PHANTOM 3

PROFESSIONAL

UserManual V1.0 2015.04

Using this manual

Legends

Warning Important Hints and Tips Reference

Read Before the First Flight

Read the following documents before using the Phantom 3 Professional:

1. In the Box

2. Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

3. Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide

4. Phantom 3 Professional / Advanced Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer

5. Phantom 3 Professional / 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.

Video Tutorials

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 the DJI Pilot app

Download and install the DJI Pilot app before using the aircraft. Scan the QR code to the right to 

download the latest version.

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

version of the DJI Pilot app is compatible with iOS 8.0 or later.

2 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

Using this manual

Legends 2 Read Before the First Flight 2 Video Tutorials 2 Download the DJI Pilot app 2

Product Profile

Introduction 6 Feature Highlights 6 Preparing the Aircraft 7 Aircraft Diagram 8 Remote Controller 

Diagram 8

Aircraft

Flight Controller 11 Flight Mode 11 Flight Status Indicator 11 Return-to-Home (RTH) 12 Smart 

RTH 12 Low Battery RTH 13 Failsafe RTH 14 Vision Positioning System 14 Flight Recorder 16 

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 16 DJI Intelligent Flight Battery 17

Remote Controller

Remote Controller Profile 23 Using the Remote Controller 23 Remote Controller Status LED 27 

Linking the Remote Controller 28 Remote Controller Compliance Version 29

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 3

4 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Camera and Gimbal

Camera Profile 31 Gimbal 32

DJI Pilot 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 53 Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) 55 FCC Compliance 56

Product Profile

This section introduces the Phantom 3 Professional and lists the components of the aircraft and 

remote controller.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 5

Product Profile

Introduction

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

capturing 4K video and transmitting an HD video 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.

Feature Highlights

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.

6 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Product Profile

Preparing the Aircraft Removing Gimbal Clamp

Remove the gimbal clamp by sliding it to the right (when facing the nose of the aircraft), as 

shown below.

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.

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

Product Profile

1

2

3

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 7

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual Aircraft Diagram

[7] [4]

[6]

[11]

[5]

[8] [9]

[10]

[12]

4K

[14] [13]

Remote Controller Diagram

[8] [3] [7] [4]

[6]

[5]

8 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

[1]

[2] [3]

[1] GPS

[2] Propeller

[3] Motor

[4] Front LED Indicator

[5] Landing gear

[6] Gimbal and Camera

[7] Aircraft Micro-USB Port

[8] Aircraft Status Indicator

[9] Intelligent Flight Battery

[10] Vision Positioning Sensors [11] Antennas

[12] Camera Micro-SD Card Slot [13] Camera Micro-USB Port [14] Link Button

Product Profile

[1] Antennas

Relays aircraft control and [1] video signal.

[2]

[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

[15]

[16]

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings.

(Only functions when the remote controller is [13] connected to a mobile device running the DJI

Pilot app. )

[10] Playback Button

Playback the captured images or videos. (Only functions when the remote controller is 

connected to a mobile device running the DJI Pilot app.)

[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 Pilot app.

[18] C2 Button

Customizable through the DJI Pilot app.

[19] Power Port

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal.

[15] Mircro-USB Port

Connect to a SD card reader to upgrade the firmware.

[16] USB Port

Connect to mobile device or to a USB port for firmware upgrade.

[18] [17]

[19]

Connect to the DJI Phantom 3 Charger to charge the battery of the remote controller.

[14]

[12]

[14] Gimbal Dial

[9] [10]

[11]

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Product Profile

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 9

Aircraft

This section introduces the features of the Flight Controller, Vision Positioning System, and the 

Intelligent Flight Battery

10 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Aircraft

Flight Controller
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.

Flight Mode

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-ATTI: 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.

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.

Flight Status Indicator

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

these LEDs are shown in the figure below:

Aircraft Status Indicator

Front LED

The Front LEDs show the orientation of the aircraft. The Front LEDs 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:

Aircraft

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 11

Normal

Warning

Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively

Warming Up

Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Positioning but without GPS)

Slow Red Flashing

Red Flashing Alternatively

Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively

Low Battery Warning

IMU Error

Compass Calibration Required

GPS

Description

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual
Aircraft Status Indicator Description

Alternatively Red,GreenandYellowFlash

Green Flashes Slowly X2 Green Flashes Twice

Yellow Flashes Slowly Fast Yellow Flashing

Fast Red Flashing — Solid Red

Return-to-Home (RTH)

Turning On and Self Diagnostic Testing

Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision Positioning)

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

Remote Controller's Signal Lost Critical Battery Warning 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

Smart RTH

If a strong GPS signal was acquired before takeoff, the Home Point is the location from which 

the aircraft was launched. The GPS signal strength is indicated by the GPS icon ( ). 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 DJI Pilot app and follow the on-screen instructions 

when GPS is available to ini- tiate Smart 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.

12 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Aircraft

Sufficient battery level(Green)

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Low Battery RTH

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

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

aircraft immediately when prompted. The DJI Pilot 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 DJI Pilot app, and is described below:

Critical Low battery level warning(Red)

Low battery

level warning(Yellow)

Power requires to return home

Battery level Indicator

Remaining flight time

Battery Level Warning

Remark
Aircraft Status Indicator

DJI Pilot app

Flight Instructions

Low battery level warning

The battery power is low. Please land the aircraft.

Aircraft status indicator blinks RED slowly.

Tap “Go-home” to have the aircraft return to the Home point and land automatically, or “Cancel” 

to resume normal flight. If no action is taken, the aircraft will automatically go home and land 

after 10 seconds. Remote controller will sound an alarm.

Fly the aircraft back and land it as soon as possible, then stop the motors and replace the 

battery.

Critical Low battery level warning

The aircraft must land immediately.

Aircraft status indicator blinks RED quickly.

The DJI Pilot app display will flash red and the aircraft will start to descend. The remote 

controller will sound an alarm.

Allow the aircraft to descend and land automatically.

Estimated remaining flight time

Estimated remaining flight based on current battery level.

N/A

N/A

N/A

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 13

Aircraft

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.

Failsafe RTH

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 Return- to-Home process may be interrupted and the operator may regain control 

of the aircraft if the remote controller signal connection is re-established.

Aircraft

Failsafe Illustration

1 Record Home Point

Blinking Green

4 Signal Lost Lasts (after 3 sec.)

2 Confirming Home Point

Blinking Green

5 RTH (adjustable altitude)

3 Remote Controller Signal Lost

×!

Fast Blinking Yellow

6 Landing (after hovering for 5 secs)

×!
Fast Blinking Yellow

>3S

× ×!

Height over HP>20m Elevate to 20m Height over HP<=20m

Fast Blinking Yellow

Fast Blinking Yellow

20m

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 Pilot app and enter “Camera” and 

select “MODE > Advanced Settings > Failsafe mode” to set the Failsafe altitude.

The aircraft will stop its ascent and return to the Home Point immediately if the throttle stick is 

moved during the Failsafe RTH procedure.

Vision Positioning System

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 [1] one monocular 

camera.

[1] [2]

14 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Follow the steps below to use Vision Positioning:

1. Toggle the flight mode switch to P-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.

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..

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Aircraft

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 15

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

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 Recorder

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 Pilot app.

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers

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.

Aircraft

Propellers

Figure

Attach On Legends

Silver Dot Black Dot

Motors with a grey axes Motors with a black axes

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

propellers in the indicated direction to loosen and remove.

Attaching the Propellers

1. 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.

16 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

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

off. Wear gloves when handling propellers.

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

Detaching the 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.

Toavoidinjury,STAND CLEARofandDONOTtouchpropellersormotorswhentheyarespinning. ONLY 

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

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery

The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery has a capacity of 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.

Intelligent Flight Battery

Charger

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 100W.

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 Pilot 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 0°C 

(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.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 17

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

10. Battery Cell Damage Protection: The DJI Pilot app displays a warning message when a 

damaged battery cell is detected.

11. Battery Error History: Browse the battery error history in the DJI Pilot 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 / Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines before 

use. Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage.

Using the Battery

Turning ON/OFF

LED1

LED2 LED3 LED4

Power Button (Bulit-in LED)
Battery Level Indicators

Aircraft

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.

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 -10°C and 5°C.

3. End the flight as soon as the DJI Pilot 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.

18 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

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

discharging. The indicators are defined below.

: LED is on.

: LED is off.

: LED is flashing.

Battery Level

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4

Battery Level

87.5%~100%

75%~87.5%

62.5%~75%

50%~62.5%

37.5%~50% 25%~37.5% 12.5%~25% 0%~12.5% =0%

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:

Battery Life

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4

Battery Life

90%~100%

80%~90%

70%~80%

60%~70%

50%~60% 40%~50% 30%~40% 20%~30% below 20%

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

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

is listed under the battery tab.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 19

Aircraft

Battery Level Indicators While Charging

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4

Battery Level

0%~25%

Battery Level Indicators while Charging

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4

Blinking Pattern

LED2 blinks twice per second

LED2 blinks three times per second

Battery Protection Item

Over current detected

Short circuit detected Over charge detected

LED3 blinks twice per second LED3 blinks three times per second

Over-voltage charger detected Charging temperature is too low

LED4 blinks twice per second

LED4 blinks three times per second

Charging temperature is too high

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 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.

We do not recommend charging the Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller with the 

standard charger at the same time, otherwise the charger may overheat.

Always turn off the battery before inserting it or removing it from the Phantom 3 Professional. 

Never insert or remove a battery when it is turned on.

Intelligent Flight Battery Charger

Power Outlet

50%~75% 75%~100% Fully Charged

25%~50%

Battery Protection LED Display

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

20 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Aircraft

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.

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 Pilot 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.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 21

Aircraft

Remote Controller

This section describes the features of the remote controller and includes instructions for 

controlling the aircraft and the camera.

22 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Remote Controller

Remote Controller Profile

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.

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.

To prevent transmission interference, do not operate more than three aircrafts in the same area.

Using the Remote Controller 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.

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.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 23

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Power Button

Controlling the Camera

Shoot videos/pictures, view recorded images, and adjust camera settings via the Shutter Button, 

Camera Settings Dial, Playback Button, and Video Recording Button on the remote controller.

[1] Camera Settings Dial

[5] [1] [4] [2]

[3]

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 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Charger

Power Outlet

Remote Controller

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 Controller (Mode 2)

Aircraft
( Indicates Nose Direction)

Remarks

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 counter- clockwise, 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 larger 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.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Remote Controller

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 25

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Flight Mode Switch

Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode. You may choose between; P-mode, F-mode 

and A- mode.

Position 1

Position

Position 1 Position 2 Position 3

Figure

Flight Mode

F-mode Position 2 A-mode

P-mode 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-ATTI: 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 Pilot 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.

Remote Controller

26 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

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:

Optimal Transmission Range

strong weak

Ensure that the aircraft is flying within the optimal transmission zone. To achieve the best 

transmission performance, maintain the appropriate relationship between the operator and the 

aircraft.

Remote Controller Status LED

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.

RTH LED

Status LED

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Remote Controller

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 27

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Status LED

— Solid Red

— Solid Green

Slow Blinking Red

/

Red and Green/ Red and Yellow Alternate Blinks

RTH LED

— Solid White

Blinking White Blinking White

Alarm Chime

Chime D-D-D......
None

Sound Chime

D . . . DD .. .. ..

Remote Controller Status

The remote controller is disconnected from the aircraft. The remote controller is connected to 

the aircraft. Remote controller error.

HD downlink is disrupted.

Remote Controller Status

Aircraft is returning home.

Sending Return-to-Home command to the aircraft. Return-to-Home procedure in progress.

The Remote Status Indicator will blink red and sound an alert, when the battery level is critically 

low.

Linking the Remote Controller

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 DJI Pilot app. 2. 

Turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery.

3. Enter “Camera” and tap on and then tap “Linking RC” button as shown below.

Remote Controller

28 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

RC Calibration

Stick Mode

RC Control Setting

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 Not Defined C2 Not Defined

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back of the RC.

Linking RC

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 Calibration

Stick Mode

RC Control Setting

Searching for aircraft frequency, timeout in 54 seconds

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.

Press the linking button on the aircraft to link this remote controller

C1 Not Defined C2 Not Defined

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back of the RC.

Linking RC

Cancel

Remote Controller

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.

Link Button
The remote controller will un-link itself from an aircraft if a new remote controller is linked to the 

same aircraft.

Remote Controller Compliance Version

The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC requirements.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 29

Camera and Gimbal

This section provides the technical specifications of the camera and explains the gimbal’s 

operation modes.

30 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Camera and Gimbal

Camera Profile

The on-board camera uses the 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor to capture video (up to 4096x2160p at 

24fps or 4K 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 DJI Pilot app.

Camera Micro-SD Card Slot

To store your photos and videos, insert the Micro-SD card into the slot, as shown below, before 

turning on the Phantom 3 Professional. The Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 16 GB MicroSD card and supports Micro-SD cards up to 64 GB. A UHS-1 Micro-SD card is recommended 

due to their fast read and write speeds allowing you to save high-resolution video data.

Gimbal Camera

Do not remove the Micro-SD 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 must be turned on before attempting to access the files on the Micro-SD card.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 31

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 DJI Pilot app. For more information about how to use these buttons, refer to 

“Controlling the Camera Page 24”.

Gimbal Gimbal Profile

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. ̊

30° 0°

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the tilt movement of the camera.

Gimbal Operation Modes

Two gimbal operation modes are available. Switch between the different operation modes on 

the camera settings page of the DJI Pilot 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:

Follow 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 gimbal wet, leading to temporary failure. The gimbal 

will recover full functionality after it dries.

Gimbal Camera

32 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

FPV Mode

-90°

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 1 through the hole of the vibration absorber and into the center hole of Part 2 , then 

lock them together as shown 3 . Mounting the anti-drop kit pins diagonally from each other is 

recommended.

1

2

3

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Gimbal Camera

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 33

DJI Pilot App

This section introduces the four main functions of the DJI Pilot app.

34 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

DJI Pilot App

The DJI Pilot 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.

United States

Mountain View

CAMERA DIRECTOR STORE DISCOVERY

Camera

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.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4] [5] [6]

[7] [8]

MODE P-GPS CL Safe to Fly (GPS)

ISO 100 1/320 EV 0 4821 JPEG

H: 39M D: 1039M V.S: 8.3M/S H.S:24.2M/S 1.2M

[17] [16]

[15] [14]

[13]

[9]

[10]

[12]

[11]

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 35

DJI Pilot App
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

[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.

[2] GPS Signal Strength

: 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

: This icon indicates the current aircraft system status and GPS signal strength.

[5] Battery Level Indicator

: 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

: This icon shows the strength of remote controller’s signal.

[7] HD Video Link Signal Strength

: This icon shows the strength of the HD video downlink connection between the aircraft and the 

remote controller.

[8] Battery Level

: 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.

[10] Camera Operation Bar

Shutter and Recording Settings

: Tap to enter various camera value settings, including color space for the recording, resolution 

of the videos, image size and so on.

Shutter

: Tap this button to take a single photo. Press and hold this button to select single shot, triple 

shot or time-lapsed shooting modes.

DJI Pilot App

36

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

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

: Tap to enter the playback page. You can preview photos and videos as soon as they are 

captured.

Camera Settings

: Tap to set ISO, shutter and auto exposure values of the camera.

[11] Vision Positioning
: This icon shows the distance between the surface and the Vision Positioning System’s 

sensors.

[12] Flight Telemetry

H: 39M D: 1039M V.S: 8.3M/S H.S:24.2M/S 1.2M

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.

[13] Map

Display the flight path of the current flight. Tap to switch from the Camera GUI to the Map GUI.

[14] Return to Home (RTH)

: Initiate RTH home procedure. Tap to have the aircraft return to the last recorded home point.

[15] Auto Takeoff/Landing

/ : Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 37

DJI Pilot App

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual [16] Livestream

: Livestream icon indicates the current video feed is broadcasting live on YouTube. Be sure the 

mobile data service is available on the mobile device.

[17] Back

: Tap to return to the main GUI.

Director

Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI Pilot 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.

Store

Tap “Store” to visit the official DJI Online Store to see the latest information about DJI products 

and easily buy new products.

Discovery

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".

DJI Pilot App

38 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Flight

This section describes safe flight practices and flight restrictions.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 39

Flight

Once pre-flight preparation is complete, it is recommended that you use the flight simulator in 

the DJI Pilot app to hone your flight skills and practice flying safely. Ensure that all flights are 

carried out in an open area.

Flight Environment Requirements

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 on- board 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.

6. The Phantom 3 Professional cannot operate within the polar areas.

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones

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 Pilot 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:

Flight

Maximum Flight Altitude

Max Radius Home Point

Height of aircraft when turned on

40 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

GPS Signal Strong

Max Radius

Blinking Green

Flight Limits

Flight distance must be within the max radius.

DJI Pilot app

Warning: Distance limit reached.

Aircraft Status Indicator

Rapid red flashing when close to the

max radius limit.

Aircraft Status Indicator

Maximum Flight Altitude

Aircraft's altitude cannot exceed the specified value.

Warning: Height limit reached.

None.

GPS Signal Weak Blinking Yellow

Flight Limits

DJI Pilot app

Maximum Flight Altitude

Max Radius

Height is restricted to 400 feet. (120m) and under.

Warning: Height limit reached.
None.

No limits

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

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 Take- off 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 Pilot app.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 41

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

1640 feet

320 feet

1640 feet

320 feet

Restricted Area

66 feet

1 mile R1 R2

1 mile

66 feet R1

R2

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

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

take off

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

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

within 0.6

miles (1 km) of this zone, a warning message will appear on the DJI Pilot app.

Flight

100m R

100m R

42 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green

Zone
Restriction

DJI Pilot App Prompt

Aircraft Status Indicator

No-fly Zone

Motors will not start.

Warning: You are in a No-fly zone. Take off prohibited.

Red flashing

If the aircraft enters the restricted area in A-mode, but is switched to P-mode, the aircraft will 

automatically descend, land, and stop its motors.

Warning: You are in a no-fly zone. Automatic landing has begun.

Restricted- altitude flight zone

If the aircraft enters the restricted area in A-mode, but is switched to P-mode, it will descend to 

an appropriate altitude and hover 15 feet below the altitude limit.

R1: Warning: You are in a restricted zone. Descending to safe altitude.

R2: Warning: You are in a restricted zone. Maximum flight altitude is restricted to between 20m 

and 500m. Fly cautiously.

Warning zone

No flight restriction applies, but there will be a warning .

Warning: You are approaching a restricted zone, Fly cautiously.

Free zone

No restrictions.

None.

None.

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

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

When 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.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 43

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual Preflight Checklist

1. Remote controller, Intelligent Flight Battery, and mobile device are fully charged. 2. Propellers 

are mounted correctly and firmly.

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

4. Gimbal is functioning normally.

5. Motors can start and are functioning normally.

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

Calibrating the Compass

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.

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

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

structures

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

Do not calibrate in direct proximity to large metal objects. DO NOT calibrate indoors.
Calibration Procedures

Choose an open area to carry out the following procedures.

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

pre-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.

Flight

44 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Flight

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

aircraft to a different location and try again.

Calibrate the compass before each flight. Launch the DJI Pilot 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 and Auto Landing

Auto Takeoff

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

to use the auto takeoff feature:

1. Launch the DJI Pilot 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 (1.5 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.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 45

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 “ ”, to begin landing. Then follow the onscreen

instructions.

Starting/Stopping the Motors Starting the Motors
A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start the motors. Push both sticks to the 

bottom inner or outer corners to start the motors. Once the motors have started spinning, 

release both sticks simultaneously.

OR

Stopping the Motors

There are two methods to stop the motors.

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

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

Release both sticks once motors stop.

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

after three seconds.

OR

Method 2

Do not perform a CSC when the aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will suddently stop.

Flight Test 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 Pilot 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 Pilot app.

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

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

motors stop. 9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first, then the Remote Controller.

46 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Flight

Method 1

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 Pilot 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.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 47

Flight

FAQ

48 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Troubleshooting (FAQ)
What is the difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced?

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

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

30 frames per second, and the Phantom 3 Advanced is capable of shooting at resolutions up to 

1080p60. Both models shoot 12 megapixel photos.

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

comes with a 57-watt charging unit and the Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 100-watt 

charger, the latter of which allows for shorter charging times.

Can I remove the camera and attach my own?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

function as you choose through the DJI Pilot 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 Pilot 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 Pilot 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.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 49

FAQ

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

How do I use the Director automatic video editor?

Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI Pilot 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 Pilot 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-mode, or Function mode, activates Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) functionality. Refer to 

the IOC section in the Appendix of the User Manual.

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

the other modes.

50 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

FAQ

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-SD 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 Pilot app icon. If 

the Pilot 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 Pilot 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 

flight.

• 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.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 51

FAQ

Appendix

52 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Appendix

Specifications

Aircraft

Weight (Battery & Propellers Included)

1280 g

Max. Ascent Speed

5 m/s

Max. Descent Speed

3 m/s

Max. Speed

16 m/s (ATTI mode, no wind)

Max. Flight Altitude

6000 m

Max. Flight Time

Approximately 23 minutes

Operating Temperature

0°C to 40°C

GPS Mode

GPS/GLONASS

Gimbal

Controllable Range

Pitch: - 90° to + 30°

Vision Positioning

Velocity Range

< 8 m/s (2 m above ground)

Altitude Range

30 cm-300 cm

Operating Range 30 cm-300 cm

Operating Environment

Brightly lit (lux > 15) patterned surfaces
Camera

Sensor

Sony EXMOR 1/2.3” Effective pixels:12.4 M (total pixels: 12.76 M)

Lens

FOV 94° 20mm(35mm format equivalent ) f/2.8

ISO Range

100-3200(video) 100-1600(photo)

Electronic Shutter Speed

8s -1/8000s

Image Max. Size

4000 x 3000

Still Photography Modes

Single shot

Burst shooting: 3/5/7 frames

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 Bracketed frames at 0.7EV Bias Time-lapse

Supported SD Card Types

Micro SD

Max. capacity: 64 GB. Class 10 or UHS-1 rating required

Video Recording Modes

UHD : 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30 FHD:1920x1080p 24/25/30/48/50/60 HD:

1280x720p 24/25/30/48/50/60

Max. Bitrate Of Video Storage

60 Mbps

Supported File Formats

FAT32/exFAT

Photo: JPEG, DNG

Video: MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)

Operating Temperature Range

0°C to 40°C

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 53

Appendix

Remote Controller

Operating Frequency

2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz

Transmitting Distance

2000 m (Outdoor And Unobstructed)

Video Output Port

USB

Operating Temperature Range

0°C- 40°C

Battery

6000 mAh LiPo 2S

Mobile Device Holder

Tablets and smartphones

Transmitter Power(EIRP)

FCC: 20 dbm; CE:16 dbm

Working Voltage

1.2 A @7.4 V

Charger
Voltage

17.4 V

Rated Power

100 W

Intelligent Flight Battery ( PH3-4480 mAh-15.2 V )

Capacity

4480 mAh

Voltage

15.2 V

Battery Type

LiPo 4S

Energy

68 Wh

Net Weight

365 g

Operating Temperature

-10°C- 40°C

Max. Charging Power

100 W

Normal

Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively

X2 Green Flashes Twice

Aircraft Warming Up

Warning

Slow Red Flashing

Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively

Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Positioning but without GPS)

Low Battery Warning

Red Flashing Alternatively

IMU Error

Compass Calibration Required

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Aircraft Status Indicator Description

Alternatively Red,GreenandYellowFlash

Green Flashes Slowly

Yellow Flashes Slowly Fast Yellow Flashing

Fast Red Flashing — Solid Red

Turning on and Self-Diagnostics

Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision Positioning)

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

Remote Controller Signal Lost Critical Battery Warning Critical Error

54

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Appendix

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC)

IOC allows users to lock the control orientation of the aircraft in different modes. There are three 

working modes for IOC that can be selected in the DJI Pilot app. IOC only works when the 
aircraft is in F-mode, therefore the user must toggle the flight mode switch to activate IOC. Refer 

to the table below:

Record a Home Point (HP) and enter HL mode. The forward and backward Home Lock (HL)* 

controls will move the aircraft farther from and closer to the established Home

Pont, regardless of how the orientation and position of the aircraft changes.

Course Lock (CL)

The nose direction, at the time that CL is set, will remain the forward direction regardless of how 

the orientation and position of the aircraft changes. This will remain fixed until you reset it or exit 

CL mode.

Point of Interest (POI)*

Point of Interest. Record a point of interest (POI). The aircraft can then circle around the POI 

and the nose will always points toward the POI.

*Home Lock and Point of Interest feature are coming soon.

IOC Requirements

IOC is only available under the following conditions: Course Lock No None

POI Yes

Using IOC

Aircraft

None

5m~500m Point of Interest

Modes IOC

GPS enabled

GPS counts

Flight Distance Limits

Home Lock

Yes

Aircraft ≥10m Home Point

Toggle the Flight Mode Switch F-mode and follow the instructions prompted on the DJI Pilot app 

to select the desired IOC mode.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 55

Appendix

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual FCC Compliance

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.

Changes 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 présent areil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada licables aux areils radio exempts de 

licence.

L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:

(1) l'areil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et

(2) l'utilisateur de l'areil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage 

est

56 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Appendix

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

“해당무선설비는 운용 중 전파혼신 가능성이 있으므로 인명안전과 관련된 서비스는 할 수 없습니다 .” “해당 무

선설비는 운용 중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음”

NCC Warning Message

低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法 第十二條經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機,非經許可,公司、商

號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加 大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。 第十四條低功率射頻

電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信;經發現有干擾現象時,應改善至無 干擾時方得繼續

使用。前項合法通信,指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法 通信或工

業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 57
Appendix

The 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 DJI. All Rights Reserved.