"' 

January 20, 2016 

Attn: 

U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations West 

Building Ground Floor, Room w 12-140 

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 

RE: ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, LLC 

_;_ > ... ·· 

L ;_I , l -~ :;---~ , . ; ~ l.~. (j 

REQUEST AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF TITLE 14 OF THE CODE 

OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING 

COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF DJI Phantom 3 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 

2012 (PUBLIC LAW 112-95) 

Wade Riddering 

CEO 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

1773 Mesa Verde Dr 

San Bernardino, CA 92404 

909-553-4506 F-909-474-9305 

wade@erc-llc.us 
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 

Glossary of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................ 3 

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 4 

Introduction And Interests Of Petitioner ................................................................................. .4 

Background .............................................................................................................................. 5 

Basis for Petition ...................................................................................................................... 5 

Name And Address Of Petitioner ............................................................................................ 6 

The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

Seeks Exemption ...................................................................................................................... ? 

The Extent Of Relief Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks And The Reason 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks The Relief. ....................................... .1 0 

The Reasons Why Granting Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's Request 

Would Be In The Public Interest ....................................................................................... .12 

The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption To Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety .................................................................................... 14 

Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register ................................................. 24 

Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support Environmental 

Regulatory Compliance, LLC's Request ............................................................................. 24 

Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 25 

Appendix A- No Fly Zones ................................................................................................ 26 

Appendix B- Safety Manual. .............................................................................................. 27 

Appendix C- Photo ofsUAS .............................................................................................. 31 

Appendix D- Manufacturer's User Manual ........................................................................ 32 

2 

~ 
AGL 

AOI 

ATC 

ATO 

AV 

CFR 

COA 

FAA 

FAR 

GCS 

GPS 

LOL 

NAS 

NOT AM 

PIC 

Section 333 

SOP 

UA 

UAS 

VFR 

VLOS 

VMC 

vo 

VTOL 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS 

Above Ground Level 

Area of Interest 

Air Traffic Control 

Air Traffic Organization 

Aerial Vehicle 

Code of Federal Regulations 

Certificate of Authorization 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Federal Aviation Regulation 

Ground Control Station 

Global Positioning System 

Loss ofLink 

National Airspace System 

Notice to Airman 

Pilot In Command 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (FMRA) 

Standard Operating Procedures 

Unmanned Aircraft 

Unmanned Aircraft System 

Visual Flight Rules 

Visual Line of Site 

Visual Meteorological Conditions 

Visual Observer 

Vertical Takeoff and Landing 

3 
SUMMARY 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R 

§61.113(a)&(b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1)&(a)(2), and 

91.417(a)&(b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (DJI Phantom 3) pursuant to Section 

333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for 

the commercial purpose of conducting aerial data collection of construction and industrial sites, 

residential and commercial real estate, civil landscapes and events over certain areas of the 

United States. 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC has for over twenty years provided their clients 

(which include private sector businesses and non-profits, along with local state and federal 

agencies) with expertise and knowledge in environmental regulation compliance. Environmental 

Regulatory Compliance, LLC has worked on thousands of projects over the past 20 years in all 

types of iocations with a perfect client and employee safety record. In the past we have supplied 

our clients aerial data collection 1 using commercial aircraft. The objective of Environmental 

Regulatory Compliance, LLC and our Unmanned Aircraft System (DJI Phantom 3) aerial 

operations is to provide a more affordable, high-quality aerial data collection system for a variety 

of governmental, commercial, industrial, public, and residential uses, specifically targeting 

• Construction sites before and after 

• Industrial Businesses 

• Residential 

• Real-estate marketing 

• Economic development 

• Civic landmarks 

• ".pecial event coverage 

• Private and governmental training 

My staff has safely flown small RC electric quadcopters recreationally for approximately 2 years 

without incident. 

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. Examples include 

imagery (p'~v!ography, video, inti'ared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF analysis, etc.), chemical 

measureme•'t ~particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by instruments aboard the UA. 

4 
BACKGROUND 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI Phantom 3, UAS 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks an exemption to operate DJI Phantom 3 

system for compensation or hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 3 is vertical takeoff and 

landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing 

electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 3 has a maximum gross weight of 

approximately 2.8 lb. while having a diagonal dimension of23.2", a maximum speed of 

approximately 16.4'fps and a maximum flying height of 400'. The DJI Phantom 3 is equipped 

with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors. 

The DJI Phantom 3 that will be operated by Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will be 

registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of Aircraft, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 

47, Aircraft Registration, and marked in accordance with 14 C.P.R. Part 45, Identification and 

Registratinn Marking. 

BASIS FOR PETITION 

Petitioner, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC, pursuant to the provisions of the 

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.P.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 

2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby 

petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Phantom 3, UAS in the National 

Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113 

(a)&(b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1)&(a)(2), and 91.417(a)&(b). 

In consideration of the speed, weight, size, and limited operating area associated with the 

unmanned aircraft and its operation, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC operation of 

DJI Phantom 3 UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require 

an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.P.R. Part 21, Subpart H. 

Accordingly, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC requests relief from Sections 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth 

requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that the requested relief is proper since an 

equivalent level of safety will be ensured. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will use 

experienced personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive 

maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating 

documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). 

Furthermore, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will document and maintain all 

maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 UAS. 

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges 

and limittizians: Pilot in command, is requested by Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

to the extent ne~essary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level 

certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting 

minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI 

5 
Phantom UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency 

maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil 

aircraft airworthiness, because the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do not require an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, Environmental Regulatory 

Compliance, LLC submits that they will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is in an airworthy 

condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the UAS are in compliance with the 

operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual), 

and that the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight. 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC also seeks an exemption from the requirements of 

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 3 U AS will not have a typical 

barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be 

provided to the PIC via Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications 

telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight 

path. This altitude information, combined with Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's 

operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 400 feet AGL, will 

ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. 

Additionally, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks an exemption from the 

requirements of Section 91.151 (b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that safety will not be affected by 

operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions 

(VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 

approximately 23 minutes. Battery power indicators are also able to show exactly how much 

battery power is left, as well as how much time is needed to return safely back to point of take 

off. 

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC provides the 

following information in support of its petition for exemption: 

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner. 

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is: 

Wade Riddering 

CEO 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

1773 Mesa Verde Dr 

San Bernardino, CA 92404 

909-553-4506 F-909-474-9305 

wade@erc-llc.us 

6 
B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Environmental Regulatory Compliance, 

LLC Seeks Exemption. 

1. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 61.113(a) And (b). 

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, 

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part: 

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command 

(PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; 

nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft. 

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in 

connection with any business or employment if-

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and 

(2) Th~ aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

2. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 91. 7(a). 

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), states the following: 

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. 

3. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 91.121. 

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in part: 

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight level 

of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when 

uperating--

(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to--

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and 

within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft; 

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(l)(i) of 

this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available 

station; or 

(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the 

departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before 

departure. 

7 
4. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 91.151(b). 

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection 

(b), states the following: 

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions unless 

(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the 

first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that 

for at least 20 minutes. 

5. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirement 

Of Section 91.405(a). 

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required, subsection (a), states the following: Each 

owner or operator of an aircraft-

( a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall 

between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have 

discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter[.] 

6. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 91.407(a)(l) 

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, 

rebuilding, or alteration, subsection (a)(l), states the following: 

(a} No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive 

maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless--

(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under§ 43.7 

of this chapter[.] 

7. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Sections 91.409(a)(l) And 91.409(a)(2). 

Section 91.409, entitled Inspections, subsection (a), states the following: 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an 

aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had --

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been 

approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of this chapter; or 

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance 

with part 21 of this chapter. 

8 
8. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b). 

Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records, subsections (a) and (b), state the 

following: 

(a) Except for work performed in accordance with§§ 91.411 and 91.413, each 

registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods specified 

in paragraph (b) of this section: 

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and 

records of the 1 00-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved 

inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe) and each 

engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must include--

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the 

work performed; and 

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and 

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft 

for return to service. 

(2) Records containing the following information: 

(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and 

each rotor. 

(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, 

rotor, and appliance. 

(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which 

are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis. 

(iv) The current inspection status ofthe aircraft, including the time since the 

last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft 

and its appliances are maintained. 

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and safety 

directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety 

directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves 

recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required. 

(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by§ 43.9(d) of this chapter for each 

major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, 

propellers, and appliances. 

9 
(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods 

prescribed: 

(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(l) of this section shall be retained until 

the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is 

performed. 

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and 

transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold. 

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of 

this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is 

approved for return to service. 

C. The Extent Of Relief Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks And The 

Reason Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks The Relief. 

1. Extent Of Relief Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks And The Reason 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And 

(b). 

Relief from Section 61.113( a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in 

command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a private pilot or higher 

level certificate, as well as a current and valid airman medical certificate, and who has met 

certain flight-hour and currency requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for 

compensation or hire. 

This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state that a 

private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any 

business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and 

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

As set forth more fully below, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that an 

equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI 

Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, 

demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner 

consistent with the operations specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive 

and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures. 

Further, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 

3 U AS, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: ( 1) will be incidental to 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's business; and (2) will not carry passengers or 

property tor compensation or hire. 

10 
2. Extent Of Relief Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks And The Reason 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Relief From Section 91. 7(a). 

Relief from Section 91.7 (a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, is requested to the extent 

required to allow Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC to determine that the DJI 

Phantom 3 UAS are in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is in 

compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 

3 UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart 

H. Therefore, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 

UAS are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents (i.e., 

Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3) prior to every flight, and further, determine that 

the aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations below. 

3. Extent Of Relief Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks And The Reason 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Relief From Section 91.121. 

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow flight operations 

ofthe DJI Phantom 3 UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a 

radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the U A to the 

PIC at the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude information 

concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level 

(AGL), Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI 

Phantom 3 UA's altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather than the local 

barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight. 

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought 

to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated below. As 

more fully :-..et forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained since the DJI 

Phantom 3 UA '\are equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which 

automatically ensures that a ground level pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, 

and provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS. 

4. Extent Of Relief Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks And The Reason 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Relief From Section 91.15l(b). 

Relief from Section 91.151 (b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, is 

requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS 

during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules 

(VFR), for a total duration of 23 minutes. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks the 

requested relief because without an exemption from Section 91.151 (b), the flight time duration of 

the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial 

data collection operations that Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC proposes to conduct 

pursuant to this Petition. 

II 
Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, the DJI 

Phantom 3 operating documents, and Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's proposed 

operating limitations, ensure that Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will safely 

operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological 

conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total 

duration of 23 minutes. 

5. Extent Of Relief Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks And The Reason 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b). 

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only apply to 

aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC requests 

relief from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 3 U AS do not require airworthiness 

certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS meet the conditions ofFMRA 

Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, Environmental 

Regulatory Compliance, LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or 

preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in 

the UAS operating documents (i.e., the Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Aerial 

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). 

Furthermore, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will document and maintain all 

maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 UAS. 

D. The Reasons Why Granting Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Request 

Would Be In The Public Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole. 

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing Environmental 

Regulatory Compliance, LLC to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial data 

collection of construction and industrial sites, real estate, events and civic landscape over certain 

areas oftht: United States. 

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will decrease congestion ofthe NAS, reduce 

pollution, and provide significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the benefits of 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS 

will be realized without implicating any privacy issues. 

1. The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS. 

The DJI Phantom 3 UAS are battery powered and serve as a safe, efficient, and economical 

alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial imagery. By reducing the 

amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use 

of a DJI Phantom 3 UAS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise 

and air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on the ground. 

Furthermcre, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, congestion 

around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Phantom 3 

UAS do not require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft 

12 
conducting aerial data collection missions would result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by 

air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight 

operations. 

2. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI Phantom 3 UAS. 

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, instead of manned aircraft, will 

greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated 

during traditional aerial data collection flight operations. By using battery power and electric 

motors, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS produce no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally 

conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion engine aircraft that are 

typically utilized for aerial data collection, while burning approximately 20-30 gallons per hour 

of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI Phantom 3 U AS, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial 

acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAS are propelled by battery powered 

electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine. 

By using the DJI Phantom 3 UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and 

property in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned aircraft 

flight operations, will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of 

flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS (weighing 

approximately 2.8 pounds at their maximum gross weight with diagonal dimension of23.2 

inches, and with no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and 

property on the ground, and in the air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct 

similar operations (weighing approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 

feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons). 

3. Performing Aerial Data Collection Operations With The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Will 

Benefit The Economy. 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are also an economical alternative 

to using wanned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI 

Phantom 1 UAS will allow United States based companies, like Environmental Regulatory 

Compliance, LLC, to remain competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. 

Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency 

("EPA") regulatory actions phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated 

companies must adopt new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating 

the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS is one such technology that not only allows companies 

greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without 

the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft. 

By operating the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, companies such as Environmental Regulatory 

Compliance, LLC, can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide greater job 

stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. 

economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the DJI 

Phantom 3 UAS, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, 

state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in 

order to remain competitive both in the United States and abroad. 

13 
4. There Are No Privacy Issues. 

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades, 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS 

will not implicate.any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be operated only 

in compliance with operating documents (i.e., Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual) 

which requires property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in 

accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude 

requirements ofl4 C.F.R. § 91.119. 

E. The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption Would Not Adversely Affect Safety, Or How 

The Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That Provided By 

The Rule From Which Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption. 

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Meet The Conditions Of The FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333. 

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

unmanned aircraft and its operation, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's operation of 

the DJI Phantom 3 UAS meet the conditions ofFMRA Section 333, and will not require an 

airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C .F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. 

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification and sets 

forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the 

public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the 

following, in part: 

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later 

than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 

shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the 

r:ational airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by 

sect;:m 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act 

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determination under 

subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum--

( 1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, 

weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated 

areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users 

of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national 

security; and 

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certfficate of authorization, or 

airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States 

Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified 

under paragraph (1). 

14 
(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--Ifthe Secretary determines under this section 

that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace 

system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such 

aircraft :o.ystems in the national airspace system. 

In seeking this exemption, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that the DJI 

Phantom 3 UAS can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated 

by: (a) the characteristics ofthe DJI Phantom 3 UAS; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and 

(c) the specific operating limitations. 

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics. 

The DJI Phantom 3 UAS does not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise 

pose a threat to national security considering its size, weight, speed, and operational capability. 

i. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 UAS. 

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are set forth by the DJI Phantom 3 User 

Manual, attached hereto as Appendix D. 

ii. The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Global Positioning Modes Enable The UAS To Remain 

Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The DJI Phantom 3 UAS may be operated in both manual and global positioning flight modes. A 

complete description of the flight and navigational modes of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is provided 

at pages 11 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual attached hereto as Appendix D. 

iii. The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Are Designed For Automatic Return To Home Point 

Or Hover In The Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation. 

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 

seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS does not reacquire control link data 

from the GCS, the UAS will assume that the Control Link is lost and the will return to the home 

position (i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are set forth at pages 

12 through 14 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual, attached hereto as Appendix D. 

iv. The DJI Phantom 3 GCS And Its Operation. 

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 GCS and flight 

control software is provided at pages 23 through 29 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual. DJI 

Phantom 3 User Manual is attached hereto as Appendix D. 

b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 3 U AS Is Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A 

Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety Observer. 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC video production staff will be the only persons to 

act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS. Additionally, a visual observer will 

assist him at all times during flight time. 

15 
c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 3 UAS Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating 

Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC proposes to 

commercially operate DJI Phantom 3 UAS for the special purpose of conducting aerial data 

collection over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the following specific operating 

limitations. 

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the following 

uircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UAS weighing less than 55 

pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed 

operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this 

grant. 

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting aerial data 

collection. Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an 

instrument(s) aboard the UA. Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, 

etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF analysis, etc.), chemical 

measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA 

3. The UAS may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles 

per hour). The exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to 

determine compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be 

operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended 

by the aircraft manufacturer. 

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating documents unless a 

special request is made and approved by ATC. All altitudes reported to ATC must be in 

feet AGL. 

5. The UAS must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) ofthe PIC at all 

times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device 

other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC's FAA-issued airman medical 

certificate or U.S. driver's license. 

6 All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) ofthe PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to 

satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. 

The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times; electronic 

messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be 

designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration 

of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the 

VO. 

7. The VO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and 

avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not 

permitted to operate the camera or other instruments. 

16 
8. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during 

UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy 

exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption and 

the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations 

contained in the grant of exemption take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, 

the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The 

operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator's 

responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the 

Administrator upon request. The operator must also present updated and revised 

documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the 

operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the 

FAA granted the exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant 

of exemption. The FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) may be contacted if 

questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents. 

9. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition 

for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of 

the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has 

been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground 

Control Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and 

alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft records. 

10. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS 

·operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, 

must undergo a functional test flight. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight 

must make an entry in the aircraft records. 

11. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. 

inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant 

sections of the operating documents. 

12. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer's aircraft/component, 

maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 

13. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping 

requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, 

alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts must be noted in the 

aircraft records, including total time in service, description of work accomplished, and 

the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service. 

14. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

Safety Bulletins. 

15. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective 

action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections. 

16. The PIC must possess at least a sport pilot certificate and a current FAA airman 

medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver's license. 

17 
17. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the 

operator's qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS 

in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances 

from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must be 

logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51 (b). Flights for the purposes of 

training the operator's PICs are permitted under the terms of the exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for 

flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C.P.R.§ 91.119. 

18. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.P.R. § 1.1. 

All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). If 

flight at night is required, a special request will be made at the FAA office closest to 

proposed area of operations. Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not 

authorized. 

19. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as 

denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement 

with that airport's management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in 

accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator's COA. The letter of 

agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator 

upon request. 

20. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC. 

21. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a predetermined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in 

accordance with the operating documents. 

22. The PIC must abort the flight in the event ofunpredicted obstacles or emergencies 

in accordance with the operating documents. 

23. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and 

forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to 

the intended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining. 

24. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of 

Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of 

exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman 

(NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the 

operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with airspace requirements 

in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, altitude level and potential 

transponder requirements. 

18 
25. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 C.P.R. part 47, and have identification (NNumber) markings in accordance with 14 C.P.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable. 

26. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation 

and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission 

(FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements. 

27. The documents required fewer than 14 C.P.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be available 

to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request. 

28. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation 

operations and activities at all times. 

29. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

30. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating 

persons (persons other than the PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons), 

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: 

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating 

persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator 

must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a 

situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are 

within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately and/or; 

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/ 

controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission and the 

PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those 

objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard, and; 

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons do 

not present an undue hazard to those persons per§ 91.119(a). 

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission 

from land owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each 

flight to be conducted. 

33. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov. 

19 
2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that the equivalent level of safety 

established by Section 61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to 

operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flighthour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in 

a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Considering Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's proposed area of operations, and the 

operating limitations set forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge 

requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements (See Exemption No. 11 062); and the 

airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, Environmental Regulatory 

Compliance, LLC submits that the additional manned airmanship experience of a commercially 

certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for Environmental 

Regulatory Compliance, LLC's specific proposed flight operations. 

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113 (a) and (b) specific to U AS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 

11062,11063,11064,11065,11066,11067,11080,11109,11110,11112,11136,11138,11150, 

11153,11156,11158,11159,11160, 11161). 

Environm~:ntal Regulatory Compliance, LLC will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 

3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour requirements or the 

DJI Phantom 3 UAS training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the 

DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and 

emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and 

structures. 

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 

61.51 (b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours of those 

hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under 

the exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and 

landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). 

As in Exemption Nos. 11 062, 1113 8, and 1115 3, prior documented flight experience that was 

obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an equivalent level of safety 

during Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's proposed operations. The Administrator 

has held that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable 

regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows: 

In Exemption No. 11062, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations for the 

purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated 

and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS 

rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a multi-rotor UAS. 

Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must also have accumulated and 

logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model ofUAS 

20 
to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these 

minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and 

model time may be included in the 10 hours of multi-rotor time and the 10 hours may be 

included in the total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour 

requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days 

(for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight-hour requirements 

in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the skills 

necessary to safely conduct the petitioner's proposed operations. The FAA also finds that 

prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable 

regulations would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and experience-building 

flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption to accomplish the required 

flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building flights the PIC is 

required to operate the UA with appropriate distances in accordance with 14 C.F.R 

91.119. 

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15. 

Accordingly, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will ensure safe operations by not 

allowing any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by 

meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate 

the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and 

emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and 

structure:~. 

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to 

every flight, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 

UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS's compliance with its operating 

documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations herein. 

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 

11062,11063,11064,11065,11066,11067,11080,11109,11110,11112,11136,11138,11150, 

11153,11156,11157,11158,11159,11160, 11161). 

4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because the 

altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment 

and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for 

active monitoring of the flight path and altitude. This altitude information, combined with 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS within 

visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 

91.121. The altitude information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the 

21 
aircraft. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the 

U AS at ground level. 

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in circumstances 

similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 

11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 

11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 

A grant of this P.xemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. 

Section 91.151 (b) as a result of ( 1) the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 U AS; (2) 

the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight 

operations. Accordingly, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will ensure that it will 

safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS during daylight hours in VFR conditions, 

with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 23 minutes. 

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications ofthe DJI Phantom 3 UAS; the 

limitations on the proposed flight operations; and the location of the proposed operations, will 

ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151 (b). Furthermore, 

safety will be ensured as the DJI Phantom 3 UAS provide audible and visual warnings to the PIC 

at the GCS when the UAS experiences low battery voltage, the first warning occurring at 

approximately 33% remaining battery power, and again at approximately 10% remaining battery 

power. At the critically low battery level, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will descend and land 

automatically. · 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 establish that 

safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the 

UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned aircraft to operate at less than the 

minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. 

Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to U AS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 

8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 

11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.405(a), 

91.4fY7(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not Adversely Affect 

Safety. 

In seeking this exemption, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that the 

equivalent level of safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements 

established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will 

be met because Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will use trained technicians to 

perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, 

techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Environmental Regulatory 

Compliance, LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 

22 
Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will document 

and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 UAS. 

Since the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will maintain the equivalent level of safety 

established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1 ), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy of the DJI Phantom 3 

User Manual is attached hereto as Appendix D. 

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because Environmental 

Regulatory Compliance. LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or 

preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by 

the operating d()cuments. 

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety established by 

Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance ofthe DJI Phantom 3 UAS 

will be performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will be documented and maintained 

utilizing the monthly maintenance log. 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a) 

(1), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is not adversely affected 

when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. 

In consideration of Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's proposed operating 

limitations, the operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, 

Environr ,L'1tal Regulatory Compliance, LLC submits that safety will not be adversely affected 

by grantiHg exe~ption from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l) and (a)(2), 91.409(a)(2), 

and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances 

similar, in ail material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 

11064,11065,11066,11067,11080,11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 

11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

7. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation. 

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (FMRA) and 

14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

requests that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 

3 UAS, which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a 

level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R § § 

61.113(a/ f.~ (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 

91.417(a) & (b). Such special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAS for the limited 

purpose of conducting aerial data collection over certain areas of the United States for 

compensation or hire. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a 

UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national 

security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness 

certification in accordance with any requirements that must be established for the safe operation 

of the UAS in the NAS. 

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, for 

23 
operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do 

not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features 

ofthe aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the following: 

If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain 

adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller 

because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller, he 

prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special 

conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and contain such safety 

standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds necessary to 

establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations. 

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16. 

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA may prescribe 

special conditions for Leading Edge's intended operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, which 

contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety 

equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & 

(b), 91. 7(a), 91.121, 91.151 (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)( 1 ), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). 

• A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The 

Rules From Which Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC Seeks Exemption: 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 

C.FR Sections 61.113(a)&(b), 91. 7(a), 91.121, 91.151 (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). 

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption Environmental Regulatory 

Compliance, LLC Seeks: 

This exemption will permit Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC to commercially 

operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial data 

collection over certain areas of the United States. 

• Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's Request. 

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) 

Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS may 

operate safely in the NAS. As such, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's request for 

exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, 

as set forth abcve. 

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and 

further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification. 

As discussed in detail above, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC will operate the DJI 

Phantom 3 UAS safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, 

or otherwise pose a threat to national security. 

24 
CONCLUSION 

As set forth herein, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC seeks an exemption pursuant to 

14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and Section 333 ofthe FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (FMRA), 

which will permit safe operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS commercially, without an 

airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of conducting aerial data collection over certain 

areas ofthe United States. By granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the 

Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing 

the interests of the public, by allowing Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC to safely, 

efficiently, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS commercially within the NAS. 

WHEREF'ORE, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of2012, Section 333, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, 

LLC respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the 

requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(l ), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit Environmental Regulatory 

Compliance, LLC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS commercially for the purpose of 

conducting aerial data collection over certain areas of the United States. 

Dated: January 20, 2016 

Respectfully submiJ.te,Q, 

$~~ 

Wade Ridtlering, CEO 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC 

1773 Mesa Verde Dr 

San Bernardino, CA 92404 

909-553-4506 F-909-474-9305 

wade@erc-llc.us 

Appendices: 

A- No-ny Zones 

B - Safety Manual 

C- Photo ofsUAS 

D- Manufacturer's User Manual 

25 
Appendix A: No-Fly Zones 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's Pilots will not be operating within 5 nautical 

miles of any airport. 

As a safety precaution, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC's pilots will not be 

operating within 5 nautical miles of any airport similar to the permission granted in 

Exemption No. 11153 - Regulatory Docket No. FAA20 140519, page 25, 11 20. The UA may 

not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a current FAApublished aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airports management is 

obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the 

operators CO A. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator upon request. 11 

As well as in Exemption No. 11195- Regulatory Docket No. FAA20140884, page 12, 11 19. 

The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a 

current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airports 

managemt!nt is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a Notice to 

Airmen (NOTAM), as required by the operators Certificate of Waiver or Authorization 

(COA). The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the 

Administrator upon request. 11 

Enviremnental Regulatory Compliance, LLC requests the same flexibility as exemptions 

11153 and 1 ~ 195 for acquiring agreement with the airports' management should operations 

fall within 5 nautical miles of an airport. 

26 
Appendix B: Safety Manual 

A. Maintenance 

a. The sUAS must be inspected every 10 flight hours. All maintenance records 

will be maintained for inspection as set forth in Section B. 

b. If any maintenance is undergone, the sUAS must pass a flight test with both a 

pilot and a manufacturer trained technician before flight. 

B. Record Keeping 

a. A digital record will be kept for all flights, flight times, and maintenance records. 

C. Securing Flight Site 

a. FSDO Submissions 

i. The sUAS operator will file a FAA Form 7711-1, or its equivalent, as 

modified in light of the requested exemption, with the appropriate 

Flight Standards District Office. 

b. Safety Parameter 

i. Before flight occurs, a 100 yard perimeter from the planned flight path 

will be identified in order to set a "sterile" environment for the 

operation. 

1. Environmental Regulatory Compliance, LLC must obtain 

written or oral permission from all landowners in sterile 

environment. 

2. 48 hours before flight, all residents or businesses within 100 

yards of the perimeter from the planned flight path will be 

notified with printed flyers. 

a. Flyers will contain date of flight, time of flight, and 

contact information. 

3. Streets and sidewalks that cross into the sterile environment will 

be marked with "Warning Low flying Aircraft - Stay Back 

150ft" signs to warn the public. 

27 
c. Identify Potential Obstacles 

i. Before each flight, an inventory will be taken for all potential 

obstacles that must be avoided while in flight. Including: 

1 . Powerlines 

2. Cell Phone Towers 

3. Trees 

4. Flocks of birds that may take flight 

5. Heavily traveled roadways 

6. Utility wires 

7. Elevated structures 

8. At least 5 nautical miles from the nearest airport or helipad. 

D. Pre-Flight Checklist 

a. Take Off Location/ "Home" 

i. The sUAS will mark its take off location as a safe area to return to 

should the sUAS lose signal with the control or if the pilot signals 

the craft to return to its "home" location. 

1. Take off location will be in an area with a 25ft radius with 

no obstructions, maintaining said radius vertically 200ft. 

2. The sUAS will take off and land in the same location. 

3. GPS Altimeter will be marked as 0' elevation 

b. Flight Canceling Events 

i. All flights will be cancelled for a minimum of 2 hours if any of the 

below occur: 

1. Police activity in the area 

2. Low flying aircraft in the area 

3. Medical/News Helicopters active in the area 

4. Wind exceeding 10 mph 

5. Any emergency requiring emergency services occurs within the 

sterile environment 

6. PIC is unable to complete flight without losing visual of the sUAS 

7. Any precipitation 

8. Heavy bird presence in the area that could cause a mid-air 

collision. 

9. Any defects or damage found during preflight exam 

28 
c. Physical Inspection 

i. Before each flight the sUAS will be checked to ensure that it is 

safe for flight. 

1. Battery voltage will be checked to ensure it is >75% 

2. Blades will be inspected to ensure they are tightened and free of 

damage 

3. Camera mount and gimbal will be inspected to ensure it is fully 

attached and operating. 

4. sUAS will be checked for any damage that may have taken place 

in transit. 

5. The sUAS will be tested at a low altitude to ensure all controls are 

responding correctly. 

6. Battery checked for damage that could affect its charge 

II. If any party of the inspecting shows a damaged part or parts, the 

sUAS is deemed non-usable and must be inspected by a factory 

trained technician./ 

d. Post Flight Inspections/Checklist 

1. After each flight, the the sUAS will be thoroughly inspected 

for any damage that occurred in flight. 

1. Body inspected for any damage 

2. Blades visually checked for any damage at all 

3. Battery checked for damage 

E. Mid-Air Safety Protocol 

a. Max Speed 

1. Accent 

1. lOm/s 

ii. Decent 

1. 4m/s 

iii. Flight Speed 

1. The sUAS is never to exceed 87 knots (100 mph) 

b. Altitude 

i. The sUAS is not to exceed 400ft above ground level 

29 
c. Emergency 

i. If it appears that the sUAS, any property or humans are at risk, the 

sUAS will be grounded immediately to a safe location. 

d. Sight 

i. The pilot must keep the sUAS within eyesight at all times unassisted by 

any technology. 

F. Participation by non-Pilot Staff 

a. All staff involved in the production or filming using the sUAS will consent to 

maintain a safe distance of at least 30ft during the filming. 

G. Pilot/Spotter Training 

a. Before flying, both the Pilot and spotter will receive updated information on the 

sUAS and its firmware. 

i. The controller allows for a simulator training, both the pilot and spotter 

are allowed to run through the simulator training 

30 
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Q Searching for Keywords 

Search for keywords such as "battery" and "install" to find a topic. If you are using Adobe Acrobat 

Reader to read this document, press Ctri+F on Windows or Command+F on Mac to begin a search. 

tJ Navigating to a Topic 

View a complete list of topics in the table of contents. Click on a topic to navigate to that section. 

Using this manual 

0 Warning & Important :\): Hints and Tips ~ Reference 

Read the following documents before using the Phantom 3 Professional: 

1.1nthe Box 

2. Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

3. Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide 

4. Phantom 3 Professional I Advanced Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer 

5. Phantom 3 Professional I Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines 

We recommend that you watch all tutorial videos on the official DJI website and read the Disclaimer 

before you fly. Prepare for your first flight by reviewing the Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide and 

refer to the User Manual for more detailed information. 

Please watch the tutorial videos at the link below, which demonstrates how to use Phantom 3 Professional 

safely: 

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3/video 

Download and install the DJI GO app before using the aircraft. Scan the OR code to the right 

to download the latest version. 

The Android version of the DJI GO app is compatible with Android 4.1.2 or later. 

The iOS version of the DJI GO app is compatible with iOS 8.0 or later. 
Contents 

Using this manual 

Legends 

Read Before the First Flight 

Video Tutorials 

Download the DJI GO app 

Product Profile 

Introduction 

Feature Highlights 

Preparing the Aircraft 

Aircraft Diagram 

Remote Controller Diagram 

Aircraft 

Flight Controller 

Flight Mode 

Flight Status Indicator 

Return-to-Home (RTH) 

Smart RTH 

Low Battery RTH 

Failsafe RTH 

Vision Positioning System 

Flight Recorder 

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery 

Remote Controller 

Remote Controller Profile 

Using the Remote Controller 

Remote Controller Status LED 

Linking the Remote Controller 

Remote Controller Compliance Version 

2 

2 

2 

2 

6 

6 

6 

8 

8 

11 

11 

11 

12 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

23 

23 

27 

28 

29 
Camera and Gimbal 

Camera Profile 31 

Gimbal 32 

DJI GO app 

Camera 35 

Director 38 

Store 38 

Discovery 38 

Flight 

Flight Environment Requirements 40 

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones 40 

Preflight Checklist 44 

Calibrating the Compass 44 

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing 45 

Flight Test 46 

Starting/Stopping the Motors 46 

Troubleshooting (FAQ) 

Appendix 

Specifications 54 

Firmwares Update 56 

Intelligent Flight Mode 56 

After-Sales Information 56 

FCC Compliance 57 
This section introduces the Phantom ~3 

Professional and lists the components of 

the aircraft and remote controller. 
Product Profile 

The Phantom 3 Professional represents the next generation of DJI quadcopters. It is capable of capturing 

4K video and transmitting an HD v'1deo signal out of the box. The built-in camera has an integrated gimbal 

to maximize stability while minimizing both weight and size. Even when no GPS signal is available, the 

Vision Positioning System allows the aircraft to hover accurately in place. 

Camera and Gimbal: With the Phantom 3 Professional, you're shooting 4K video at up to 30 frames per 

second and capturing 12 megapixel photos that look crisper and cleaner than ever. An enhanced sensor 

gives you greater clarity, lower noise, and better pictures than any previous flying camera. 

HD Video Downlink: The low-latency long range HD downlink is powered by an enhanced version of DJI 

Lightbridge. 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery: The 4480 mAh DJI Intelligent Flight Battery features upgraded battery cells 

and an advanced power management system. 

Flight Controller: The next-generation flight controller has been updated to provide a safer, more reliable 

flight experience. A newly implemented flight recorder stores critical data from each flight and the Vision 

Positioning System enhances hovering precision when flying indoors or in environments where GPS is 

unavailable. 

Removing Gimbal Clamp 

Remove the gimbal clamp by sliding it to the right (when facing the nose of the aircraft), as shown below. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Attaching the Propellers: 

Mount the propellers with black dots on to motors with black axes and spin counter-clockwise to secure. 

Mount the propellers with sliver dots on to motors with sliver axes and spin clockwise to secure. Be sure 

all propellers are securely in place. 

& Place all propellers onto the correct motors and tighten by hand to lock them in position. 

Battery Installation 

Slide battery into the battery compartment according to the arrow's direction shown below. Make 

su'e that you hear a click sound indicates the battery is firmly installed. Failure to do so may affect 

the flight safety of your aircraft. 

Preparing the Remote Controller: 

The mobile device holder is designed for securing tablet or mobile device. Tilt the mobile device holder to 

the desired position, then adjust the antennas so they are facing outward. 

1. Press the button on the top right side of the mobile device holder to release the clamp, then adjust the 

clamp to fit the size of your mobile device. 

2. Secure your mobile device in the clamp by pressing down, and connect your mobile device to the 

remote controller using a USB cable. 

3. Plug one end of the cable into the mobile device, and the other end into the USB port on the back of 

the remote controller. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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········ LE,j 

[1] GPS 

[2] Propeller 

[3] Motor 

[4] Front LED Indicator 

[5] Landing gear 

[6] Gimbal and Camera 

[7] Camera Status Indicator 

[8] Aircraft Micro-USB Port 

[9] Aircraft Status Indicator 

[10] Intelligent Flight Battery 

[11] Vision Positioning Sensors 

[12] Antennas 

[13] Camera Micro-SO Card Slot 

[14] Camera Micro-USB Port 

[15] Link Button 

[1] Antennas 

Relays aircraft control and 

video signal. 

[2] Mobile Device Holder 

Securely mounts your mobile 

device to the remote controller. 

[3] Control Stick 

Controls the orientation and 

movement of the aircraft. 

[4] Return Home (RTH) Button 

Press and hold the button to 

initiate Return to Home (RTH). 
[5] Battery Level LEDs 

Displays the battery level of the remote 

controller. 

[6] Status LED 

Displays the remote controller's system status. 

[7] Power Button 

Used to turn the remote controller on and off. 

[8] RTH LED 

Circular LED around the RTH button displays 

RTH status. 

[9] Camera Settings Dial 

Phantom 3 Professional User tvlanual 

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings. !'1<ii 

(Only functions when the remote controller is ;1:r 

connected to a mobile device running the DJI 

GOapp.) 

[1 0] Playback Button 

Playback the captured images or videos. 

(Only functions when the remote controller is 

connected to a mobile device running the DJI 

GOapp.) 

[11] Shutter Button 

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is 

selected, the set number of photos will be 

taken with one press. 

[12] Flight Mode Switch 

Switch between P-mode, A-mode, and 

F-mode. 

[13] Video Recording Button 

Press to start recording video. Press again to 

stop recording. 

[17] C1 Button 

Customizable through the DJI GO app. 

[18] C2 Button 

Customizable through the DJI GO app. 

[19] Power Port 

Connect to the DJI Phantom 3 Charger to 

charge the battery of the remote controller. 

[14] Gimbal Dial 

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. 

[15] Mircro-USB Port 

Reserved port. 

[16] USB Port 

Connect to mobile device or to a USB port for 

firmware upgrade. 
This section introduces the fcaturE;s of 

the i'light Controllcl-, Vision Positioning 

Systern, and the Intelligent Battery 
Aircraft 

The Phantom 3 Professional's flight controller features several important upgrades, including a new flight 

mode. Safety modes include Failsafe and Return-to-Home. These features ensure the safe return of your 

aircraft if the control signal is lost. The flight controller can also save critical flight data from each flight 

to the on-board storage device. The new flight controller also provides increased stability and a new air 

braking feature. 

Three flight modes are available. The details of each flight mode are found 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 Phantom 3 Professional depending on signal 

strength of GPS and Vision Positioning sensors: 

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

P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but the GPS signal strength is not sufficient. The aircraft is 

using only the Vision Positioning System for positioning. 

P-ATII: Neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is available. The aircraft is using only its barometer for 

positioning, so only altitude can be stabilized. 

A-mode (Attitude): GPS and Vision Positioning System are not used for stabilization. The aircraft only uses 

its barometer. The aircraft can still automatically return to the home point if the control signal is lost and 

the Home Point was recorded successfully. 

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

about IOC, refer to the IOC section in the Appendix. 

o\j; Use the Flight Controller mode switch to change the flight mode of the aircraft, refer to the "Flight 

Mode Switch" on Page 26 for more information. 

The Phantom 3 Professional has Front LEOs and Aircraft Status Indicators. The positions of these LEOs 

are shown in the figure below: 

The Front LEOs show the orientation of the aircraft. The Front LEOs glow solid red when the aircraft is 

turned on to indicate the front (or nose) of the aircraft. The Aircraft Status Indicators communicate the 

system status of the flight controller. Refer to the table below for more information about the Aircraft Status 

Indicators: 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

······Red, Green and Yellow Flash 

Alternatively Turning On and Self Diagnostic Testing 

:~9/:t;{) ·· ···· Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Warming Up 

:(q;. ······Green Flashes Slowly 

\GJX2 ······Green Flashes Twice 

·····Yellow Flashes Slowly 

· Slow Red Flashing 

······Fast Red Flashing 

· · · · · · Red Flashing Alternatively 

Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision 

Positioning) 

Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Posttioning but 

without GPS) 

Safe to Fly (A-mode but No GPS and Vision 

Positioning) 

Low Battery Warning 

Critical Battery Warning 

IMU Error 

Critical Error 

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

three types of RTH procedures: Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH. This section describes 

these three scenarios in detail. 

Home Point 

If a strong GPS signal was acquired before takeoff, the Home Point 

is the location frorn which the aircraft was launched. The GPS signal 

strength is indicated by the GPS icon ( ~.uii ). The aircraft status 

indicator will blink rapidly when the home point is recorded. 

Use the RTH button on the remote controller (refer to "RTH button" on page 26 for more information) 

or tap the RTH button in the OJI GO app and follow the on-screen instructions when GPS is available to 

initiate Srnart RTH. The aircraft will then automatically return to the last recorded Home Point. You may use 

the remote controller's control sticks to control the aircraft's position to avoid a collision during the Smart 

RTH process. Press and hold the Smart RTH button once to start the process, and press the Smart RTH 

button again to terminate the procedure and regain full control of the aircraft. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the OJI 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 prompted. The DJI GO app will display a notice when a low battery warning is triggered. The 

aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is taken after a ten-second countdown. The 

user can cancel the RTH procedure by pressing the RTH button on the remote controller. The thresholds 

for these warnings are automatically determined based on the aircraft's current altitude and distance from 

the Home Point. 

The aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support the aircraft long enough 

to descend from its current altitude. The user can still use the remote controller to alter the aircraft's 

orientation during the landing process. 

The Battery Level Indicator is displayed in the OJI GO app, and is described below: 

Critic:-;! L_,_:t,_;: tJ~ilidj i•.:.-vei 

V,TliT!!nq(Ht;;d} 

[B~~~~e~et 

···;~a!T(~· 

Low battery 

level warning 

Critical Low 

battery level 

warning 

Estimated 

remaining 

flight time 

The battery 

power is low. 

Please land the 

aircraft. 

The aircraft 

must land 

immediately. 

Estimated 

remaining flight 

based on current 

battery level. 

Suftic;ent h:-;.\tery 

kw~:-;i\Creen; 

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 

Fly the aircraft 

back and land 

it as soon as 

possible, then 

stop the motors 

and replace the 

seconds. Remote controller battery. 

will sound an alarm. 

Aircraft status 

The OJI GO app display will 

Allow the aircraft to 

indicator blinks 

flash red and the aircraft will 

descend and land 

start to descend. The remote 

RED quickly. controller will sound an alarm. automatically. 

N/A N/A N/A 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

:\): • When Critical battery level warning is triggered and the aircraft begins to land automatically, 

you may push the throttle upward to make the aircraft hover at its current altitude, giving you an 

opportunity to navigate to a more appropriate landing location. 

• The colored zones and markers on the battery level indicator bar reflect the estimated 

remaining flight time. They are automatically adjusted according to the aircraft's current location 

and status. 

If the Home Point was successfully recorded and the compass is functioning normally, Failsafe RTH will 

be automatically activated if the remote controller signal is lost for more than three seconds. The Returnto-Home process may be interrupted and the operator may regain control of the aircraft if the remote 

controller signal connection is re-established. 

Failsafe Illustration 

1 Record Home Point 2 Confirming Home Point 

~.ull 

3 Remote Controller Signal Lost 

-f!::~ . .s '"i~'(-

Blinking Green f:~:::-·;~-:-k,-in~g-=G~re®~e~n ------~_j---j I:: Blonkm: Yellow 

4 Signal Lost Lasts (after 3 sec.) 5 RTH (adjustal]e altitude) 6 Landing (after hovering for 5 sees) 

@ 

-~ 

... 

® 

Fast Blinking Yellow Fast Blinking Yellow 

.&, • Aircraft cannot return to the Home Point when GPS signal is weak ( [ Hil] displays grey) or 

unavailable. 

• Aircraft automatically descends and lands if RTH is triggered when the aircraft flies within a 20 

meters (65 feet) radius of the Home Point. Aircraft will stop ascending and immediately return to 

the Home Point if you move the throttle stick if the aircraft reaches 20 meters (65 feet) altitudes 

or beyond during Failsafe. 

• The aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH, therefore, it is important to set an 

suitable Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch the DJI GO app and enter "Camera" and 

select "MODE > Advanced Settings > Failsafe mode" to set the Failsafe altitude. 

• User cannot control the aircraft while the aircraft is ascending to its failsafe altitude. However, 

user can press RTH button once to exit ascending and regain control. 

Failsafe Safety Notices 

14 .:~ .. , ' 

The aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH, therefore, it 

is important to set an suitable Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch 

the DJI GO app and enter "Camera" and select "MODE > Advanced 

Settings > Failsafe mode" to set the Failsafe altitude. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

If the aircraft is flying under 20 meters (65 feet) and Failsafe (including 

Smart RTH, Lower Battery RTH ) is triggered, the aircraft will first 

automatically ascend to 20 meters (65 feet) from the current altitude. 

You can only cancel the ascending by exiting the Failsafe. Refer to "RTH 

Button" on page 26 for more information on how to exit the Failsafe and 

regain the control of the remote controller. 

Aircraft automatically descends and lands if RTH is triggered when the 

aircraft flies within a 20 meters (65 feet) radius of the Home Point. Aircraft 

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

the throttle stick if the aircraft reaches 20 meters (65 feet) altitudes or 

beyond during Failsafe. 

Aircraft cannot return to the Home Point when GPS signal is weak 

( [ ~ 111lll displays grey) or unavailable. 

if you move the throttle stick after the aircraft rises above 65 feet 

(20m) but below the pre-set Failsafe RTH altitude, the aircraft will stop 

ascending and immediately return to the Home Point. 

The DJI Vision Positioning System uses ultrasound and image data to help the aircraft maintain its current 

position. With the help of Vision Positioning, your Phantom 3 Professional can hover in place more precisely 

and fly indoors or in other environments where a GPS signal is not available. The main components of the 

Vision Positioning System are located on the bottom of your Phantom 3 Professional; they include [2] two 

ultrasonic sensors and [I] one monocular camera. 

/' ...... I . 

"u~ r~·; ······················(.~ ... ······:::~.~~::::::::::···· .. ~ !.21 

\::=' ~ 

Using Vision Positioning 

Vision Positioning is activated automatically when the Phantom 3 Professional is turned on. No 

further action is required. Vision Positioning is typically used in indoor environments, where GPS 

is unavailable. Using the sensors that are built into the Vision Positioning system, the Phantom 3 

Professional can hover precisely even without GPS. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Follow the steps below to use Vision Positioning: 

1. Toggle the flight mode switch toP-mode. 

2. Place the aircraft on a flat surface. Note that the Vision Positioning system cannot 

work properly on surfaces without clear pattern variations. 

3. Turn on the aircraft. The aircraft status indicator will flash green two times, which 

indicates the Vision Positioning system is ready. Gently push the throttle up to lift off 

and the aircraft will hover in place. 

The performance of your Vision Positioning System is affected by the surface over which it is 

flying. The ultrasonic sensors may not be able to accurately measure distances when operating 

above sound-absorbing materials. In addition, the camera may not function correctly in 

suboptimal environments. The aircraft will switch from P-mode to A-mode automatically if neither 

GPS nor Vision Positioning System are available. Operate the aircraft with great caution in 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 8 m/s at 2 meters or over 4 m/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> 100,000) 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 the same design). 

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

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

of the sensors. 

• Vision Positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitudes of 0.3 to 3 meters. 

• The Vision Positioning System may not function properly when the aircraft is flying over water. 

• The Vision Positioning System may not be able to recognize pattern on the ground in low light 

conditions (less than 100 lux) 

• 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) at fast speeds .. 

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

sensor emits high frequency sounds that are only audible to some animals. 

Flight data is automatically recorded to the internal storage of the aircraft. This includes flight 

telemetry, aircraft status information, and other parameters. To access these data, connect the 

aircraft to the PC through the Micro-USB port and launch the DJI GO app. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Use only DJI approved propellers with your Phantom 3 Professional. The grey and black nuts on 

the propeller indicate where they should be attached and in which direction whey should spin. To 

attach the propellers properly, match the nut color with the motor axis color. 

Attach On Motors with a grey axes Motors with a black axes 

Legends B") Lock: Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to mount and tighten. 

'0") Unlock: Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to loosen and remove. 

Attaching the Propellers 

1. Be sure to remove the warning stickers from the motors before attaching the propellers. 

2. Attach the propellers with silver dots onto the motors with silver axes and spin the propellers clockwise 

to secure them in place. Attach the propellers with black dots onto the motors with black axes and 

spin the propellers counter-clockwise to secure them in place. Be sure to tighten each propeller by 

hand before flight. 

& • Ensure the propellers are attached to the correct motors. Only using the propller with the same 

model. 

• Tighten the propellers with both hands before each flight. 

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

or broken propellers. 

• Stand clear of the motors and DO NOT touch the propellers when they are spinning. 

Detaching ihe Propellers 

Hold the motor in place with one hand, then spin the propeller in the indicated unlock direction. 

& • 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 aged, 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. 
? 

0 

~ 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery has a capacity of 4480 mAh, a voltage of 15.2 V, and a smart charge/ 

discharge functionality. It should only be charged using an appropriate charger that has been approved 

by DJI. 

.& 

:\}: 

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

"Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery" for more information. 

Be aware that the output power of the supplied Phantom 3 Professional charger is 1 OOW 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Functions 

1. Battery Level Display: the LED indicators display the current battery level. 

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

3. Auto-Discharging Function: To prevent swelling, the battery automatically discharges to below 65% of 

total power when it is idle for more than ten days. It takes around two days to discharge the battery to 

65%. It is normal to feel moderate heat being emitted from the battery during the discharge process. 

Discharge thresholds can be set in the DJI GO app. 

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

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

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

40°C (104°F). 

7. Over Current Protection: The battery stops charging when high amperage (more than 8 A) is detected. 

8. Over Discharge Protection: To prevent over-discharge damage, discharging automatically stops when 

the battery voltage reaches 12 V. 

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

10. Battery Cell Damage Protection: The DJI GO app displays a warning message when a damaged 

battery cell is detected. 

11. Battery Error History: Browse the battery error history in the DJI GO app. 

12. Sleep Mode: To save power, the battery enters sleep mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. 

13. Communication: Information pertaining to the battery's voltage, capacity, current, etc. is transmitted to 

the aircraft's main controller. 

,& Refer to Phantom 3 Professional I Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines before 

use. Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage. 

Using the Battery 
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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Turning ON/OFF 

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

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

Turning Off: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to turn off. The 

battery power LED will flash when powering off the Phantom to allow automatically stopping 

of a recording during the event recording wasn't stopped. 

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

discharging. The indicators are defined below. 

D : LED is on. 'U: LED is flashing. 

0: LED is off. 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Level 

0 0 0 0 87.5%-100% 

0 0 0 n 75%-87.5% 

0 0 0 0 62.5%-75% 

0 0 n 0 50%-62.5% 

0 0 0 0 37.5%-50% 

~ :ll 0 0 25%-37.5% 

0 0 0 0 12.5%-25% 

n 0 0 0 0%-12.5% 

0 0 0 0 =0% 

Low Temperature Notice: 

1. Battery capacity is significantly reduced when flying in low temperature ( < 0°C) environments. 

2. It is not recommended that the battery be used in extremely low temperature ( < -10°C) environments. 

Battery voltage should reach the appropriate level when operating environment with temperatures 

between -1 ooc and 5°C. 

3. End the flight as soon as the DJI GO app displays the "Low Battery Level Warning" in low temperature 

environments. 

4. Keep the battery indoors to warm it before flying in low temperature environments. 

5. To ensure optimal performance of the battery, keep the battery temperature above 20°C. 

6. The charger will stop charging the battery if the battery cell's temperature is not within the operating 

range (0°C - 40°C ). 

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

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

Checking the Battery Level 

The Battery Level Indicators display how much power remains. When the battery is turned off, press 

the Power Button once. The Battery Level Indicators will light up to display the current battery level. See 

below for details. 

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Battery life 

Battery life refers to how many more times the battery can be discharged and recharged before it must 

be replaced. When the battery is turned 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 for two seconds, as shown below: 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Life 

~ m 0 ~ 90%-100% 

~ 8 8 J!! 80%-90% 

~ 0 B 0 70%-80% 

0 0 ~~ 0 60%-70% 

0 B 0 0 50%-60% 

B ;J 0 0 40%-50% 

0 0 0 0 30%-40% 

'll 0 0 0 20%-30% 

0 0 0 0 below20% 

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

ffi For more information about the battery, launch the DJ I GO app and check the information that is listed 

under the battery tab. 

Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery 

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

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 as it is charging. 

4. The Intelligent Flight Battery is fully charged when the 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. 

it, • We do not recommend charging the Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller with the 

standard charger at the sarne time, otherwise the charger may overheat 

• Always turn off the battery before inserting it or rernoving it from the Phantom 3 Professional. 

Never insert or remove a battery when it is turned on. 

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Phantom 3 Professional User Jvlanual 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Level 

rr 0 0 0 0%-25% 

11 u .. 0 0 25%-50% 

D. n u 0 50%-75% 

0: iff j !11 75%-100% 

0 0 0 0 Fully Charged 

Battery Protection LED Display 

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

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Blinking Pattern Battery Protection Item 

0 Jl 0 0 LED2 blinks twice per second Over current detected 

0 f)' 0 0 LED2 blinks three times per second Short circuit detected 

0 0 u 0 LED3 blinks twice per second Over charge detected 

0 0 u 0 LED3 blinks three times per second Over-voltage charger detected 

0 0 0 u LED4 blinks twice per second Charging temperature is too low 

0 0 0 n LED4 blinks three times per second Charging temperature is too high 

After these issues are resolved, press the Power 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 in the charger in the event of a room temperature error; the charger will resume 

charging when the temperature is within the allowable range. 

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

;\j: How to discharge your Intelligent Flight Battery: 

Slow :Place the Intelligent Flight Battery into the Phantom 3 Professional's Battery Compartment 

and turn it on. Leave it on until there is less than 8% of power left, or until the battery can no 

longer be turned on. Launch the DJI GO app to check battery levels. 

Rapid : Fly the Phantom 3 Professional outdoors until there is less than 8% of power left, or until 

the battery can no longer be turned on. 

!_;:·.!! 21 
This section describes the features 

of the remote controller and includes 

instructions for controlling the aircraft 

and the camera. 

22 
Remote Controller 

The Phantom 3 Professional remote controller is a multi-function wireless communication device that 

integrates the video downlink system and aircraft remote control system. The video downlink and aircraft 

remote control system operate at 2.4 GHz. The remote controller features a number of camera control 

functions, such as taking and previewing photos and videos, as well as controlling gimbal motion. 

The remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery. The battery level is displayed via LED 

indicators on the front panel of the remote controller. 

ffi • Compliance Version: The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC regulations. 

• Operating Mode: Control can be set to Mode 1 or Mode 2, or to a custom mode. 

• Mode 1: The right stick serves as the throttle. 

• Mode 2: The left stick serves as the throttle. 

6 To prevent transmission interference, do not operate more than three aircrafts in the same area. 

Turning the Remote Controller On and Off 

The Phantom 3 Professional remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery that has a 

capacity of 6000 mAh. The battery level is indicated via the Battery Level LEDs on the front panel. Follow 

the steps below to turn on your remote controller: 

1. When the remote controller is turned off, press the Power Button once. The Battery Level LEDs will 

display the current battery level. 

2. Press and hold the Power Button to turn on the remote controller. 

3. The remote controller will beep when it is turned on. The Status LED will rapidly blink green, indicating 

that the remote controller is linking to the aircraft. The Status LEDs will glow solid green when linking is 

complete. 

4. Repeat Step 2 to turn off the remote controller. 

Charging the Remote Controller 

Charge the remote controller using the included charger. Refer to the figure on next page below for more 

details. 

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Controlling the Camera 

Shoot videos/pictures, view recorded images, and adjust camera settings via the Shutter Button, Carnera 

Settings Dial, Playback Button, and Video Recording Button on the remote controller. 

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[1] Camera Settings Dial 

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture without letting go of 

the remote controller. Move the dial to left or right to scroll through pictures and videos in playback 

mode. Press down on the dial to toggle between these settings. 

[2] Playback Button 

Press to view images and videos that have already been captured. 

[3] Shutter Button 

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is activated, multiple photos will be taken with a single press. 

[4] Video Recoding Button 

Press once to start recording video, then press again to stop recording. 

[5] Gimbal Dial 

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. 

Controlling Aircraft 

This section explains how to control the orientation of the aircraft through the remote controller. The 

Remote Control is set to Mode 2 by default. 

24 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

ffi Stick Neutral/Mid-Point: Control sticks are in the center position. 

Moving the Control Stick: The control stick is pushed away from the center position. 

Remote Control Aircraft Remarks (Mode 2} Indicates Nose Direction) -+·'························-·- ------~ +-------- ------ -·---------------------- Moving the left stick up and down changes the 

aircraft's elevation. 

Push the stick up to ascend and down to descend. 

When both sticks are centered, the Phantom 3 

Professional will hover in place. 

The more the stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will 

change elevation. Always push the stick gently 

to prevent sudden and unexpected elevation 

changes. 

Moving the left stick to the left or right controls the 

rudder and rotation of the aircraft. 

Push the sick left to rotate the aircraft counterclockwise, push the stick right to rotate the aircraft 

clockwise. If the stick is centered, the Phantom 3 

Professional will maintain its current orientation. 

The more the stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will 

rotate. 

Moving the right stick up and down changes the 

aircraft's forward and backward pitch. 

Push the stick up to fly forward and down to fly 

backward. Phantom 3 Professional will hover in 

place if the stick is centered. 

Push the stick further away from the center position for 

a pitch angle (maximum 30') and faster flight. 

Moving the right stick control left and right changes 

the aircraft's left and right pitch. 

Push left to fly left and right to fly right. The 

Phantom 3 Professional will hover in place if the 

stick is centered. 

Gimbal Dial: Turn the dial to the right, and the 

camera will shift to point upwards. Turn the 

dial to the left, and the camera will shift to point 

downwards. The camera will remain in its current 

position when dial is static. 

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Adjusting Controller Sticks 

Hold and twist the controller sticks clockwise or counter clockwise to adjust 

the length of the controller sticks. A proper length of controller sticks can 

improve the controlling accuracy. 

Flight Mode Switch 

Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode. 

You may choose between; P-mode, F-mode and Amode. 

Position 2 A-mode 

Position3 P-mode 

,:.\ 

Position1~ 

,:.·\ 

Position 2 chD 

Position 3 ~ / 

~ P-mode (Positioning): P-mode works best when the GPS signal is strong. There are three different 

versions of P-mode, which will be automatically selected by the Phantom 3 Professional depending on 

GPS signal strength and the Vision Positioning sensors: 

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

P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but a sufficient GPS signal is not available. Aircraft is using 

only Vision Positioning for position holding. 

P-ATII: Neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is available, the aircraft is using only its barometer for 

positioning, so only altitude is maintained. 

A-mode (Attitude): GPS and Vision Positioning System are not used for stabilization. The aircraft uses 

only its barometer to stabilize. The aircraft can automatically return to the Home Point if remote controller 

signal is lost and the Home Point was recorded successfully. 

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

about IOC, refer to the IOC section in the Appendix. 

By default, the Flight Mode Switch is locked to P-mode. To unlock other flight modes, launch the DJI GO 

app, enter the "Camera" page, and tap "Mode", then activate "Multiple Flight Mode". 

RTH Button 

Press and hold the RTH button to start the Return-to-Home (RTH) procedure. The LED ring around the RTH 

Button will blink white to indicate that the aircraft is entering RTH mode. The aircraft will then return to the 

last recorded Home Point. Press this button again to cancel the RTH procedure and regain control of the 

aircraft. 
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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Connecting Your Mobile Device 

Tilt the mobile device holder to the desired position. Press the button on the side of the mobile device holder 

to release the clamp, and then place your mobile device into the cradle. Adjust the clamp down to secure the 

mobile device. To connect your mobile device to the remote controller using a USB cable, plug one end of 

the cable into your mobile device and the other end into the USB port on the back of the remote controller. 

Optimal Transmission Range 

The transmission signal between the aircraft and the remote controller is most reliable within the area that 

is depicted in the image below: 

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Ensure that the a'1rcraft is flying within the optimal transmission zone. To achieve the best transmission 

performance, maintain the appropriate relationship between the operator and the aircraft. 

The Status LED reflects the strength of the connection between the remote controller and the aircraft. The 

RTH LED indicates the Return-to-Home status of the aircraft. The table below contains more information 

about these indicators. 

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(8)- Solid Red 

f,~\c- Solid Green 

f Chime 

f Chime 

······Slow Blinking Red D-D-0·· 

:'fji(@J:f;~)::f;y/ ..... . 

Red and Green/ Red and None 

Yellow Alternate Blinks 

:!ff!J ······ Blinking White 

1:!) ······Blinking White 

D·· 

DO· 

The remote controller is disconnected from the aircraft. 

The remote controller is connected to the aircraft. 

Remote controller error. 

HD downlink is disrupted. 

Sending Return-to-Home command to the aircraft. 

Return-to-Home procedure in progress. 

6 The Remote Status Indicator will blink red and sound an alert, when the battery level is critically low. 

The remote controller is linked to your aircraft before delivery. Linking is only required when using a new 

remote controller for the first time. Follow these steps to link a new remote controller: 

1. Turn on the remote controller and connect to the mobile device. Launch the OJI GO app. 

2. Turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery. 

3. Enter "Camera" and tap on ~~ 11 111 and then tap "Linking RC" button as shown below. 

< RC Control Setting X 

RC Calibration > 

Stick Mode > 

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. 

Do not change unless familiar with your new mode. 

C1 [~ __ N_o_t D_e_f_in_ed __ ~ C2 '-[ ___ No_t_D_e_fi_ne_d __ _J 

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the RC. 
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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

4. The remote controller is ready to link. The Remote Controller Status Indicator blinks blue and a beep is 

emitted. 

< RC Control Setting X 

RC Calibration 

Stick Mode 

Default stick mode isM 

Do not change unless f 

C1 l'---__ N_o_t -ID 

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> Searching for aircraft frequency, 

timeout in 54 seconds he aircraft is controlled. 

Press the linking button on the aircraft 

to link this remote controller 

Cancel Defined J 

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the RC. 

5. Locate the linking button on the side of the aircraft, as shown in the figure below. Press the link button 

to start linking. The Remote Controller Status Indicator LED will display a solid green once the remote 

controller is successfully linked to the aircraft. 

Lt • The remote controller will un-link itself from an aircraft if a new remote controller is linked to the 

same aircraft. 

The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC requirements. 

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This section provides the technica! 

specifications of the camera and 

explains the gimbal's operation modes, 
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Camera and Gimbal 

The on-board camera uses the 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor to capture video (up to 4096x2160p at 24fps or 

41< at up to 30fps with the Phantom 3 Professional) and 12 megapixel stills. You may choose to record 

the video in either MOV or MP4 format. Available picture shooting modes include burst, continuous, and 

time-lapse mode. A live preview of what the camera sees can be monitored on the connected mobile 

device via the OJI GO app. 

Camera Micro-SO Card Slot 

To store your photos and videos, insert the Micro-SO card into the slot, as shown below, before 

turning on the Phantom 3 Professional. The Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 16GB Micro-SO 

card and supports Micro-SO cards up to 64 GB. A UHS-1 Micro-SO card is recommended due to 

their fast read and write speeds allowing you to save high-resolution video data. 

0 Do not remove the Micro-SO card from the Phantom 3 Professional when it is turned on. 

Camera Data Port 

Turn on the Phantom 3 Professional and connect a USB cable to the Camera Data Port to download 

photos and videos to your computer. 

~ The aircraft rnust be turned on before attempting to access the files on the Micro-SO card. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Camera Operation 

Use the Shutter and Video Recording buttons on the remote controller to shoot the images or videos 

through the OJI GO app. For more information about how to use these buttons, refer to "Controlling the 

Camera Page 24". 

Camera LED Indicator 

Camera LED Indicator lights up after the flight battery is powered on. It provides information on the 

working status of the camera. 

i@: Green Fast Blink (0.2s off, 0.1 s on ) 

Green Blink Once (0.5s off, 0.4s on ) 

((Jf Green Blink 3 Times (0.3s off, 0.1 s on ) 

:(8! Slow Red Blink (1.6s on, 0.8s off) 

Fast Red Blink (0.5s off, 0.2s on ) 

Double Red Blink (0.1s on, 0.1s off, 0.1s on, 0.1s off) 

:(~)Solid Red 

fg~ :(~Green and Red Blink (0.8s green on, 0.8s red on) 

Gimbal Profile 

System is warming up. 

Taking a single picture. 

Taking 3 or 5 photos per shot. 

Recording. 

SO card error. 

Overheated Camera 

System error. 

Firmware Upgrading 

The 3-axis gimbal provides a steady platform for the attached camera, allowing you to capture clear, 

stable images and video. The gimbal can tilt the camera within a 120° range. 

-90° 

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the tilt movement of the camera. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Gimbal Operation Modes 

Two gimbal operation modes are available. Switch between the different operation modes on the 

camera settings page of the OJI GO app. Note that your mobile device must be connected to the remote 

controller for changes to take effect. Refer to the table below for details: 

f,T=1 

= 

Follow Mode 

FPV Mode 

The angle between gimbal's orientation and aircraft's nose remains 

constant at all times. 

The gimbal will synchronize with the movement of the aircraft to provide a 

first-person perspective flying experience. 

& • A gimbal motor error may occur in these situations: (1) the aircraft is placed on uneven ground 

or the gimbal's motion is obstructed (2) the gimbal has been subjected to an excessive 

external force, such as a collision. Please take off from flat, open ground and protect the gimbal 

at all times. 

• Flying in heavy fog or clouds may make the g·lmbal wet, leading to temporary failure. The 

gimbal will recover full functionality after it dries. 

Anti-Drop Kit 

The anti-drop kit helps keep the gimbal and camera connected to the aircraft. Two pins have been 

mounted prior to shipping. If new or additional pins are required, see the diagram below. Press Part 

·f. through the hole of the vibration absorber and into the center hole of Part(~ , then lock them together 

as shown:~·· .. Mounting the anti-drop kit pins diagonally from each other is recommended. 

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This section introduces the four main 

functions of the OJI GO app. 
DJI GO app 

The DJI GO app is a mobile application designed specifically for the Phantom 3 Professional. Use this 

app to control the gimbal, camera, and other aircraft functions. The app also features Map, Academy, 

and User Center, which are used for configuring your aircraft and sharing your photos and videos with 

others. It is recommended that you use a tablet for the best experience. 

PHANTOM 3 

···············-···-·- ··········-·····-··-········--·· 0 fi .. 

The Camera page contains a live HD video feed from the Phantom 3 Professional's camera. You can also 

configure various camera parameters from the Camera page. 

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[1] Flight Mode 

~: The text next to this icon indicates the current flight mode. 

Tap to configure the MC (Main Controller) Settings. These settings allow you to modify flight limits and 

set the gain values. 

:\): The aircraft is set to "Beginner Mode" by default. The aircraft cannot fly 30 meters (98 feet) higher 

and beyond the recorded Home Point under beginner mode. Disable this mode in the MODE 

setting page. 

[2] GPS Signal Strength 

It: 11 111 :This icon shows the current strength of GPS signals. Green bars indicate adequate GPS 

strength. 

[3] IOC Settings 

~ CL: This icon displays the IOC setting when the aircraft has entered F-mode. Tap to view the IOC 

settings menu and select the desired IOC setting. 

[4] System Status 

I IIIII: This icon indicates the current aircraft system status and GPS signal strength. 

[5] Battery Level Indicator 

~--<>·········o : The battery level indicator provides a dynamic display of the battery level. The colored 

zones on the battery level indicator represent the power levels needed to carry out different functions. 

[6] Remote Controller Signal 

~~ ,1111: This icon shows the strength of remote controller's signal. 

[7] HD Video Link Signal Strength 

1][1~ 11 111: This icon shows the strength of the HD video downlink connection between the aircraft and 

the remote controller. 

[8] Battery Level 

fJ\ 100%: This icon shows the current battery level. 

Tap to view the battery information menu, set the various battery warning thresholds, and view the 

battery warning history. 

[9] General Settings 

:::: Tap this icon to view the General Settings page. From this page, you can set flight parameters, 

reset the camera, enable the quick view feature, adjust the gimbal roll value, and toggle the flight 

route display. 

[1 0] Camera Operation Bar 

Shutter and Recording Settings 

1!'0 : Tap to enter various camera value settings, including color space for the recording, resolution 

of the videos, image size and so on. 

36 ,, 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Shutter 

e: Tap this button to take a single photo. Press and hold this button to select single shot, triple shot 

or time-lapsed shooting modes. 

Record 

• : Tap once to start recording video, then tap again to stop recording. You can also press the 

Video Recording Button on the remote controller, which has the same functionality. 

Playback 

[E] : Tap to enter the playback page. You can preview photos and videos as soon as they are 

captured. 

Camera Settings 

~c';=: Tap to set ISO, shutter and auto exposure values of the camera. 

[11] Map 

Display the flight path of the current flight. Tap to switch from the Camera GUI to the Map GUI. 

[12] Vision Positioning 

•·•: The distance of the aircraft from the Home Point. When the aircraft is near the ground, this icon 

will change to £ to display the height the Vision Position System's sensors from the ground. 

[13] Flight Telemetry 

H: 39M 

' s 0" I: 2.3M/S 

D: 210M 

%W 

H.S 

IW4.2 M/S 

The Vision Positioning Status icon is highlighted when the Vision Positioning is in operation. 

Flight attitude is indicated by the flight attitude icon. 

(1) The red arrow shows which direction the aircraft is facing. 

(2) Light blue and dark blue areas indicate pitch. 

(3) The angle of the boundary between the light blue and dark blue areas indicates the roll angle. 

[14] Dynamic Home Point 

• : Press this button to enable the dynamic home point feature, the home point then will be reset to 

position of the mobile device. 

[15] Return to Home (RTH) 

<fi; : Initiate RTH home procedure. Tap to have the aircraft return to the last recorded home point. 

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[16] Auto Takeoff/Landing 

t!:,; i!,: Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing. 

[17] Livestream 

(:»: Livestream icon indicates the current video feed is broadcasting live on You Tube. Be sure the 

mobile data service is available on the mobile device. 

[18] Back 

~ :Tap to return to the rnain GUI. 

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

tap "Director" frorn the app's horne screen. You can then select a template and a specified number of 

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

Tap "Store" to visit the official DJI Online Store to see the latest information about DJI products and easily 

buy new products. 

Sync pictures and videos to your mobile device, view flight logs, and check your DJI account status in 

"Discovery". Use your registered DJI account to login to "Discovery". 
Tilis section describes safe f!ight 

practices and flight restrictions. 
Flight 

Once pre-flight preparation is complete, it is recommended that you use the flight simulator in the DJI GO 

app to hone your flight skills and practice flying safely. Ensure that all flights are carried out in an open 

area. 

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

snow, rain and fog. 

2. Only fly in open areas. Tall structures and large metal structures may affect the accuracy of the onboard compass and GPS system. 

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

4. Minimize interference by avoiding areas with high levels of electromagnetism, including base stations 

and radio transmission towers. 

5. Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and 

temperature.Be very careful when flying at altitudes greater than 19, 685 feet (6000 meters) above sea 

::!:! level, as the performance of the battery and aircraft may be affected. 

3: 6. The Phantom 3 Professional cannot operate within the polar areas. 

All unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators should abide by all regulations set forth by government and 

regulatory agencies including the ICAO and the FAA For safety reasons, flights are limited by default, 

which helps users operate this product safely and legally. Flight limitations include height limits, distance 

limits, and No-Fly Zones. 

When operating in P-mode, height limits, distance limits, and No-Fly Zones function concurrently to 

manage flight safety. In A-mode, only height limits are in effect, which by default prevent the aircraft 

altitude from exceeding 1640 feet (500 m) . 

Maximum flight altitude & Radius Limits 

Maximum flight altitude and radius limits may be changed in the DJI GO app. Be aware that the maximum 

flight altitude cannot exceed 1640 feet (500 meters). In accordance with these settings, your Phantom 3 

Professional will fly in a restricted cylinder, as shown below: 

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Phantom 3 Professional User IVIanual 

Flight Limits DJI GO app 

Maximum Flight Aircraft's altitude cannot Warning: Height 

Altitude exceed the specified value. limit reached. 

Max Radius Flight distance must be within Warning: Distance 

Maximum 

Flight 

Altitude 

the max radius. 

Flight Limits 

Height is restricted to 400 

feet. (120m) and under. 

Max Radius No limits 

limit reached. 

DJI GO app 

Warning: Height limit 

reached. 

Aircraft Status Indicator 

None, 

Rapid red flashing ,:B) 

······when close to the 

max radius limit. 

Aircraft Status Indicator 

None. 

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

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

range automatically. 

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

within range automatically. 

No-Fly Zones 

All No-Fly Zones are listed on the DJI official website at http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly. No-Fly Zones are 

divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and flying fields 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 flight altitude is limited to a 15 degree inclination. 

Starting at 65 feet (20 meters) from the edge of airport and radiating outward. The flight 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. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

I • .l-1mile-1+- R1 -~ 

~------ R2 ----+ 

Restricted Area 

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

No-fly zone Restricted-altitude flight zone Warning zone 

(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 definition 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 OJI GO app. 

No-fly zone Warning zone Free zone 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Aircraft 

Zone Restriction OJI GO app Prompt Status 

Indicator 

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

zone. Take off prohibited. 

No-fly Zone If the aircraft enters the 

• restricted area in A-mode, but is 

Warn'1ng: You are in a no-fly zone. switched to P-mode, the aircraft 

will automatically descend, land, 

Automatic landing has begun. 

and stop its motors. 

R1: Warning: You are in a <~):······ 

If the aircraft enters the restricted 

restricted zone. Descending to Red flashing 

Restricted- area in A-mode, but is switched 

safe altitude. 

altitude flight to P-mode, it will descend to an R2: Warning: You are in a 

zone restricted zone. Maximum flight appropriate altitude and hover 

altitude is restricted to between 

15 feet below the altitude lirnit. 

20rn and 500rn. Fly cautiously. 

Warning zone No flight restriction applies, but Warning: You are approaching a 

there will be a warning . restricted zone, Fly cautiously. 

Free zone No restrictions. None. None. 

W Serni-autornatic descent: All stick cornrnands are available except the throttle stick cornrnand 

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

& • When flying in a safety zone, the aircraft's status indicator will blink red rapidly 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 blinking red. 

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

city centers, or other sensitive areas. Fly the aircraft only within your line of sight. 

~ 

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

2. Propellers are mounted correctly and firmly. 

3. Micro-SO 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. 

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

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

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

0 • Do not calibrate your compass where there is any possibiltty 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-flight 

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. 
Phantom 3 Professional 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 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. 

o\1 Cal'1brate 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 flying in a new location or in a location that is different from the most recent flight. 

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

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

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-flight checklist. 

4. Tap"~". and confirm that conditions are safe for flight. Slide the icon to confirm 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 

sufficient GPS lock before using the Auto Take-off feature. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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 "i!,", to begin landing. Then follow the on-screen 

instructions. 

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. 

CF 

Stopping the Motors 

There are two methods to stop the motors. 

Method 1· When Phantom 3 Professional has landed, push the throttle downeD, 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. 

® 

& Do not perform a CSC when the aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will suddently stop. 

Takeoff/Landing Procedures 

1. Place the aircraft in an open, flat 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 fly. If they flash 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 cornrnand or hold the throttle at its lowest position until the motors stop. 

9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first, then the Remote Controller. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

,& • When the Aircraft Status Indicators blink yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe 

mode. 

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

rapidly during flight. 

• Watch our video tutorials for more flight information. 

Video Suggestions and Tips 

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

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

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

4. Always fly in good weather and avoid flying in rain or heavy wind. 

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

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

7. Push the control sticks gently to keep the aircraft's movement smooth and stable. 

47 

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 1 080p60. 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. 0 

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 fly 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 
, 

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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 specified number of 

clips, which are automatically combined to create a short film 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 configuration 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 flight 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 sufficient GPS 

signal is available. 

F-rnode, 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. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

What is the Phantom 3 flight time? 

Flight times will vary depending on environmental conditions and usage patterns, but the Intelligent Flight 

Battery is designed to provide up to 23 minutes of uninterrupted flight time when fully charged. 

How can I restore a video file if the power is turned off during recording? 

Do not remove the Micro-SO card from the camera. If it has been removed, place it back in the camera. 

Turn the Phantom 3 on and wait approximately 30 seconds as the video file is restored. 

How can I ensure that my pictures and videos will be synchronized to my iOS album? 

You may need to adjust the settings of your mobile device. Open the Settings menu, select the Privacy tab, 

select the Photos tab, and then toggle the switch next to the DJI GO app icon. If the GO app has not been 

granted access to your albums, the photos and videos cannot be synchronized. 

What should I do to land my Phantom 3 smoothly as possible? 

Hover the aircraft over a flat, level surface. Slowly pull the throttle stick down until the aircraft touches the 

ground. 

Why is the discharge time of the battery not zero, even though I have never used it? 

Every battery is tested prior to being packaged and shipped. This affects the discharge time of a new 

battery and is the reason that the discharge time is not zero. The battery is safe to use. 

Can the mobile device holder be used on the Phantom 2 series Remote Controller? 

No, it cannot. 

How to safely operate the aircraft when encountering compass error? 

A compass error may occur when the aircraft is flying close to strong electric magnetic sources (e.g. 

power transmission lines). Aircraft Status Indicators blink red and yellow rapidly when a compass error 

occurs and the DJI GO app will display one of the following messages: 

• Compass error, calibration required 

This warning message indicates the aircraft is receiving abnormal compass readings. It is recommended 

to power off the aircraft and re-calibrate the compass at a different location and then resume the fl'lght. 

• Compass error, exit P-GPS Mode 

This warning message indicates that the aircraft is drifting severely. Bring the aircraft to a higher altitude 

to gain enough GPS satellite locks when this warning message is prompted. The flight controller will 

automatically adjust the orientation of the aircraft in the midair to mitigate the drifts. The aircraft will switch 

back to P-GPS mode when the automatic adjustment is completed. 

How to troubleshoot aircraft initialization error? 

If you observe the following symptoms, it indicates the aircraft has failed to initialized: 

• The aircraft status indicator display flashing red, yellow and green. Even the aircraft is stationed on the 

flat surface. 

• The System Status Bar in the app prompts "Initialization Error". 

• No resistance drive 1f felt on the gimbal. 

51 
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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Various factors contribute to the aircraft initialization error, try resolve the issue by following the suggestions 

listed below: 

• Sensor performance degraded. This may be due to the excessive bias detected from the IMU or the 

compass reading is interfered. Try restarting and calibrating the IMU and compass to resolve this issue. 

• Sensor is defective. If the sensors remains unchanged at all time and the problem persist even when the 

aircraft is restarted, it indicates the sensor is not working normally. Users should return the aircraft to DJI 

for repairing. 

• Minor vibration is detected during aircraft initialization. Put the aircraft on the flat surface, power on the 

aircraft and ensure the aircraft is stationed for more than 5 seconds to resolve the issue. 

• Serious vibration is detected during aircraft initialization. This instance generally occurs when the aircraft 

is being initialization on the violent moving surface, for instance, ships that are on the rough sea. Do not 

attempt to power on the aircraft in this scenario. 

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Appendix 

Weight (Battery & Propellers 

Included) 

Max. Ascent Speed 

Max. Descent Speed 

Max. Speed 

Max Service Ceiling Above 

Sea Level 

Max. FlightTime 

Operating Temperature 

GPS Mode 

Velocity Range 

Altitude Range 

Operating Range 

Operating Environment 

:;~~ijjj)i'.: .. ~:l~~ll,\1~,fi,i~1~~:~;;~~\t';: 

Sensor 

Lens 

ISO Range 

Electronic Shutter Speed 

Image Max. Size 

Still Photography Modes 

Supported SO Card Types 

Video Recording Modes 

Max. Bitrate Of Video Storage 

Supported File Formats 

Operating Temperature Range 

1280 g 

5 m/s 

3 m/s 

16 m/s (A TTl mode, no wind) 

6000 m (Software altitude limit: I 20m above takeoff point) 

Approximately 23 minutes 

ooc to 40°C 

GPS/GLONASS 

< 8 m/s (2 m above ground) 

30 cm-300 em 

30 cm-300 em 

Brightly lit (lux> 15) patterned surfaces 

Sony EXMOR 1/2.3" Effective pixels:l2.4 M (total pixels: 12.76 M) 

FOV 94° 20mm(35mm format equivalent) f/2.8 

I00-3200(video) 100-I 600( photo) 

8s -1/8000s 

4000 X 3000 

Single shot 

Burst shooting: 3/5/7 frames 

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 

Bracketed frames at 0.7EV Bias 

Time-lapse 

Micro SO 

Max. capacity: 64GB. Class 10 or UHS-1 rating required 

UHD: 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30 

FHD: 1920x1 080p 24/25/30/48/50/60 

HD: 1280x720p 24/25/30/48/50/60 

60 Mbps 

FAT32/exFAT 

Photo: JPEG, DNG 

Video: MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) 

ooc to 40°C 
t!?rVIPt~CPntrq~er ,;,7, ' 

Operating Frequency 

Transmitting Distance 

Video Output Port 

Operating Temperature Range 

Battery 

Mobile Device Holder 

Transmitter Power(EIRP) 

Working Voltage 

,~~aif~r 

Voltage 

Rated Power 

Capacity 

Voltage 

Battery Type 

Energy 

Net Weight 

Operating Temperature 

Max. Charging Power 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz 

Up to 5.0 km or 3.1 miles (unobstructed, free of interferences and 

FCC compliant) when it is FCC compliant 

Up to 3.5 km or 2.1 miles (unobstructed, free of interferences) 

when it is CE compliant 

USB 

0°C- 40°C 

6000 mAh LiPo 2S 

Tablets and smartphones 

FCC: 20 dbm; CE:16 dbm 

1.2 A @7.4 V 

17.4 v 

100W 

4480 mAh 

15.2V 

LiPo 4S 

68Wh 

365 g 

-10°C- 40°C 

100W 

...... Red, Green and Yellow Flash Turning on and Self-Diagnostics Alternatively 

...... Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Aircraft Warming Up 

I@: ······Green Flashes Slowly Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision Positioning) 

fg::X2 · · · · · · Green Flashes Twice Safe toRy (P-mode with Vision Positioning but without GPS) 

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

w~rrr-, 

...... Fast Yellow Flashing Remote Controller Signal Lost 

l'(l\ ······Slow Red Flashing Low Battery Warning 

······Fast Red Flashing Critical Battery Warning 

····Red Flashing Alternatively IMU Error 

-Solid Red Critical Error 

.... Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively Compass Calibration Required 

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Use Micro SD card to update the aircraft and Intelligent Flight Battery. Connect to the Internet, 

launch the DJI GO app. The DJI GO app will start checking for available firmware updates 

automatically. Follow the on-screen instruction to update the latest firmware for the aircraft, remote 

controller and intelligent flight battery. 

Intelligent Flight mode includes Course Lock, Home Lock, Point of Interest (POl), Follow Me and 

Waypoints features to assist users to create professional shoots during the flight. Course Lock and Home 

Point lock helps to lock the orientation of aircraft so that the user can focus more on other operations. 

Point of Interest, Follow Me and Waypoints mode enable aircraft to fly automatically according to the 

pre-set flight maneuvers. 

Course Lock 

Home Lock 

Point of Interest 

Follow Me 

Waypoints 

Lock the current nose direction as the aircraft's forward direction. The aircraft will 

move in the locked directions regardless of its orientation (yaw angle). 

Pull the pitch stick backward to move the aircraft toward its recorderd Home Point. 

The aircraft will orbit around the subject automatically to allow the operator can be 

more focus on framing their shoot on the subject in Point of Interest. 

A virtual tether is created between the aircraft and the mobile device so that the 

aircraft can track your movement as you move. Note that Follow Me performance is 

subject to the GPS accuracy on the mobile device. 

Record a flight path, then the aircraft will fly along the same path repeatedly while 

you control the camera and orientation. The flight path can be saved and re-apply 

in the future. 

Enable Multiple Flight Mode by launching the DJI GO app > Camera View>~> Advanced Settings > 

Mulitple Flight Mode before using the Intelligent Flight Mode for the first time. 

Visit the following pages to learn more about After-sales policy and warranty information: 

1. After-sales Policy: http://www.dji.com/service 

2. Refund Policy: http://www.dji.com/service/refund-return 

3. Paid Repair Service: http://www.dji.com/service/repair-service 

4. Warranty Service: http://www.dji.com/service/warranty-service 
I 

~ 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

FCC Compliance 

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

( 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 

(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired 

operation. 

0 ,anges or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the 

user's authority to operate the equipment. 

Compliance Information 

FCC Warning Message 

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void 

the user's authority to operate the equipment. 

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: 

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. 

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator& 

your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or 

transmitter. 

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, 

pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against 

harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio 

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful 

interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in 

a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, 

which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct 

the interference by one or more of the following measures: 

-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 

-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 

---Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. 

---Consult the dealer or an experienced radio!TV technician for help. 

IC RSS warning 

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard (s). Operation is subject to the 

following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any 

interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. 

Le present areil est conforms aux CNR d'lndustrie Canada licables aux areils radio exempts de licence. 

L'exploitation est autorisee aux deux conditions suivantes: 

(1) l'areil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et 

(2) l'utilisateur de l'areil doit accepter tout brouillage radioelectrique subi, meme si le brouillage est 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. 

IC Radiation Exposure Statement: 

This equipment complies with IC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. 

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. 

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator& 

your body. 

Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could 

void the user's authority to operate the equipment. 

KCC Warning Message 

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NCC Warning Message 

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This content is subject to change. 

Download the latest version from 

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3 

If you have any questions about this document. please contact DJI by 

sending a message to DocSupport@dji.com. 

© 2015 OJ I. All Rights Reserved.