FAA Exemption Rulemaking – Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11

Prepared by:

Zachary P. Elliott, Esq.

May 21, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, D.C. 20590

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation

Regulations from 14 CFR Part 21; 14 CFR Part 36; 14 CFR 45.23(b); 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b);

91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 91.103; 91.105; 91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151 (a); 91.173; 91.203 (a) &

(b); 91.207; and 14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E

Dear Mr. Secretary,

The purpose of this letter is to petition the Federal Aviation Administration for an exemption,

pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act)

and 14 CFR Part 11. 513 Aerial, LLC (“513 Aerial”), an Ohio Limited Liability Company and

operator of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“UAS”) equipped to conduct aerial photography

and videography for the education of real estate professionals and real estate marketing purposes,

hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow

commercial operation of its UAS, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the

conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333.

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of small,

unmanned and relatively inexpensive UAS under controlled conditions in airspace that is 1)

limited 2) predetermined and 3) controlled as to access. Approval of this exemption would

thereby fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the responsibilities to “...establish requirements

for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.” Section 333(c) of

the FAA Modernization and Reform Act. Additionally, this exemption should be eligible for the

summary grant process, as the FAA has already granted many previous exemptions similar to

this new request.

Identity of Petitioner and Counsel to the Petitioner:

Petitioner: 513 Aerial, LLC

c/o Mark Tepe

7021 Cleves Warsaw Pike, Suite 301

Cincinnati, Ohio 45233

Petitioner’s Counsel: Zachary P. Elliott, Esq.

615-809-5567

zachary.elliott@me.com
This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing Section

333 (a) through (c) of the Reform Act. This directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider

whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system

(“NAS”) before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In

making this determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UAS do not

create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of

the following:

 The UAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability:

 Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

 Operation of the UAS within Visual Line of Sight (“VLOS”) of the Pilot and Visual

observers. See Reform Act §333(a). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles

“may operate safely in the NAS, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe

operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. §333(c). The Federal

Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory

authority by its terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under

§40101 of the Act; that includes UAS, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must

have a current airworthiness certificate. The Administrator may grant an exemption from

a requirement of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any

sections 44702-44716 of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption in the public

interest. 49 U.S.C. §44704; 14 CFR §91.203(a)(1).

 513 Aerial’s UAS are small rotorcraft aircraft, specifically a DJI Phantom 2, weighing no

more than 55oz including sensor payload. They operate their rotorcraft, under normal

conditions at a speed of no more than 20 mph, usually 5-8 mph, and have the capability

to hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. They will

manually operate only in VLOS and will operate only within the operating parameters as

described in the User Manual v1.4 attached as Exhibit A to this Petition.

 Adherence to the User Manual will insure that the UAS will “not create a hazard to the

national airspace system or the public.”

 Given the small size and weight of the UAS involved and the restricted sterile

environment within which they will operate, the Petitioner falls within that zone of safety

(an equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by

exemption, allow commercial operations of the UAS to commence immediately. Also

due to the size of the UAS and the areas in which the relevant UAS will operate, approval

of the application presents no national security issue. Given the clear direction in Section

333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended;

the strong equivalent level of safety, surrounding the proposed operations, and significant

public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction in environmental impact, including

reduced emissions associated with allowing UAS for educational and marketing

operations, (as opposed to full scale aircraft), the granting of the requested exemptions

are in the public interest. Accordingly, the Petitioner respectfully requests that the FAA

grant the requested exemption without delay.

Granting this Exemption is in the Public Interest

An exemption of the following FAR’s for 513 Aerial is in the public interest because the
services 513 will be providing to local real estate owners, brokers, agents and commercial

contractors will allow for these parties to provide better and more cost effective services to their

clients. If this exemption is not granted, 513 Aerial will be unable to provide such services to the

public and this will reduce the number of options everyone has to receive accurate and affordable

aerial photographs and video of real estate.

UAS Equivalent Level of Safety & Operating Parameters

The Petitioner proposes that the exemption requested apply to civil aircraft that have the

characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed in this Petition. These limitations

provide for at least an equivalent or possibly higher level of safety to operations under the

current regulator structure because the proposed operations represent a safety enhancement to the

already safe filming operations conducted with conventional aircraft. These limitations and

condition to which 513 Aerial agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operations under

an FAA issued exemption include:

1. 513 Aerial will be operating a DJI Phantom 2.

2. All UAS will weigh less than 5 lbs.

3. Flights will be operated manually within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the Pilot and

Visual observer.

4. 513 Aerial will establish a fixed location where the portable ground station of the UAS

will be positioned and will post a sign near the ground stations stating “Aerial

Photography in Progress – Remain Back 150 feet.”

5. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 25 minutes. Flights will be

terminated at 25% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 25 minute limit.

6. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL, though typical

operations will be conducted within 50 feet of the ground.

7. Minimum two (2) man crew for each UAS operation will consist of the Pilot and Visual

observer. The UAS Pilot in Command (PIC) will be an FAA licensed airman with at least

a private pilot’s certificate and third class medical.

8. The UAS will only operate within the limitations as defined in the User Manual in

section 6.1. Additionally, the UAS will only operate under 400ft AGL, and outside a 3

statute mile radius of any airport. The UAS will never enter any MOA or Restricted

Airspace, nor shall it violate any TFR as outlined by the FAA.

9. A pre-flight briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned UAS operation prior to

each day’s flying /recording activities. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be

performing duties as “flight crew” be present for this briefing.

10. The Operator will obtain the consent of all persons involved in the filming and ensure

that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight operation, and

this radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level of safety

determination.

11. Pilot, and Visual observer will have been trained in operation of UAS generally and

received up-to-date information on the particular UAS to be operated as required.

12. The visual observer and Pilot will at all times be able to communicate by voice or twoway radio.

13. Written permission from the relevant property owners will be obtained.

14. Prior to the start of a flight, the PIC will activate and use the UAS GPS flight safety
procedure and lost-link procedure to ensure that the UAS is returned to a pre-determined

home base in the event of a lost signal or compromised communication.

15. The UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles or

emergencies.

16. In the event that any flight would ever occur within the airspace of a specific airport, or

controlled airspace, 513 Aerial will obtain the permission of that control tower to operate

in that airspace or from the appropriate control authority.

17. In the event that any flight will occur within five (5) miles of an airport, 513 Aerial will

ensure that the airport is notified of the estimated flight time, flight duration, elevation of

flight, and pertinent information.

18. 513 Aerial will conduct all flights in permissible weather, and during daylight hours.

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 CFR Part 21 Certification procedures for products and parts,

Airworthiness Certificates

14 CFR Part 36 Noise standards: Type and airworthiness

14 CFR 45.23 (b) Display of marks, general

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b) Certification: Pilots, flight instructors, and ground

instructors

14 CFR 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness

14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking and placard

requirements

14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action

14 CFR 91.105 Flight crewmembers at stations

14 CFR 91.109 Flight instruction

14 CFR 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes

14 CFR 91.121 Altimeter settings

14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flights in VFR conditions

14 CFR 91.173 ATC clearance and flight plan in IFR conditions

14 CFR 91.203 Civil aircraft: Certifications required

14 CFR 91.207 Emergency locator transmitters

14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E Maintenance Inspections

14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates

Part 21 establishes the procedures for issuance of certificates of airworthiness, as mandated by

49 U.S.C. § 44704 and as required by FAR §91.203 (a)(1). Given the size and limited operating

area associated with the UAS to be utilized by the Petitioner, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart

H meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of the

Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C. §44701(f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act

both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement capability, and proximity to

airports and populated areas of the particular UAS.
The Petitioner requests an exemption from the requirements of this Part because the size, weight,

speed, operational capability and proximity to airports in which the Subject UAS pose

significantly less of a risk that the risks posed by conventional aircraft. Manned aircraft pose

risks to the life and safety of the crew; that is not a consideration with a UAS. Risks to third

parties are also minimized given the lightweight and slow speed at which a UAS would operate.

Nor are there risks of fuel spillage or fire in the event of an accident. Thus, 513 Aerial requests

that the FAA waive the requirement that the Subject UAS, particularly the aircraft portion,

require an airworthiness certificate.

The UAS to be operated by 513 Aerial is less than 5 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor

passenger, carries no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively

within a limited radius area as set out in the pre-flight briefing / VLOS operations. Unlike other

civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by both

the Operator, pursuant to safety requirements, and under the requirements and in compliance

with local public safety requirements, to provide security for the area of operation as is now done

with conventional aircraft. These safety enhancements, which already apply to civil aircraft

operated in connection with video production, provide a greater degree of safety to the public

and property owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates

issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria

demonstrates that there is no credible threat to national security posed by the UAS, due to its size,

speed of operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels,

and inability to carry a substantial external load.

14 CFR Part 36: Noise Standards

FAR Part 36, Subparts A, F and O, establish certain noise standards for certification of various

aircraft types. Because the UAS would not have an airworthiness certificate, and given its small

size and negligible noise impact, the petitioner requests an exemption from FAR Part 36.

14 CFR §45.23 (B): Marking of the Aircraft

The regulation requires:

When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is displayed

on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated

aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or

pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words “limited,”

“restricted”, “light-sport,” “experimental,” or “provisional,” as applicable.

Even though the UAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the

UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the word

“Experimental” can be placed. Given the size of the UAS, two-inch lettering will be impossible.

The word “Experimental” will be placed on the fuselage in compliance with §45.29 (f).

The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the UAS marked on its fuselage as
required by §45.29 (f) where the Pilot, Visual Observer and others working with the UAS will

see the identification of the UAS as “Experimental.” The FAA has issued the following

exemptions to this regulation to Exemptions Nos. 10700, 8738, 10167, 10167A and 11438.

14 CFR §61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and

Limitations - Pilot in Command (PIC)

Sections 61.113 (a) & (b) limit private pilots to noncommercial operations. Because the UAS

will not carry a pilot or passengers, the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of

safety of current operations by requiring the PIC operating the aircraft to have a private pilot’s

license rather than a commercial pilot’s license to operate this small UAS. Unlike a conventional

aircraft that carries the pilot and passengers, the UAS is remotely controlled with no living thing

on board. The area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are planned and

coordinated in advance as set forth in the Operating Manual. The level of safety provided by the

requirements included in the Operating Manual meets that provided by a single individual

holding a commercial pilot’s certificate operating a conventional aircraft. The risks associated

with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, that allowing operations of

the UAS as requested with a private pilot as the PIC exceeds the present level of safety achieved

by 14 CFR §61.113 (a) & (b).

The Petitioner requests an exemption that would allow 513 Aerial to operate the UAS for

compensation or hire for the reasons articulated in In re Trudeau, FAA Exemption No. 11138,

and In re Astraeus, FAA Exemption No. 11062. 513 Aerial will operate the UAS over property

where the owner and/or owner's representative has requested that the operation occur.

Furthermore, as a holder of a private pilot certificate, the PIC will be an Airman who meets the

knowledge base and skill level for operating an UAS. 513 Aerial thus requests an exemption

from the requirement that the PIC of the UAS hold a commercial pilot certificate and anything

other than a Third Class Medical certificate.

14 CFR §91.7 (a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy

condition. As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, should this

exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining airworthiness.

Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements contained in the Operating Manual for

maintenance and use of safety checks prior to each flight, as set forth in the Operating Manual,

an equivalent level of safety will be provided.

To the extent that "airworthy" is defined as requiring an airworthiness certificate, the Petitioner

would request an exemption from this FAR for the same reasons identified in its request for an

exemption of 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H. 513 Aerial and the PIC will not, however, operate the

Subject UAS if it is not in a condition for safe flight, as required under FAR 91.7(b).

14 CFR §91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the
Aircraft

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft—

(2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of

this chapter, unless there is available in the aircraft a current approved Airplane or

Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or

any combination thereof.

The UAS, given its size and configuration has no ability or place to carry such a flight manual on

the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but because there is no room or capacity

to carry such an item on the aircraft.

The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by keeping the Operating Manual at the ground

control point where the pilot flying the UAS will have immediate access to it. The FAA has

issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299,

9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A 10602, 32827, 10700 and 11434.

Petitioner requests exemption from the requirement of FAR 91.9, for the same reasons as stated

in its request for exemption under 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, and for a deviation from the

marking requirements of 14 CFR Part 36, Subparts A, F, and O.

14 CFR §91.103: Preflight Action

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to insure the

safety of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft

an exemption will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be provided as set forth in the

Operating Manual. The PIC will take all actions including reviewing weather, flight battery

requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft performance data before initiation of

flight but requests an exemption from this requirement insofar as it is interpreted as requiring

pre-flight actions appropriate to manned aircraft only (e.g., that flights be from an airport, etc.).

14 CFR § 91.105: Flight crewmembers at stations

Section 91.105 mandates that crewmembers be at designated stations, have safety belts fastened,

etc. Petitioner would be at a designated ground station for each mission, but requests an

exemption to accommodate the fact that the UAS is unmanned.

14 CFR §91.109: Flight Instruction

Section 91.109 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon)

that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls.

UAS and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully functional dual controls.

Flight control is accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with the
aircraft via radio communications. The FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without

fully functional dual controls for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental

aircraft. See Exemption Nos. 5778K & 9862A. The equivalent level of safety provided by the

fact that aircraft will be piloted by a certified private pilot who has previously trained in remote

flight areas before attempting flight within filming distance of structures.

14 CFR §91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 91.119 (d) allows

helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the person operating

the helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. As this

exemption is for a UAS, 513 Aerial requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 400 ft. AGL;

an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, the UAS will never

operate at higher than 400 ft. AGL. It will however be operated in a controlled area where

buildings and people will not be exposed to operations without their pre-obtained consent.

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, and speed of the UAS as

well as location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the permission of the

property owner. Because of the advance notice to the property owner and participants in the

photographic activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations as

set forth in the Operating Manual. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft

weighing far more than the maximum 5 lbs. proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any

risk associated with these operations is far less than those presently presented with conventional

aircraft operating at or below 500 ft. AGL. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the UAS

will ensure separation between these small UAS operations and the operations of conventional

aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.

14 CFR §91.121: Altimeter Settings

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by

reference to an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate

altimeter setting available before departure.” As the UAS will not have a barometric altimeter,

but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety

will be achieved by the operator, pursuant to the Operating Manual, confirming the altitude of

the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight.

14 CFR §91.151 (a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR

Conditions

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane 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 – (1) During the day,

to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.”
The battery powering the UAS provides approximately 25 minutes of powered flight. To meet

the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, UAS flights would not be possible. Given

the limitations on the UAS’s proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations

within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or night VFR conditions is

reasonable.

Petitioner believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 25

minutes or 25% of battery power, whichever should occur first. This restriction would be more

than adequate return the UAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating

area. Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions 2689F,

5745, 10673, 10808 and 11434.

19 CFR § 91.173: ATC clearance and flight plan in IFR

conditions

Petitioner requests an exemption from the IFR-clearance requirement for flights into controlled

airspace. It is possible that 513 Aerial may operate the UAS in conditions that are IFR within

controlled airspace. It would request that, after contacting ATC for the controlled airspace, it

would be allowed to operate in what might be IFR conditions, but where the PIC still has a

complete and unfettered line of sight visibility with the UAS.

14 CFR §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft

Certification and Registration

The regulation provides in pertinent part:

(a) Except as provided in §91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has within it

the following:

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate...

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by

paragraph (b) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is displayed at

the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew.

The UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 5 lbs. and is operated without an onboard Pilot. As

such, there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display

them on the UAS.

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground control

point where the Pilot flying the UAS will have immediate access to them, to the extent they are

applicable to the UAS, and should they be issued. The FAA has issued numerous exemptions to

this regulation. A representative sample of other exceptions includes Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665,
9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 10700.

14 CFR § 91.207: Emergency Locator Transmitter

Section 91.207 prohibits operation of a US-registered aircraft unless it is equipped with an

emergency locator transmitter. Given the limited distance of flights of the UAS, 513 Aerial

requests and exemption from this FAR.

14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E: Maintenance Inspections

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner “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...,” and others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. Given

that these section and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these

sections will not apply to the Petitioner.

Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator; pursuant to the Operating manual. An

equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small UAS are very limited in size and

will carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited periods of time. If

mechanical issues arise the UAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than

400 ft. AGL. As provided in the Operating Manual, the PIC (operator) will ensure that the UAS

is in working order prior to initiating flight, and perform required maintenance. Moreover, the

operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an

airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety.

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the Federal

Register, should it be determined that publication is needed:

Petitioner seeks an exemption from the following rules:

Petition for Exemption.

Federal Aviation Regulations from which Petitioner seeks exemption: 14 CFR 14 CFR Part 21,

Subpart H; Part 36; § 45.23; Part 61; §§ 91. 7; 91.9; 91.103; 91.105; 91.109; 91.119; 91.121;

91.151; 91.173; 91.203; 91.207; and 14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E.

Description of Relief Sought: The Petitioner is seeking an exemption from the above-referenced

Federal Aviation Regulations to conduct aerial photography using a light, unmanned aerial vehicle

for homeowners, real estate brokers and other real estate professionals seeking to provide aerial

images of real estate.

Privacy

All flights will occur over private or controlled access property with the property owner’s prior
consent and knowledge, or over remote public land. Image capture of people will rarely take

place, but in the event they are, any person whose image is captured will have consented prior to

being filmed or otherwise have agreed to be in the area where data collection will take place.

Summary

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012 – size, weight,

speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and operation within

visual line of sight and national security – provide more than adequate justification for the grant

of the requested exemptions allowing commercial operation of Petitioner’s UAS in the real estate

industry pursuant to the User Manual attached as Exhibit A.

Sincerely,

Mark Tepe

Member, 513 Aerial, LLC

Zachary P. Elliott, Esq.

Member and In-House Counsel, 513 Aerial,

LLC
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.1 | 

PHANTOM 2 User Manual V1.4 

For PHANTOM 2 Flight Controller Firmware version V3.10

& PHANTOM 2 Assistant version V3.8

& PHANTOM RC Assistant version V1.1

2015.01

Congratulations on purchasing your new DJI product. Please thoroughly read the entire contents of this manual to 

fully use and understand the product.

It is advised that you regularly check the PHANTOM 2’s product page at www.dji.com which is updated on a 

regular basis. This will provide services such as product information, technical updates and manual corrections. Due 

to any unforeseen changes or product upgrades, the information contained within this manual is subject to change 

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If you have any questions or concerns regarding your product, please contact your dealer or DJI Customer Service.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 2 |

Content 

CONTENT........................................................................................................................2

IN THE BOX.....................................................................................................................4

LEGEND ..........................................................................................................................4

1. PHANTOM 2 AIRCRAFT ...............................................................................................5

1.1 BUILT-IN FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................5

1.2 CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS...........................................................................5

Important Notes of Using with Other DJI Products........................................................6

Connections with Other DJI Products.............................................................................7

1.3 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................11

1.4 NOTES FOR PHANTOM 2 USING WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS ................................................12

2 PROPELLERS...............................................................................................................13

2.1 ASSEMBLY.....................................................................................................................13

2.2 DISASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................13

2.3 NOTES .........................................................................................................................13

3 REMOTE CONTROLLER...............................................................................................14

3.1 POWER ON THE REMOTE CONTROLLER ...............................................................................14

3.2 REMOTE CONTROLLER LED INDICATOR STATUS ....................................................................15

3.2.1 Remote Controller Power LED Indicator Status...................................................15

3.2.2 Remote Controller Battery Level Indicator Status ...............................................15

3.3 ANTENNA ORIENTATION ..................................................................................................16

3.4 REMOTE CONTROLLER OPERATION ....................................................................................16

3.5 LINKING THE REMOTE CONTROLLER & BUILT-IN RECEIVER......................................................18

4 INTELLIGENT BATTERY ...............................................................................................19

4.1 CHARGING PROCEDURES..................................................................................................19

4.2 INSTALL THE BATTERY ......................................................................................................20

4.3 BATTERY USAGE.............................................................................................................20

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR...................................................................21

4.5 CORRECT BATTERY USAGE NOTES ......................................................................................22

5 CALIBRATING THE COMPASS......................................................................................23
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.3 | 

5.1 CALIBRATION WARNINGS .................................................................................................23

5.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES ..............................................................................................23

5.3 WHEN RECALIBRATION IS REQUIRED...................................................................................23

6 FLIGHT .......................................................................................................................24

6.1 FLYING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................24

6.2 STARTING THE MOTORS...................................................................................................24

6.3 TAKEOFF/LANDING PROCEDURES.......................................................................................24

6.4 FAILSAFE FUNCTION........................................................................................................25

6.5 LOW BATTERY CAPACITY WARNING FUNCTION.....................................................................27

6.6 FLIGHT LIMITS FUNCTION.................................................................................................27

Max Height & Radius Limits.........................................................................................27

6.7 FLIGHT LIMITS OF SPECIAL AREAS ......................................................................................28

6.8 CONDITIONS OF FLIGHT LIMITS .........................................................................................30

Disclaimer.....................................................................................................................30

7 ASSISTANT INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION ......................................................31

7.1 INSTALLING DRIVER AND PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT...............................................................31

7.2 USING THE PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT ON A PC....................................................................32

7.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE OF PHANTOM 2 .............................................................................33

7.4 PHANTOM RC ASSISTANT DESCRIPTION...........................................................................33

8 APPENDIX..................................................................................................................35

8.1 SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................35

8.2 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................35

 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.4 | 

In the Box 

PHANTOM 2 Remote Controller-2.4GHz Propeller Pair

Intelligent Battery Charger Plug Set

Screwdriver Assistant Wrench Cables

Micro-USB Cable Screws Accessories Box

 

Legend

Forbidden(Important) Caution Tip Reference
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.5 | 

1 PHANTOM 2 Aircraft

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[10]

[11]

[9]

Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2

[1]Propeller [2]Motor [3]Front Side [4]Front LEDs [5]Micro-USB Port [6]Landing Gear [7]Receiver 

Antenna [8]CAN-Bus Connector [9]LED Flight Indicators [10]DJI Intelligent Battery [11]Compass

1.1 Built-in Flight Control System Instructions

The built-in flight control system is used to control the entire aircraft’s functions in flight such as Pitch (forwards 

and backwards), Roll (left and right), Elevator (up and down) and Yaw (turn left or right). The flight controller 

contains the MC (Main Controller), IMU, GPS, compass, receiver.

The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) has a built-in inertial sensor and a barometric altimeter that measures both 

attitude and altitude. The compass reads geomagnetic information which assists the GPS (Global Position System) 

to accurately calculate the aircrafts position and height in order to lock the aircraft in a stable hover. The receiver is 

used to communicate with the remote controller and the MC acts as the brains of the complete flight control 

system connecting and controlling all the modules together.

The PHANTOM 2 can be configured in the Assistant, by choosing Naza-M mode or Phantom 2 mode. 

This manual is for Phantom 2 mode. Please refer to the Naza-M V2 Quick Start Manual for more 

information.

1.2 Connections with Other DJI Products

PHANTOM 2 is compatible with other DJI products, including ZENMUSE H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal,iOSD mini,

iOSD Mark II. Below are connections for these products and wireless video transmission module.

Compass Gimbal Mounting Position Mount the H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal using 4 screws.

CAN-Bus Connector

Video Cable To the iOSD module or wireless video transmission module. 8-Pin Cable To the G8 port on the H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal.

5-Pin Cable To the compass.

Figure 1-3
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.6 | 

Important Notes of Using with Other DJI Products 

(1) The video cable can provide power for the wireless video transmission module with a battery voltage 

(11.1V~12.6V) and a maximum current 2A.

(2) Make sure the working current of the wireless video transmission module you connect can work with an 

operational voltage between 11.1V~12.6V and the total working current of the iOSD and wireless video 

transmission module is under 2A, as an overcurrent will damage the central board’s components. If the 

total current exceeds 2A, please be sure to provide power supplied from a separate power source for the 

wireless video transmission module.

(3) PHANTOM 2 uses a 2.4GHz RC system. To avoid communication interference, it’s not recommended to 

use other 2.4GHz devices (including 2.4G Wi-Fi or 2.4G wireless video transmission module) except the

2.4G Bluetooth and 2.4G Datalink.

(4) Be sure to keep the wireless video transmission module and other communicating devices away from the 

compass during installation and connection to avoid interference.

(5) To improve the compatibility with ZENMUSE gimbals, the latest factory deliveries of PHANTOM 2 has 

updated to the Version 2 shown below. H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal can be directly installed for the Version 2 

while for Version 1, a H3-3D adapter kit (coming soon) is required to install the H3-3D gimbal.

Version 1 Gimbal Mounting Position

Version 2 Gimbal Mounting Position

Figure 1-4

(6) When using the H3-3D gimbal, please connect the 8-Pin cable of PHANTOM 2 to the G8 port of H3-3D 

shown below.

Figure 1-5
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.7 | 

Connections with Other DJI Products 

(1) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal and wireless video transmission module, the figure below uses 

H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

VIDEO VIDEO GND

Batt+ Wireless Batt- video transmission module Transmitter

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) VIDEO GND VBat+

VIDEO

GND

Figure 1-6

(2) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD mini and wireless video transmission module, the figure 

below uses H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass CAN-Bus Connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND VIDEO GND VIDEO

Batt+ Batt- VIDEO

DJI

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) Wireless video transmission module Transmitter

Figure 1-7
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.8 | 

(3) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD mini and DJI specified wireless video transmission module 

AVL58, the figure below uses H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

DJI

DJI specified wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter

CAN-Bus connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND

VIDEO Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)

 

Figure 1-8

We recommend connecting the VBat+ port of the video cable to the two BATT+ ports of the AVL58 

simultaneously. The same is true of the GND port of the video cable and two BATT- ports.

 

(4) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD Mark II and wireless video transmission module, the figure 

below uses H3-2D as an example.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.9 | 

ZENMUSE H3-2D

VBat+ GND

VIDEO

DJI

VIDEO GND Wireless video transmission module Transmitter specified by DJI(AVL58) OR Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter

CAN-Bus Connector Compass

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)

Figure 1-9

The diagram below illustrates the conneciton between the iOSD Mark II and the wireless video transmission module.

iOSD Mark II Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter VIDEO GND VIDEO

BATT- Batt- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART AV-OUT AV-GND

Batt- Batt+ Batt+

Wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter specified by DJI iOSD Mark II

AV-OUT AV-GND

BATT- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART

Use the 8-Pin cable in the iOSD Mark II package when connecting to the DJI specified wireless video 

transmission module AVL58.

 

(5) Using the iPad Ground Station 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.10 | 

iPad Ground Station iPad Ground Station

+ -

3S-6S Battery 3S-6S Battery

Air End Ground End

Figure 1-10

Connect the Air End of 2.4G Bluetooth Datalink to a spared CAN-Bus port of iOSD if an iOSD is used.

(6) Using the PC Ground Station 

Air End Ground End

PC Ground Station

Figure 1-11
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.11 | 

1.3 LED Flight Indicators Description

1. LED flight indicators are used to show the aircraft’s current status. Once powered on, the indicators will light 

up. 

LED flight indicators

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Controller Signal Lost

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

(1) The LED indicators diagram above are for Phantom 2 mode. In Naza-M mode, LED indicators 

will work according to the Naza-M flight control system.

(2) Connect to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant for detailed information about warnings and errors.

2. The front LEDs are for indicating where the nose of the aircraft is. They light up solid red only after the motors 

have spooled up.

The front LEDs
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.12 | 

1.4 Notes for PHANTOM 2 using with other DJI products

Before using PHANTOM 2 with other DJI products, users should connecting the products correctly and upgrade 

the firmware as requirements below .

Items to upgrade Firmware versions required Assistant for upgrading Assistant version 

P330CB (built-in 

central board)

V1.0.1.19 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

Zenmuse H3-2D CMU V1.0,IMU V1.6 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

iOSD Mark II V3.01 or above iOSD V4.0 or above

iOSD mini V1.06 or above iOSD V4.0 or above

*The iOSD Assistant is applied to both iOSD Mark II and iOSD mini.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.13 | 

2 Propellers 

PHANTOM 2 uses the original 9-inch propellers which are classified by the color of each central nut. Damaged 

propellers should be replaced by purchasing new ones if necessary.

Propellers Grey Nut (9450) Black Nut (9450 R)

Diagram

Assembly Location

Attach to the motor thread that does 

not have a black dot.

Attach to the motor thread that has a

black dot.

Fastening/Un-fastening 

Instructions

Lock: Tighten the propeller in this direction.

Unlock: Remove the propeller in this direction.

2.1 Assembly 

1. (Figure 2-1)Remove the four warning cards from the motors after you’ve read them.

2. (Figure 2-2)Prepare the two grey nut propellers and two black nut propellers. Make sure to match the 

black nut propellers with the correctly marked black dot motors. Tighten the propellers according to the 

fastening instructions.

 

Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure2-3

2.2 Disassembly 

(Figure 2-3)Keep the motor deadlocked in place with the assistant wrench (or one hand) and remove the 

propeller according to the un-fastening instructions.

2.3 Notes

1. Propellers are self tightening during flight. DO NOT use any thread locker on the threads.

2. Make sure to match the propeller nut colors with the corresponding motors.

3. It is advised to wear protective gloves during propeller assembly and removal.

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

5. Check that all propellers are in good condition before flight. DO NOT use any ageing, chipped, or broken 

propellers.

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

7. ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.14 | 

3 Remote Controller

The PHANTOM 2 remote controller can be configured in the PHANTOM RC Assistant. The sticks mode is Mode 2 

on delivery.

For upgraded remote controller (models: NDJ6 or NRC900), select “Upgrade Version” in Phantom Assistant. 

For basic remote controller (models: DJ6 or RC900), select “Basic Version” in Phantom Assistant.

[1]

[2]

[5] [4]

[9]

[10]

J2

J1

J3

J4 [7]

[8]

[6]

[3]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 

[1]Antenna [2]Carrying Handle [3]Left Dial [4]3-Position Switch S1 [5]3-Position Switch S2 [6]Joystick1(J1;J2)

[7]Joystick2(J3;J4) [8]Neck Strap Attachment [9]Power Switch [10]Power Indicator

[11]Battery Level Indicators LED1/LED2/LED3/LED4 (from left to right) [12]Trainer Port

[13]Battery Charge & RC Assistant Port (micro-USB port) [14] Potentiometer

3.1 Power on the Remote Controller

1. Set the S1 and S2 switches to the upper most position and ensure both joysticks are at 

the mid-point position. Then toggle on the power switch.

2. Push the power switch to the right to power on the remote controller. If the power LED 

indicator is solid on, the remote controller is functioning normally. The battery level 

indicators display the current battery level.

1. Please make sure the battery level of remote controller is enough. If the low voltage warning alert 

sounds (refer to <Remote Controller Power LED Indicator Status>), please recharge the battery as soon 

as possible.

2. Charge the remote controller’s battery by using the included micro-USB cable. Using the incorrect 

type of charging cable may cause damage.

3. Turn off the remote controller before charging. The power LED indicator will display solid red when 

charging is in progress. The LED indicators will display solid green when the battery is fully charged.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.15 | 

3.2 Remote Controller LED Indicator Status 

3.2.1 Remote Controller Power LED Indicator Status 

Power LED Indicator Sound Remote Controller Status 

 None Functioning normally. 

 None Charging( remote controller is powered off)

 None Remote controller joysticks calibration error, need to be re-calibrate.

 BB---BB---BB Low voltage (from 3.5V-3.53V), recharge the remote controller.

 B-B-B...... 

Critical low voltage (from 3.45V-3.5V). Recharge the remote 

controller immediately.

 B--B--B...... 

Alert will sound after 15 minutes of inactivity. It will stop once you 

start using the remote controller. 

The remote controller will power off automatically when battery voltage drops below 3.45V. Land and 

recharge the battery as soon as possible when the low voltage alert occurs to avoid loss of control 

during flight.

3.2.2 Remote Controller Battery Level Indicator Status 

The battery level indicators will show the current battery level during both the discharging process. The following is 

a description of the indicators.

: The LED is solid on : The LED will blink regularly

: The LED is light off

Discharging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

75%~100%

50%~75%

25%~50%

12.5%~25%

0%~12.5%

<0%
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.16 | 

3.3 Antenna Orientation

The remote controller’s antenna should point skywards without obstructions for maximum communication range 

during flight.

Figure 3-3

3.4 Remote Controller Operation

The operations of remote controller are based on mode 2 stick configuration.

Definitions 

The ‘stick neutral’ positions and ‘stick released’ mean the control sticks of the remote controller are placed at

the central position. 

To ‘move the stick’ means that the stick of remote controller is pushed away from the central position.

Slide Lever is used for the pitch control of the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal. 

Remote 

Controller 

(Mode 2)

Aircraft 

( nose direction)

Operation details 

The throttle stick controls aircraft altitude/elevation. 

Push the stick up and the aircraft will rise.

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will descend.

The aircraft will automatically hover and hold its 

altitude if the sticks are centered. 

Push the throttle stick above the centered (mid-point) 

position to make the aircraft take off. When flying, we 

suggest that you push the throttle stick slowly to 

prevent the aircraft from sudden and unexpected 

elevation changes.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.17 | 

The yaw stick controls the aircraft rudder.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will rotate counter 

clock-wise. 

Push the stick right and the aircraft will rotate 

clock-wise. If the stick is centered, the aircraft will 

remain facing the same direction.

The yaw stick controls the rotating angular velocity of 

the aircraft. Pushing the stick further away from center 

results in a faster aircraft rotation velocity. 

The pitch stick controls the aircraft’s front & back tilt.

Push the stick up and the aircraft will tilt and fly 

forward. 

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will tilt and fly 

backward. The aircraft will keep level and straight if the 

stick is centered. 

Pushing or pulling the stick further away from center 

will result in a larger tilt angle (maximum of is 35 ̊) and 

faster flight velocity. 

The roll stick controls the aircraft’s left & right tilt.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will tilt and fly left. 

Push the stick right and the aircraft will tilt and fly right. 

The aircraft will keep level and straight if the stick is 

centered. 

Pushing the stick further away from center will result in 

a larger tilt angle (maximum of 35 ̊) and faster flight 

velocity. 

 

Position-1 Position-2 Position-3

S1 is for compass calibration. Toggle the S1 switch from 

position-1 to position-3 and back to position-1 at least 5 

times, which will force the aircraft to enter into

compass calibration mode.

Users can configure position 3(bottom position) of the 

S1 switch to trigger the Failsafe in the Assistant.

 

OFF Course Lock Home 

point Lock

S2 is the IOC mode switch. IOC (Intelligent 

Orientation Control) function can be enabled in the 

Assistant when in Naza-M mode. Only use the IOC 

function after you are familiar with flying. 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.18 | 

The left dial controls the pitch of the H3-2D and H3-3D

gimbal. The position of left dial determines the pitch 

angle relative to the horizontal level.

Turn the left dial to the right to make the gimbal pitch 

up. 

Turn the left dial to the left to make the gimbal pitch 

down.

The gimbal will keep its current position if the dial is 

static.

(1) For ‘Ready to Fly’ the aircraft will hover when all sticks are released.

(2) For ‘Ready to Fly (non-GPS)’ the aircraft will only keep the altitude when all sticks are released.

3.5 Linking the Remote Controller & Built-in Receiver

PHANTOM 2 has a built-in receiver, the link button and indicator located on the bottom of the aircraft as illustrated 

in the Figure 3-4.

The link between the remote controller and aircraft is already established for you so you can initially skip this 

procedure. If you ever replace the remote controller, re-establishing the link is required.

Link button & Link indicator

Figure 3-4

Linking procedures 

1. Power on the PHANTOM 2.

2. Turn on the remote controller and place it 0.5m~1m away from the aircraft.

3. Push the link button with a thin object and hold it until the Link indicator blinks red, then release it.

4. When the Link indicator turns solid green, the link between the remote controller and the built-in receiver 

has been successfully established.

Link Indicator Status 

 

The remote controller is turned off and there is no 2.4GHz signal around, please turn 

on the remote controller. 

 The receiver is ready for linking. 

 There is 2.4GHz signal around but the remote controller is not linked with the receiver, 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.19 | 

please carry out the linking procedures. 

 The remote controller is linked with the receiver successfully.

4 Intelligent Battery

The intelligent battery is specially designed for the PHANTOM 2, with a battery capacity of 5200mAh, voltage of 

11.1V and charge-discharge management functionality. The battery should only be charged with the DJI charger.

 

Intelligent Battery Charger 

DJI Intelligent Battery Functions 

(1) Balance Charging Automatically balance the voltage of each battery cell during charging.

(2) Capacity Display Display the current battery level.

(3) Communicating 

The main controller communicates with the battery via communication ports 

for battery voltage, capacity, current and other information.

(4) Overcharging Protection 

Charging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 12.8V to 

prevent overcharging damage.

(5) Over Discharging

Protection 

Discharging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 8.4V to 

prevent over discharging damage.

(6) Short Circuit Protection Automatically cuts off the power supply when a short circuit is detected.

(7) Sleep Protection

The battery will enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity to save 

power. The static current is 10nA in sleep mode when the battery is 

powered on without connecting to other devices.

(8) Charging Temperature 

Detection

The battery will charge only when its temperature is within 0°C~55°C. If the 

battery temperature is out of this range, the battery will stop charging.

(1) Before use, please read and follow the user manual, disclaimer, and the warnings on the battery. 

Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage.

(2) The battery should only be charged with the charger provided by DJI. DJI does not take any 

responsibility for operation of any charger from a third party.

4.1 Charging Procedures

1. Connect the charger to a wall socket (Use the plug set if necessary).

2. Connect the battery to the charger. If the current capacity of the battery is over 75%, you should power on 

the battery to begin charging.

3. The Battery Level indicators display current capacity level as the battery charges. Please refer to battery 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.20 | 

level indicator description for details.

4. The battery is fully charged when the Battery Level indicator lights are off. Please disconnect the charger 

and battery when the charging is completed.

Wall Socket

4.2 Install the Battery

Push the battery into the battery compartment correctly as the following diagram shows. Make sure to push the 

battery into the compartment until you hear a ‘click’ sound.

Figure 4-1

An incorrectly inserted battery may cause one of the following to occur: (1) Bad contact. (2) Unavailable

battery information. (3) Unsafe for flight. (4) Unable to take off.

4.3 Battery Usage

Figure 4-2

(1) Checking the battery level: When the battery is powered off; pressing the battery power button once will 

indicate the current battery level. Refer to < Battery Level Indicator Description> for details.

(2) Powering on: When the battery is powered off; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn on the intelligent battery.

(3) Powering off: When the battery is powered on; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn off the intelligent battery.

LED3

LED4

Battery Power Button

(Built-in Battery Power Indicator)

LED2

LED1

Battery Level Indicator
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.21 | 

(4) Checking the battery life: When the battery is powered off; press and hold the battery power button for 5 

seconds to check the battery life. The battery level indicators will show the life and the battery power indicator 

will blink for 10 seconds, then all LEDs will light out and the intelligent battery will turn off. Refer to < Battery 

Level Indicator Description> for details.

More battery information is available in the battery tab of the PHANTOM 2 Assistant.

4.4 Description of the Battery Level Indicator 

The battery level indicators will show the current battery level during both the charging and discharging process as 

well as battery life. The following is a description of the indicators.

: The LED is solid on : The LED will blink regularly

: The LED is light off

Charging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

0%~25%

25%~50%

50%~75%

75%~100%

Full charged

Discharging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

87.5%~100%

75%~87.5%

62.5%~75%

50%~62.5%

37.5%~50%

25%~37.5%

12.5%~25%

0%~12.5%

<0%

Battery life 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery life 

90%~100%
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.22 | 

80%~90%

70%~80%

60%~70%

50%~60%

40%~50%

30%~40%

20%~30%

Less than 20%

4.5 Correct Battery Usage Notes

1. Never plug or unplug the battery into the aircraft when it is powered on.

2. The battery should be charged in an environment that is between 0°C to 40°C, and be discharged in an

environment that is between -20°C to 50°C. Both charging and discharging should be in an environment

where the relative humidity is lower than 80%.

3. It’s recommended to charge and discharge the battery thoroughly once every 20 charge/discharge cycles. 

Users should discharge the battery until there is less than 8% power left or until the battery can no longer 

be turned on. Users should then fully recharge the battery to maximum capacity. This power cycling 

procedure will ensure the battery is working at its optimal level.

4. For long term storage please place the battery with only a 40~50% capacity in a strong battery box 

securely. We recommend discharging and charging the battery completely once every 3 months to keep it 

in good condition. The capacity should be varied in such a cycle (40%~50%)—0%—100%—(40%~50%).

5. It’s suggested you purchase a new battery after you have discharged your current battery over 300 times.

Please completely discharge a battery prior to disposal. 

6. It’s suggested that you purchase a new battery if the current battery is swollen or damaged in any way.

7. Never try to recharge or fly with a battery that is swollen or damaged in any way.

8. Never charge the battery unattended. Always charge the battery on a non-flammable surface such as 

concrete and never near any flammable materials.

9. Safety is extremely important and users can get more information in the DISCLAIMER.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.23 | 

5 Calibrating the Compass

IMPORTANT: Make sure to perform the Compass Calibration procedures prior to the first flight.

The compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference which causes abnormal compass data and leads to 

poor flight performance or even flight failure. Regular calibration of the compass enables the compass to perform at 

its optimal level.

5.1 Calibration Warnings

 

(1) DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is a possibility for the existence of strong 

magnetic interference such as magnetite, parking structures, and steel reinforcement 

underground.

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

phones.

(3) Compass Calibration is very important; otherwise the flight control system will work abnormally.

5.2 Calibration Procedures

Please carry out the calibrating procedures in the flight field before flight. Please watch the quick start video of the 

PHANTOM 2 for more compass calibration details.

Normal LED

Quickly flip the switch S1 360o Rotate the aircraft horizontally 360o

Rotate the aircraft vertically (Nose downward) Position-1

Start horizontal calibration Start vertical calibration Succeed Fail

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip no less than 5 times Start cali

LED Flight Indicator

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip once

Position-3

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

Re-calibrate Position-1 Position-3 5.3 When Recalibration is required

(1) When Compass Data is abnormal, the LED flight indicator will blink alternating between red and yellow.

(2) Last compass calibration was performed at a completely different flying field/location.

(3) The mechanical structure of the aircraft has changed, i.e. changed mounting position of the compass.

(4) Evident drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the aircraft doesn’t fly in straight lines.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.24 | 

6 Flight 

6.1 Flying Environment Requirements

 

(1) Before your first flight, please allow yourself some flight training (Using a flight simulator to 

practice flying, getting instruction from an experienced person, etc.).

(2) DO NOT fly in bad weather, such as rain or wind (more than moderate breeze) or fog.

(3) The flying field should be open and void of tall buildings or other obstacles; the steel structure 

within buildings may interfere with the compass.

(4) Keep the aircraft away from obstacles, crowds, power lines, trees, lakes and rivers etc.

(5) Try to avoid interference between the remote controller and other wireless equipment (No base 

stations or cell towers around).

(6) The flight control system will not work properly at the South Pole or North Pole.

(7) Never use the aircraft in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or domestic 

lays and regulations.

6.2 Starting the Motors

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start the motors. Push the sticks according to one of the options 

below to start motors. Once the motors have started, release both sticks simultaneously. The same CSC is used to 

stop the motors.

A B C D

Figure 6-1

6.3 Takeoff/Landing Procedures

1. Start by placing the PHANTOM 2 on the ground with the battery level indicators facing you.

2. Turn on the remote controller.

3. Power on the aircraft by turning on the intelligent battery.

4. When LED flight indicator blinks green/yellow, the PHANTOM 2 is entering Ready to Fly/Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode. Start the motors with the CSC command.

5. Push the throttle stick up slowly to lift the aircraft off the ground. Refer to <Remote Controller Operation> 

for more details.

6. Be sure you are hovering over a level surface. Pull down the throttle stick to descend. The stick will lock into 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.25 | 

place and the aircraft will descend steadily.

7. After landing, leave the throttle stick down for 3 to 5 seconds to stop the motors. Return throttle stick to 

middle position after the motors have stopped.

 

You SHOULD NOT execute the CSC during normal flight! This will stop the motors and cause the 

aircraft to descend rapidly and drop without any type of control.

 

(1) When the LED flight indicator blinks yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered into

Failsafe mode, refer to <Failsafe Function> for details.

(2) A low battery capacity warning is indicated by the LED flight indicator blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. Refer to the <Low Battery Capacity Warning Function> for details.

(3) Watch the quick start video about flight for more flight information.

(4) Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and 

temperature. Be very careful when flying 3000 meters (9800 feet) or more above sea level, as 

battery and aircraft performance may be reduced.

(5) When used with a H3-3D gimbal, a GoPro camera, and the iOSD mini, your Phantom 2 will be very 

close to its maximum takeoff weight. It is not recommended that you attach the Phantom 2 

propeller guards at this weight. Otherwise, the aircraft will be unable to fly normally.

6.4 Failsafe Function

The aircraft will enter Failsafe mode when the connection from the remote controller is lost. The flight control 

system will automatically control the aircraft to return to home and land to reduce injuries or damage. The following 

situations would make the aircraft fail to receive a signal from the remote controller and enter Failsafe mode:

(1) The remote controller is powered off.

(2) The remote controller is powered on but the S1 is toggled in the position triggering the Failsafe (this must 

have been configured in the PHANTOM 2 Assistant).

(3) The aircraft has flown out of the effective communication range of the remote controller.

(4) There is an obstacle obstructing the signal between the remote controller and the aircraft, essentially 

reducing the distance the signal can travel.

(5) There is interference causing a signal problem with the remote controller.

Failsafe works differently depending on the mode the aircraft is in when Failsafe mode is initiated whether it is in 

the Ready to Fly or Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode.

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) ---- Automatic landing

The flight control system will try to keep the aircraft level during descent and landing. Note that the aircraft may 

be drifting during the descent and landing process.

 

Ready to Fly ---- Automatic go home and land 

The flight control system will automatically control the aircraft to fly back to the home point and land.

 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.26 | 

Home Point 

When the aircraft is initializing the Ready to Fly status, the aircraft will record the current GPS coordinates as 

the home point. It is recommended to lift off only after Ready to Fly status is confirmed for the safety of being 

able to fly back to home point successfully in case the Failsafe mode is initiated.

Go Home Procedures 

1 Record Home Point. 2 Flying. 3 Remote controller signal lost.

4 Signal lost lasts 3s, begin to go home. 5 Fly back to home point. 6 Landing after hovering 15s.

LED Flight Indicator  LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

Height over home point<=2 0m

Height over home point>2 0m

20m

Elevate to 2 0m

Figure 6-2

 

(1) In a Failsafe situation, if less than 6 GPS satellites are found for more than 20 seconds, the aircraft 

will descend automatically.

(2) When the aircraft is landing automatically, users can control the aircraft’s position and altitude if 

the remote controller signal is recovered.

 

In Phantom 2 mode, users can set a new home point manually when the aircraft is in “Ready to fly” status 

as long as a home point has been recorded automatically. Quickly flipping the S2 switch of the remote 

controller from upper most to lower most positions 5 times or more will reset the current aircraft position 

as a new home point of PHANTOM 2. When successfully reset, you will see a series of rapid green blinks 

on the LED Flight Indicator. The definition of “home point” is:

(1) The home point is the place PHANTOM 2 returns to when the control signal is lost, which is 

recorded last time.

(2) The home point is used to calculate the horizontal distance between you and the aircraft, the 

distance will be displayed as 

D

if using iOSD module.

Regaining Control during Failsafe Procedure 

Position of 

Switch S1 

 

Position-1 Position-2 

Position-3 

(No triggering the Failsafe) 

How to regain 

control

When the S1 switch is switched to Position-1, 

toggle the S1 switch to any other position once to 

regain control. If remote controller’s signal is

recovered, control is returned back to the pilot.

Regain control as soon as signal is 

recovered.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.27 | 

6.5 Low Battery Capacity Warning Function

The low battery capacity warning alerts users when the battery is close to depletion during flight. When it appears, 

users should promptly fly back and land to avoid accidental damage. The PHANTOM 2 has two levels of low battery 

capacity warning. The first appears when the battery has less than 30% power and the second appears when it has 

less than 15% power.

(1) When battery power drops below 30% and LED indicator will blink red slowly.

(2) At lower than 15% the LED indicator will blink red rapidly, the PHANTOM 2 will also begin to descend and 

land automatically. After it has landed, keep the throttle stick at its lowest point or execute CSC.

(3) There is a hidden third low battery threshold in addition to the 1st and 2nd level warnings. This uses 10.65V 

as its threshold. Both this voltage threshold and the 2nd Level Low Battery Warning will trigger auto-landing. 

Altitude can be maintained if necessary by pushing up on the throttle stick.

 

(1) Remember to fly your PHANTOM 2 back as soon as you see a low battery capacity warning.

(2) Keeping the battery contact needles and pads clean is very important. Any dirt and dust may 

cause a communication failure.

6.6 Flight Limits Function

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

(International Civil Aviation Organization) and per country airspace regulations. For safety reasons, the flight limits 

function is enabled by default to help users use this product safely and legally. The flight limits function includes 

height, distance limits.

In Ready to Fly status, height, distance limits works together to restrict the flight. In Ready to Fly (non-GPS) status, 

only height limit works and the flying height restricted to be not over 120m.

(1) The default parameters in the Assistant is compliant within the definitions of class G ruled by 

ICAO. (Refer to Airspace Classification to get more details). As each country has its own rules, 

make sure to configure the parameters to comply with these rules too, before using the 

PHANTOM 2.

(2) Users in Mainland China can refer to 民用航空空域使用办法.

Max Height & Radius Limits 

The Max Height & Radius restricts the flying height and distance. Configuration can be done in the PHANTOM 2

Assistant. Once complete, your aircraft will fly in a restricted cylinder. 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.28 | 

Max Height Max Radius

Home Point The height of aircraft when it is powered on Figure 6-3 Figure 6-4

Ready to Fly 

 Limits Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

Max Height 

The flight height is restricted to fly 

under the max height. 

Warning: Height limit 

reached. 

None.

Max Radius 

The flight distance is restricted to fly 

within the max radius. 

Warning: Distance limit 

reached.

Rapid red flashings 

when close to the Max radius limit. 

Ready to Fly(non-GPS) 

 Flight Limits Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

Max Height 

The flight height is restricted to fly 

under the minor height between the 

Max height and 120m. 

Warning: Height limit reached. 

None.

Max Radius Not limited, no warnings or LED indicators. 

(1) If the aircraft flies out of the limits, you can still control your aircraft except to fly it further away.

(2) If the aircraft is flying out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) status, it will fly back 

within the limits range automatically if 6 or more GPS satellites have been found. 

6.7 Flight Limits of Special Areas 

Special areas include airports worldwide. All special areas are listed on the DJI official website. Please refer to 

http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc for details. These areas have been divided into category A and category B. 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.29 | 

 Category A Category B

Ready to Fly 

Airspace Limits 

Rear LED 

Flight Indicator 

A 

Orange 

Motors will not start.

If the Phantom flies into a special area in Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode and Ready to Fly mode activates, it will 

automatically descend and land then stop its motors. 

B 

Yellow 

If the Phantom flies into a special area in Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode and Ready to Fly mode activates, it will 

descend to airspace C and hover 5 meters below edge d. 

C 

Green 

No restrictions of flight, but the Phantom will not enter 

Category A, the aircraft can fly free, but it will not enter 

Airspace B through Boundary b & d.

Around Category B sites, the phantom can fly freely, but it will 

not enter into Airspace A through Boundary a.

D 

Blue 

No restrictions. None. 

10.5m

2400m

Center of Special Area 8000m

120m A B C

8100m

D

b

d

c b a a c

d

a

b

c

Airspace: A,B,C,D Boundary: a, b, c, d

1000m

A C D c a a c

a 2000m c Center of Special Area

Airspace: A,C,D Boundary: a, c,
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.30 | 

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

the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing. Users will regain control 

once the motors have stopped. There is no need to toggle the S1 switch.

(1) When flying in the airspace (A/B/C) of restricted special area, LED flight indicators will blink red 

quickly and continue for 3 seconds, then switch to indicate current flying 

status and continue for 5 seconds at which point it will switch back to red blinking.

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

city centers and other special areas. Try to ensure the aircraft is visible. 

6.8 Conditions of Flight Limits 

In different working modes and flight modes, flight limits will differ according to number of GPS satellites found. 

The following table demonstrates all the cases(√: available; ×:unavailable).

All flights are restricted by height, distance and special areas simultaneously.

Phantom mode 

Flight Status Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

Ready to Fly √ √ √

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) × √ ×

Naza-M mode 

Control Mode number of GPS found Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

GPS 

≥6 √ √ √

<6 × √ ×

ATTI.

≥6 √ √ ×

<6 × √ ×

Manual

≥6 × × ×

<6 × × ×

Disclaimer 

Please ensure that you are kept up to date with International and Domestic airspace rules and regulations before 

using this product. By using this product, you hereby agree to this disclaimer and signify that you have read this fully. 

You agree that you are responsible for your own conduct and content while using this product, and for any direct or 

indirect consequences caused by not following this manual, violate or disregard any other applicable local laws, 

administrative rules and social habits thereof.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.31 | 

7 Assistant Installation and Configuration

7.1 Installing Driver and PHANTOM 2 Assistant

Installing and running on Windows 

1. Download driver installer and Assistant installer in EXE format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 

on the DJI website.

2. Connect the PHANTOM 2 to a PC via a Micro-USB cable. 

3. Run the driver installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

4. Next, run the Assistant installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

5. Double click the PHANTOM 2 icon on your Windows desktop to launch the software.

The installer in EXE format only supports Windows operating systems (Win XP, Win7, Win8 (32 or 64 

bit)).

Installing and running on Mac OS X

1. Download the Assistant installer in DMG format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 on the DJI 

website.

2. Run the installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

3. When launching for the first time if use Launchpad to run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant, Launchpad won’t 

allow access because the software has not been reviewed by Mac App Store. 

4. Locate the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder, press the Control key and then click the PHANTOM 2 icon 

(or right-click the PHANTOM 2 icon using a mouse). Choose Open from the shortcut menu, click open in 

the prompt dialog box and then software will launch.

5. After the first successful launch, directly launching of the software can be achieved by double-clicking 

the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.32 | 

Installer in DMG format supports only Mac OS X 10.6 or above.

Usage of PHANTOM 2 Assistant on Mac OS X and Windows are exactly the same. The Assistant pages 

appear in other places of this manual are on the Windows for example. 

7.2 Using the PHANTOM 2 Assistant on a PC

1. Start up the PC, power on the PHANTOM 2, then connect the PHANTOM 2 to the PC with a Micro-USB 

cable. DO NOT disconnect until configuration is finished.

2. Run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant and wait for the PHANTOM 2 to connect to the Assistant. Observe the 

indicators on the bottom of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection indicator is

and communication indicator is blinking .

3. Choose [Basic] or [Advanced] configuration pages.

4. View and check the current configuration in the [View] page.

Language swap View configurations

Connection indicator Communication indicator

RC, Gain Gimbal, Battery IMU calibration Firmware upgrade Account, software version

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

Function switch of Phantom 2 and Naza-M mode
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.33 | 

(1) Users should not enable the Naza-M function before finishing Advanced Flight Maneuvers 

procedure in the " PHANTOM Pilot Training Guide”. If the Naza-M mode is enabled, users can 

switch the control mode between ATTI. Mode, GPS Mode or Manual Mode, and access the 

advanced settings (e.g. IOC). In addition, the LED located on the rear frame arms will display

Naza-M flight status indications instead of the PHANTOM 2's indicators. Do not enable the 

Naza-M mode unless you are an experienced user or guided by a professional.

(2) You can change to the Phantom 2 mode by clicking the same button used to turn on the Naza-M 

mode. This operation will disable the Naza-M mode and enable Phantom 2 mode. All parameters 

will be returned to factory settings.

7.3 Firmware upgrade of PHANTOM 2

Please refer to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant to install driver and PHANTOM RC Assistant, and then follow the 

procedures below to upgrade the software and firmware; otherwise the PHANTOM 2 might not work properly.

1. An internet connection is required to upgrade PHANTOM 2’s firmware.

2. Click the [Upgrade] icon to check the current firmware version and whether the installed firmware is the 

latest version. If not, click the relative links to upgrade.

3. Be sure to wait until the Assistant shows “finished”. Click OK and power cycle the PHANTOM 2 after 5 

seconds. Once completed, the firmware is up to date.

Firmware upgradable items

Current firmware version

Upgrade link

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

(1) DO NOT power off until the upgrade is finished.

(2) If the firmware upgrade failed, the main controller will enter a waiting for firmware upgrade 

status automatically. If this happens, repeat the above procedures.

Firmware upgradable items:(1)Main Controller(2)P330CB(Main Board)(3)Receiver(4)Gimbal 

CMU(5)Gimbal IMU(6)Battery 

7.4 PHANTOM RC Assistant Description

Please follow the procedures to finish the configuration of the remote controller.
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.34 | 

1. Turn off the remote controller and find the Micro-USB port on the bottom of it.

2. Start up the PC, power on the remote controller, and then connect the remote controller to the PC with a 

Micro-USB cable. DO NOT disconnect until the configuration is finished.

3. Run the PHANTOM RC Assistant and wait for the remote controller to connect to the Assistant. Observe 

the indicators on the bottom left of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection 

indicator is and communication indicator is blinking .

4. Finish configuration in the [Main] page.

5. Finish upgrade in the [Info] page if necessary.

DT7调参软件

Main Page of the 2.4GHz Remote Controller 

Language swap Main page

Connection indicator Communication indicator

Firmware upgrade Account, software version

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface. 
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.35 | 

8 Appendix

8.1 Specifications

Aircraft

Operating environment temperature -10°C to 50°C

Power consumption 5.6W

Supported Battery DJI Intelligent battery

Weight (including the battery) 1000g

Take-off Weight ≤1300g 

Hovering Accuracy (Ready to Fly) Vertical: 0.8m; Horizontal: 2.5m

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 200°/s

Max Tilt Angle 35°

Max Ascent / Descent Speed Ascent: 6m/s; Descent: 2m/s

Max Flight Speed 15m/s (Not Recommended)

Wheelbase 350mm

2.4GHz Remote Controller 

Operating Frequency 2.4GHz ISM

Communication Distance (open area) 1000m

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -97dBm

Working Current/Voltage 120 mA@3.7V

Built-in LiPo Battery Working Current/Capacity 3.7V, 2000mAh

DJI Intelligent Battery

Type 3S LiPo Battery

Capacity 5200mAh, 11.1V

Charging Environment Range 0°C to 40°C

Discharging Environment Range -20°C to 50°C

8.2 LED Flight Indicators Description

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Controller Signal Lost

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning
©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.36 | 

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.*

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

* Users can connect to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant to get detailed information about warnings and errors.