© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 41

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

GPS Signal Weak Blinking Yellow

Flight Limits DJI GO app Aircraft Status Indicator 

Maximum 

Flight 

Altitude

Height is restricted to 400 

feet. (120m) and under.

Warning: Height limit 

reached. None.

Max Radius No limits

 If you fy out of the limit, you can still control the Phantom 3, but cannot fy it any father. If the 

Phantom 3 fies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fy back within 

range automatically.

 If the Phantom 3 fies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fy back 

within range automatically. 

No-Fly Zones 

All No-Fly Zones are listed on the DJI offcial website at http://fysafe.dji.com/no-fy. No-Fly Zones are 

divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and fying felds where manned 

aircraft operate at low altitudes. Restricted Areas include border lines between countries or sensitive 

institute. The details of the No-Fly Zones are explained as follow:

Airport

(1) Airport No-Fly Zone are comprised of Take-off Restricted zones and Restricted Altitude Zones. Each 

zone features circles of various sizes. 

(2) R1 miles (value of the R1 depends on the size and shape of the airport) around the airport is a Takeoff restricted zone, inside of which take off is prevented. 

(3) From R1 mile to R1 + 1 mile around the airport the fight altitude is limited to a 15 degree inclination.

Starting at 65 feet (20 meters) from the edge of airport and radiating outward. The fight altitude is 

limited to 1640 feet (500 meters) at R1+1 mile

(4) When the aircraft enters within 320 feet (100 meters) of No-Fly Zones, a warning message will appear 

on the DJI GO app. 

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green 

Flight Limits DJI GO app Aircraft Status Indicator 

Maximum Flight 

Altitude

Aircraft's altitude cannot 

exceed the specifed value.

Warning: Height 

limit reached. None.

Max Radius Flight distance must be within 

the max radius.

Warning: Distance 

limit reached.

Rapid red fashing 

 when close to the 

max radius limit.
42 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Restricted Area

(1) Restricted Areas does not have fight altitude restrictions. 

(2) R miles around the designated restriction area is a Take-off Restricted area. Aircraft cannot take off 

within this zone. The value of R varies based on the defnition of the restricted areas. 

(3) A “warning zone” has been set around the Restricted Area. When the aircraft approaches within 0.062 

miles (100 m) of this zone, a warning message will appear on the DJI GO app. 

3

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Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green 

Zone Restriction DJI GO app Prompt 

Aircraft 

Status 

Indicator

 No-fy Zone

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

zone. Take off prohibited.

Red fashing

If the aircraft enters the 

restricted area in A-mode, but is 

switched to P-mode, the aircraft 

will automatically descend, land, 

and stop its motors. 

Warning: You are in a no-fy zone. 

Automatic landing has begun. 

Restrictedaltitude fight 

zone

If the aircraft enters the restricted 

area in A-mode, but is switched 

to P-mode, it will descend to an 

appropriate altitude and hover 

15 feet below the altitude limit.

R1: Warning: You are in a 

restricted zone. Descending to 

safe altitude. 

R2: Warning: You are in a 

restricted zone. Maximum fight 

altitude is restricted to between 

20m and 500m. Fly cautiously.

Warning zone No fight restriction applies, but 

there will be a warning .

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 fying in a safety zone, the aircraft's status indicator will blink red rapidly and continue 

for 3 seconds, then switch to indicate current fying status and continue for 5 seconds at which 

point it will switch back to blinking red.

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

city centers, or other sensitive areas. Fly the aircraft only within your line of sight. 
44 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Prefight Checklist

1. Remote controller, Intelligent Flight Battery, and mobile device are fully charged.

2. Propellers are mounted correctly and frmly.

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

4. Gimbal is functioning normally.

5. Motors can start and are functioning normally.

6. The DJI GO app is successfully connected to the aircraft.

Calibrating the Compass

IMPORTANT: Always calibrate the compass in every new fight location. The compass is very sensitive 

to electromagnetic interference, which can produce abnormal compass data and lead to poor flight 

performance or fight failure. Regular calibration is required for optimal performance.

 Do not calibrate your compass where there is any possibility of strong magnetic interference. 

Sources of potential interference include magnetite, parking structures, and subterranean 

metal structures

 Do not carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or cellular 

phones.

 Do not calibrate in direct proximity to large metal objects. 

 DO NOT calibrate indoors.

Calibration Procedures

Choose an open area to carry out the following procedures. 

1. Ensure that the compass is calibrated. If you did not calibrate the compass as part of your pre-fight 

preparations, or if you have moved to a new location since the last calibration, tap the Aircraft Status 

Bar in the app and select “Calibrate”, then follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Hold the aircraft horizontally and rotate 360 degrees. The Aircraft Status Indicators will display a solid 

green light.
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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 glows solid red.

If the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks red and yellow after the calibration procedure, move your 

aircraft to a different location and try again.

Calibrate the compass before each flight. Launch the DJI GO app and follow the on-screen 

instructions to calibrate the compass. DO NOT calibrate the compass near metal objects such 

as a metal bridge, cars, scaffolding.

When to Recalibrate

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

2.When fying in a new location or in a location that is different from the most recent fight.

3.When the mechanical or physical structure of the Phantom 3 Professional has been changed.

4.When severe drifting occurs in fight, i.e. Phantom 3 Professional does not fy in straight line.

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing

Auto Takeoff

Use auto takeoff only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the 

auto takeoff feature:

1. Launch the DJI GO app, and enter “Camera” page. 

2. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode.

3. Complete all steps on the pre-fight checklist.

4. Tap“ ”, and confrm that conditions are safe for fight. Slide the icon to confrm and takeoff.

5. Aircraft takes off and hovers at (1.2 meters) above ground. 

Aircraft Status Indicator blinks rapidly when it is using the Vision Position System for stabilization. 

The aircraft will automatically hover below 3 meters. It is recommended to wait until there is 

suffcient GPS lock before using the Auto Take-off feature. 
46 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Flight Test 

Takeoff/Landing Procedures

1. Place the aircraft in an open, fat area with the battery level indicators facing towards you.

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

3. Launch the DJI GO app and enter the Camera page.

4. Wait until the Aircraft Indicators blink green. This means the Home Point is recorded and it is now safe 

to fy. If they fash yellow, the Home Point has not been recorded.

5. Push the throttle up slowly to take off or use Auto Takeoff.

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

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

8. After landing, execute the CSC command or hold the throttle at its lowest position until the motors stop.

9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery frst, then the Remote Controller.

Stopping the Motors

There are two methods to stop the motors.

Method 1: When Phantom 3 Professional has landed, push the throttle down , then conduct the same 

CSC that was used to start the motors, as described above . Motors will stop immediately. Release both 

sticks once motors stop.

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

seconds.

Auto-Landing 

Use auto-landing only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the 

auto-landing feature:

1. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode.

2. Check the landing area condition before tapping “ ”, to begin landing. Then follow the on-screen 

instructions. 

Starting/Stopping the Motors

Starting the Motors

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start the motors. Push both sticks to the bottom 

inner or outer corners to start the motors. Once the motors have started spinning, release both sticks 

simultaneously.

OR

Method 1

OR

Method 2

Do not perform a CSC when the aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will suddently stop. 
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When the Aircraft Status Indicators blink yellow rapidly during fight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe 

mode.

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

rapidly during fight.

Watch our video tutorials for more fight information.

Video Suggestions and Tips

1. Go through the full pre-fight checklist before each fight.

2. Select the desired gimbal operation mode in the DJI GO app.

3. Only shoot video when fying in P-mode.

4. Always fy in good weather and avoid fying in rain or heavy wind.

5. Choose the camera settings that suit your needs. Settings include photo format and exposure compensation.

6. Perform fight tests to establish fight routes and preview scenes.

7. Push the control sticks gently to keep the aircraft’s movement smooth and stable.
48 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

FAQ
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 49

FAQ

Troubleshooting (FAQ)

What is the difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced?

The biggest difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced is in the 

camera. The Phantom 3 Professional is capable of shooting spectacular 4K video at up to 30 frames per 

second, and the Phantom 3 Advanced is capable of shooting at resolutions up to 1080p60. Both models 

shoot 12 megapixel photos.

The other main difference is the Intelligent Flight Battery charger. The Phantom 3 Advanced comes with a 

57-watt charging unit and the Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 100-watt charger, the latter of which 

allows for shorter charging times.

Can I remove the camera and attach my own?

No. The cameras that come with both models are permanently attached. Attempting to remove, replace, or 

modify the camera may damage the product and will void your warranty. 

Can I charge my Remote Controller and Intelligent Flight Battery at the same time?

While the Remote Controller charger and Intelligent Flight Battery charger have been integrated into one 

unit for your convenience, it is recommended that you only charge one item at a time. We recommend that 

you never charge both items using the same charger at the same time. 

What are the buttons on the back of my Remote Controller for?

The two buttons on the back of the Remote Controller can be customized and assigned to function as you 

choose through the DJI GO app. Refer to the manual for more information. 

How far can I fy my Phantom 3?

The signal transmission distance will vary depending on environmental conditions, but the Phantom 3 

series can reach distances of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) away from the pilot. 

What app should I use with my Phantom 3?

The Phantom 3 is compatible with the DJI GO app for iOS and Android, which is already used with the DJI 

Inspire. The app will detect which aircraft is connected and automatically adjust accordingly. 

Which mobile devices are compatible with the app?

The DJI GO app is only compatible with devices running iOS 8.0 or later or Android v4.1.2 or later.

The following devices are recommended:

iOS: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi 

+ Cellular, iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular. This app is 

optimized for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus

Android: Samsung S5, Note 3, Sony Z3 EXPERIA, Google Nexus 7 II, Google Nexus 9, Mi 3, Nubia Z7 mini

Support for additional Android devices will become available as testing and development continues.
50 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

FAQ

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

How do I use the Director automatic video editor?

Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI GO app. After recording several video clips, simply 

tap “Director” from the app’s home screen. You can then select a template and a specifed number of 

clips, which are automatically combined to create a short flm that can be shared immediately.

How do I change the control mode of my Phantom 3?

By default, the Remote Controller is set to Mode 2. This means that the right control stick controls the 

movement of the aircraft and the left control stick controls the throttle and orientation of the aircraft. These 

controls can be changed to Mode 1 or set to a customized confguration in the DJI GO app. This is only 

recommended for advanced users.

Can I use a Phantom 2 Remote Controller with the Phantom 3?

No. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller operates on a different frequency. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller 

operates at 5.8 GHz and the new Phantom 3 Remote Controller operates at 2.4 GHz. 

Can I use a Phantom 2 Intelligent Flight Battery with the Phantom 3?

No. The Phantom 3 uses a newly designed Intelligent Flight Battery with greater power. The Phantom 3 has 

a 4 cell battery with a capacity of 4480 mAh and a voltage of 15.2 V. 

My Phantom 3 does not turn off right away, is something wrong?

This is normal. After you attempt to power off the Intelligent Flight Battery, it may remain on for a few 

seconds as any video data is saved to the Micro SD card. This helps prevent your data from being lost or 

corrupted. 

Do I have to buy the Remote Controller separately?

No, there is no need to buy a separate Remote Controller. Your Phantom 3 comes with a Remote Controller 

that is already linked to the aircraft. 

Does my Phantom 3 support dual Remote Controllers?

No. The included Remote Controller can be used to control both the aircraft and the gimbal tilt at the same 

time.

What does the “P, A, F” switch on the Remote Controller do?

This switch, called the Flight Mode Switch, allows you to toggle different fight modes:

P-mode, or Positioning mode, indicates that both GPS and the Vision Positioning System are active and 

your Phantom 3 will attempt to stabilize using both.

In A-mode, or Attitude mode, the aircraft does not use GPS or the Vision Positioning System. Only the 

barometer is used for stabilization. The aircraft can still return to the Home Point as long as a suffcient GPS 

signal is available.

F-mode, or Function mode, activates Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) functionality. Refer to the IOC 

section in the Appendix of the User Manual.

By default, only P-mode may be used. Refer to your user manual for instructions on unlocking the other 

modes.