly Cautiously.

Free zone

No restrictions. None. None.

Semi-automatic descent: All stick commands are available except the throttle stick command 

during the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing. 

When flying in the safety zone, aircraft status indicator will blink red quickly and continue for 3 

seconds, then switch to indicate current flying status and continue for 5 seconds at which point 

it will switch back to red blinking.

For safety reasons, please do not fly close to airports, highways, railway stations, railway lines, 

city centers and other special areas. Try to ensure the aircraft is visible. 
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 49

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Preflight Checklist

1. Remote controller, aircraft battery, and mobile device are fully charged.

2. Propellers are mounted correctly and firmly.

3. Micro-SD card has been inserted if necessary.

4. Gimbal is functioning as normal.

5. Motors can start and are functioning as normal.

6. DJI Pilot app connected to the aircraft.

Calibrating the Compass

IMPORTANT: Make sure to calibrate the compass in every new flight location. The compass is very 

sensitive to electromagnetic interference, which can cause abnormal compass data leading to poor flight 

performance or even failure. Regular calibration is required for optimum performance.

 DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is a chance of strong magnetic interference, such 

as magnetite, parking structures, and steel reinforcements underground.

 DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or cellular 

phones.

 DO NOT calibrate beside massive metal objects.

Calibration Procedures

Choose an open space to carry out the following procedures. 

1. Ensure the compass is calibrated. If you did not calibrate the compass in the Checklist, or if you 

have changed your position since last calibrating it, tap “MODE” in the app and select “Compass 

Calibration” to calibrate the compass. Then follow the on-screen instructions. 

2. Hold and rotate the aircraft horizontally 360 degrees, and the Aircraft Status Indicator will display a 

solid green light. 
50 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

3. Hold the aircraft vertically with nose pointing downward, and rotate it 360 degrees around the center 

axis. Recalibrate the compass if the Aircraft Status Indicator show solid red.

If the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks red and yellow after the calibration, move your aircraft to a 

different location to carry out compass calibration.

Calibrate the compass before each flight. Launch DJI Pilot App, follow the on-screen instruction 

to calibrate the compass.

When to Recalibrate

1. When compass data is abnormal, and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking red and yellow.

2. When flying in a new location, or a location that is different from your last flight. 

3. When the mechanical structure of the Inspire 1 has changed, i.e. changed mounting position of the 

compass.

4. When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the Inspire 1 does not fly in straight lines.

Auto Take-off and Auto Landing

Auto Take-off

Use auto take-off to take off your aircraft automatically if the Aircraft Status Indicator displays blinking 

green. Follow the steps below to use auto take-off:

1. Launch DJI Pilot app, enter “Camera” page. 

2. Ensure the aircraft is in “P” mode.

3. Go through the pre-flight checklist. 

4. Tap“ ”, and confirm flight condition. Slide to confirm and take-off. 

5. Aircraft takes off and hovers at 1.5 meters above ground. 
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 51

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Flight Test 

Take off/Landing Procedures 

1. Place the aircraft on open, flat ground with battery indicators facing towards you.

2. Power on the remote controller and your mobile device, then the Intelligent Flight Battery.

3. Launch the DJI Pilot App and enter the Camera page.

4. Wait until the Aircraft Indicator blinks green. This means the Home Point is recorded and it is safe to fly 

now. If it flashes yellow, it means Home Point is not recorded, and you should not take off.

5. Push the throttle up slowly to take off or using Auto Take-off to take off.

6. Shoot photos and videos using the DJI Pilot app. 

7. To land, hover over a level surface and gently pull down on the throttle slowly to descend.

8. After landing, execute the CSC command or hold the throttle at its lowest position for 3 seconds or 

more until the motors stop.

9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first, followed by the Remote Controller.

Stopping Motors

There are two methods to stop the motors.

Method 1: When the Inspire 1 has landed, push the throttle down , then conduct CSC . Motors will stop 

immediately. Release both sticks once motors stop.

Method 2: When the aircraft has landed, push the throttle down and hold. The motors will stop after 3 

seconds.

Auto-Landing 

Use auto-landing to land your aircraft automatically if the Aircraft Status Indicator displays blinking green. 

Follow the steps below to use auto-landing:

1. Ensure the aircraft is in “P” mode.

2. Check the landing area condition before tapping “ ”, to perform landing. 

3. Aircraft lowers the landing gear and proceed to land automatically. 

Starting/Stopping the Motors

Starting Motors

The Combination Stick Command (CSC) listed below are used to start the motors instead of simply pushing the stick up. Ensure that you perform the CSC in one motion.

Do not perform CSC when aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will be stopped. 

OR

OR
52 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

When the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe 

mode. 

A low battery level warning is indicated by the Aircraft Status Indicator blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. 

Watch video tutorials about flight for more flight information.

Video Suggestions and Tips

1. Work through the checklist before each flight.

2. Select desired gimbal working mode in the DJI Pilot app.

3. Aim to shoot when flying in P mode only.

4. Always fly in good weather, such as sunny or windless days.

5. Change camera settings to suit you. These include photo format and exposure compensation.

6. Perform flight tests to establish flight routes and scenes.

7. Push the sticks gently to make aircraft movements stable and smooth.