SKYDRONE UAVS c-~~-~?5_~~~~"--?===--:::::> Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Services C_~ Industrial Inspections I Consulting 1 Flight Training 1 Sales 1 Design 1 Maintenance 1 Mission Packages 

7/3/2015 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

L ;; ~- ""-· 

_.·· .. L. ;· .. ~) 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc. is focused on UAS applications utilizing developing software, inspection, assessments and 

consulting services, SkyDrone UAVS Canada currently operates under Transport Canada SFOC certificate# ATS-15-

16-00004254. 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc. hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") to allow 

commercial operation of its Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems ("sUAS") SkyDrone UAVS Inc., UAS Platforms - DJI 

Series, Phantom II, Phantom 3, S900 and SlOOO. 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc will provide commercial UAS operations for public and private sectors clients including the 

following applications below: 

• Damage Assessment 

• Wind Farm Inspections 

• Agriculture Survey and Assessments 

• Offshore Platform Inspection/Assessments 

• Pipeline Mapping/ Inspection/ Assessments 

• Refinery Mapping/ Inspection/ Assessments 

• Aerial Videography & Photography/Mapping/Assessment 

• Real Estate Videography & Photography/Mapping/Assessment 

• Oil Spill Response & Planning Mapping/ Inspection/Assessments 

• Public Safety Mapping/ Inspection/Assessments/Search and Rescue 

• SPCC Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Mapping/ Inspection/Assessments 

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 detailed in this document, the requested exemption would permit the operation of sUAS under controlled 

conditions in airspace that is 1) limited 2) predetermined 3) controlled as to access and 4) would provide safety 

enhancements to the already best practices safety protocols followed by SkyDrone UAVS Inc ... Approval of this 

exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation's (the FAA Administrator's) 

responsibilities to " ... establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace 

system." Section 333(c) of the Reform Act. 

USA: 1621 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001 I CANADA: #309, 5980- 2nd St., Grand Forks, BC, Canada VOH 1H4 

800-670-1364 I 925 298 2599 I www.skydroneuavs.com lstobias@skydroneuavs.com 
Applicant name and address: 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc. 

1621 Central Avenue 

Cheyenne, WY 82001 

Stacy C Tobias 

General Manager US Operations 

925-298-2599 

800-670-1364 

Email: stobias@skydroneuavs.com 

Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 

14 C.F.R. Part 21 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 

14 C.F.R. 61.113 (a) & (b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 

14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b) (2) 

14 C.F.R. 91.103 

14 C.F.R. 91.109 

14 C.F.R. 91.119 

14 C.F.R. 91.121 

14 C.F.R. 91.203 (a) & (b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a) 

14 C.F.R. 407 (a) (1) 

14 C.F.R. 409 (a) (2) 

14 C.F.R. 417 (a) & (b) 

1. STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR EXEMPTIONS 

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

exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act, including sUASs, 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. §44701(f) See also 49 USC §44711(a); 49 USC §44704; 14 CFR §91.203(a) (1). 

Section 333(b) of the Reform Act assists the Secretary in determining whether sUAS may operate in the National 

Airspace System (NAS} without creating a hazard to the user, the public, or a threat to national security. In making 

this determination, the Secretary must consider: 

The sUAS's size, weight, speed, and operational capability; 

Whether the sUAS operates within the visual line of sight of the operator: 

Whether the sUAS operates outside of highly populated areas and away from close proximity to airports. 

Reform Act §333(a). If the Secretary determines that a sUAS "may operate safely in the national airspace system, 

the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system." 

ld. §333(c). 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc. sUAS are multirotor vehicles, weighing 25 or fewer lbs. including payload. They operate under 

normal conditions at a speed of no more than 30 knots and have the capability to hover, and move in the vertical 

and horizontal plane simultaneously. The sUAS will operate only in the Pilot's visual line of sight at all times and 

will operate only within the sterile area described in Mission Planning Worksheet, attached as Exhibit 1 

[henceforward known as Mission Planning Worksheet]. Such operations will insure that the sUAS will "not create a 

hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public." Reform Act Section 333 (b). 

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Given the small size of the sUAS involved and the restricted and sterile environment within which they will 

operate, our application falls squarely within the zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in which Congress 

envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial operations of sUAS to commence immediately. 

Also due to the small size of the sUAS and the low altitudes and restricted areas in which the sUAS 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 the significant public 

benefit, including enhanced safety, the grant of the requested exemptions is in the public interest. Accordingly, 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc. respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay. 

2. PUBLIC INTEREST 

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress' goal in passing Section 333(a) through (c) of 

the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft 

systems may operate safely in the NAS before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the 

Reform Act. By granting an exemption the FAA will fulfill Congress's intent of allowing UAS to operate with 

significant safety precautions in low risk environments. 

The use of sUAS on a Public and Private applications can significantly reduce the risk while inspecting, surveying, or 

monitoring missions. sUAS can inspect, photograph, and collect data on hard to get to areas that otherwise would 

require worker inspection. 

Additionally, sUAS could replace the use of helicopters and small aircraft to inspect sites. The sUAS we propose to 

fly in this application are under 30 pounds, and carry no combustible material on board, as opposed to the much 

larger conventionally powered small aircraft. Shifting to sUAS from helicopters presents a marked safety increase 

for our workers and the public. 

Lastly, sUAS reduce the environmental impact by dramatically decreasing the energy used for aerial imaging and 

data collection over a construction site. Our sUAS use rechargeable lithium ion batteries, as opposed to fossil fuels 

burned in operation of small aircraft that are many hundreds of times heavier. 

3. EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc. proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to sUAS that have the characteristics and 

that operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations provide for at least an equivalent or even higher 

level of safety to operations under the current regulatory structure because the proposed operations represent a 

safety enhancement to the already safe protocols followed on construction sites and imaging and surveying 

operations conducted with helicopters and other conventional aircraft. 

SlyDrone UAVS Inc. will adhere to the following limitations when conducting its sUAS operations under an FAA 

issued exemption: 

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1. The sUAS will be less than 30 pounds. 

2. Mission Planning to be conducted prior to each Mission Tasking [See Exhibit 1] 

3. Flights will be operated within visual line of sight of a pilot with a SO Safety Observer as required. 

4. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. The UAS calculates battery 

reserve in real time, and will return to its ground station with at least 20% battery power reserve should 

that occur prior to the 15 minute limit. 

5. Flights being operated never exceeding 400 feet AGL. 
6. Crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS Pilot and SO who will keep the sUAS within his visual 

line of sight at all times 

7. The sUAS Pilot will be minimum holder of Private Pilot Certificate with a Class 3 Medical. 

8. The sUAS will only operate within a planned flight profile, unless conditions warrant a different path 

due to changing conditions and environment. 

9. All flights will be conducted within set guidelines of weather constraints. 

10. All flight will be conducted SNM outside of designed FAA Airport in AFD. 

11. A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned sUAS operations prior to each day's inspection 

activities. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be performing duties within the boundaries of 

the safety perimeter be present for this briefing. 

12. All flights will have prior consent from property owner or designee. 

13. Pilots will have been trained in operation of UASs and received current information on the individual 

UAS. 

14. All required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county or city 

jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies. 

15. If the sUAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it will have capability to enter "loiter mode" 

and hover, reestablish satellite connection, and return to a pre- determined location within the Security 

Perimeter and land. 

IV. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC REGULATIONS 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b): Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command 

Sections 61.113 (a) & (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. Because the sUAS will not carry a pilot 

or passengers, the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by 

requiring the Pilot operating the aircraft to have completed a sUAS a minimum of 100 Cycles of Landing and 

Takeoff with min of 50 Flight Hours in Type of craft. Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot and 

passengers, the sUAS is remotely controlled with no living thing or cargo on board. DJI UAS Platforms are also 

operated by an autopilot, which greatly reduces the danger of human error. The area of operation is controlled 

and restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance as set forth in Mission Plan Worksheet. 

The sUAS to be operated hereunder is less than 30 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no 

explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a secured area as set out in the 

Manual. Like other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by the 

operator, pursuant to the Manual's requirements, and under the requirements and in compliance with local public 

safety requirements, to provide security for the area of operation as is currently done on active construction sites. 

The FAA will have advance notice of all operations. 

The risks associated with the operation of the sUAS are therefore diminished from the level of risk associated with 

commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, and allowing operations of the sUAS as requested 

with a Pilot who has met the minimum requirements stated in the Manual achieves the level of safety 

contemplated by 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b). 

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14 C.F.R. 91.103: Preflight Action 

This regulation requires each pilot in command take certain actions before flight to ensure the safety of flight. An 

exemption is needed from this requirement as the Pilot will take separate preflight actions, including checking for 

weather conditions, checking flight battery requirements, checking takeoff and landing distances, and all other 

actions in the Preflight Checklist in the Manual. These actions will provide an equivalent level of Safety. [See Exhibit 

1] 

14 C. F. R. 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. This exemption is for a multirotor craft that flies similarly 

to a helicopter, with vertical takeoff and vertical landing, which will typically operate at altitudes of 200 AGL, so an 

exemption may be needed to allow such operations. The sUAS will never operate at altitude higher than 400 AGL 

and will be mission flight profile, where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations without their preobtained consent. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of the sUAS as well as the location 

where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the permission of the property owner or local officials. 

Because of the advance notice to the property owner and any onsite personnel as outlined in the Manual, all 

affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations. Unlike flight operations with aircraft or 

rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum 10 lbs. proposed herein, our sUAS will not carry flammable fuel In 

addition, the low-altitude operations of the sUAS will ensure separation between sUAS operations and the 

operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119. 

14 C.F.R. 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 sUAS may 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 Manual and Safety 

Check list, 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) outlines fuel requirements for beginning a flight in VFR conditions. Our sUAS is limited to 

operations in sterile and controlled environments as outlined in the Manual, and has a limited range and flight 

time which require an exemption from 14 CFR 91.151(a). 

The battery powering the sUAS provides approximately 30 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30 minute 

reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, sUAS flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given 

the limitations on the sUAS'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. 

SkyDrone UAVS Inc. believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. 

See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). 

Operating the small sUAS, in a tightly controlled area where only people and property owners or official 

representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not 

engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed of the small 

UAS. Additionally, limiting sUAS flights to 10 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption will 

be granted. 

5 of7 
An equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 30 minutes, or enough battery reserve to ensure 

that the sUAS lands at the ground station with at least 20% of battery power (as determined by the onboard 

monitoring system and the Pilot), whichever happens first. This restriction would be more than adequate to return 

the sUAS 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, and 10808. 

14 CFR 91.405 (a); 407 (a)(1); 409 (a)(2); 417 (a) & (b): 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 sections and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not 

apply to SkyDrone UAVS Inc .. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator pursuant to the flight manual and 

operating handbook as referenced Exhibit 2. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small 

sUAS are very limited in size and will carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited periods. 

If mechanical issues arise, the sUAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. 

As provided in the Manual and Checklist, the Pilot will ensure that the sUAS is in working order prior to initiating 

flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the Pilot 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: 

Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules: 14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b);14 C.F.R. §§ 

61.113( a) & (b);91.7 

(a); 91.9 (b) (2);91.103(b);91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a);91.203(a) and (b); 91.405 (a); 91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) 

(2); 91.409 (a) (2) and 91.417 (a) & (b) to operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (551bs or less) in 

construction operations. 

Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUAS in the public/private sector enhances safety while 

reducing risk. Manned aircraft monitoring and surveying creates a greater risk because the craft are much larger, 

have combustible fuel, and carry an onboard human pilot. In contrast, a sUAS weighing fewer than 30 lbs. and 

powered by batteries eliminates virtually all of that risk given the reduced mass and lack of combustible fuel 

carried on board. The sUAS will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks 

associated with manned aircraft flights. 

The operation of small sUAS, weighing less than 30 lbs., conducted in the strict conditions outlined above, will 

provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the exemptions requested herein, including 

exempting the applicant from the requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial operations. These lightweight 

aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a sterile environment and, as a result, are far safer than 

conventional operations conducted with turbine helicopters operating in close proximity to the ground and 

people. 

Privacy 

All flights will occur over private or controlled access property with the property owner's prior consent and 

knowledge. Images taken will be of individuals who have also consented to being filmed or otherwise having 

agreed to be in the area where aerial photography will take place. 

6 of7 
~ • l " 

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 applicant's sUAS in public/private sector as defined above. 

tacy C Tobias 

General Manger US Operations 

925-298-2599 

Attachments: 

Exhibit 1- UAS Mission Planning Worksheet 

Exhibit 2 - UAS Maintenance Worksheet 

Exhibit 3- UAS Flight Log 

UAVS Manuals: 

DJI Phantom 2- Specifications 

DJI Phantom 2- User Manual 

DJI Phantom 3- Specifications 

DJI Phantom 3- User Manual 

DJI S900- Specifications 

DJI S900- User Manual 

DJI S1000- Specification 

DJI S1000- User Manual 

These attachments are confidential commercial and proprietary information protected under 14 CFR § 11.35(b) 

and are protected from release under the Freedom of information Act 5 U.S.C. § 552 et.seq. The information 

contained in these exhibits has been submitted in the physical copies to the FAA Office of Rulmaking (ARM). 

7 of7 
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 

without notice. 

DJI and PHANTOM 2 are registered trademarks of DJI. Names of product, brand, etc., appearing in this manual are 

trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. This product and manual are copy 

righted by DJI with all rights reserved. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your product, please contact your dealer or DJI Customer Service. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.ll 
Content 

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

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

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

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

1.1 BUILT-IN FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTION$ .................................................................. 5 

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

Important Notes of Using with Other OJ/ 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 ................................................................................ I •••••••••••• •• 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. 2 I 
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 

7.11NSTALLING 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.3 I 
In the Box 

PHANTOtv12 

Intelligent Battery 

Screwdriver 

Legend 

0 Forbidden(lmportant) 

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

Remote Controller-2.4GHz 

h 

il 

I, 

Li 

D 

Assistant Wrench 

Caution Tip 

Propeller Pair 

I r·\ I r~ 1. 

! I, 

I I I i I 1 J 1 

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~. ~ \ !! \ ) 

' '\ ! I ' \ I 

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Reference 
Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 

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

Antenna [8]CAN-Bus Connector [9]LED Flight Indicators [lO]DJI Intelligent Battery [ll]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 1 iOSD mini 1 

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

I Vict~ G1We- - - - - - 1 

I To the iOSD module or wireless 1---.:_,..l.! 

I video transmission module. I 

-----------

r------- l CAN-Bus Connector I j I J ', r j// "J.::l" l" 

1 irJI 1 

I b\'d1 I L------~ 

,---------f 

!Gimbal Mounting Position! 

!Mount the H3-2D/H3-3D t-__;:~-";---' 

jgimbal using 4 screws. I 

L ________ , 

Figure 1-3 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.5 I 

----, 

I Compass I 

~-----~'~: I hl___jj I L ___ _, 
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 ZEN MUSE 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. 

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.6 I 
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. 

I wi;;t;;s- - Batt-1---... 1 vide a Batt+ 1--~ 

1transmission 

1 module VIDEO GND 

I Transmitter VIDEO I _ i 

L-------...l/-' / /I - / 

.------------- 1 Description of the Video Cable I 

I (sequence by color) 1 

VIDEO I 

I - VIDEO GND I 

1------'1 -- Vsat• 

L-_-_ GND- - - - - - - - ~ 

; I 

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. 

-------------., I Description of the Video Cable 

I (sequence by color) 

VIDEO 

I - VIDEO GND I 

1----11 -- VBat• 1 

1--=--G.t::!P_ ---- ----

L _________ I 

Figure 1-7 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.7 I 
( 3 ) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD mini and DJI specified wireless video transmission module 

A VL58, the figure below uses H3-2D as an example. 

•• 

video 

transmission 1 ,..-------c::., 1, 

module 

AVL58 

Transmitter i 

Figure 1-8 

,.....------------ De•c:ription of the Video Cable I 

(sequence by color) I 

I VIDEO I 

I - VIDEO GHD I 

1----. -- VBat• I 

L -=--G~---------

r _l.::;;_ . ...,. zEN"MusE' 

I '""""~· H3-2D I I -: ,,, i 

I 

I 

I 

-··-~j----- r I Compass I 

I + I ID 0 0 I I 

I 0 0 I t...:: ______ _. 

We recommend connecting the VBat• port of the video cable to the two BATT+ ports of the A VL58 

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.8 I 
r----------, I Wireless v~dec tl·;:msmis;;~or. I 

modt.de Transmitter specified by 

I DJI(AVL58) I 

I o.;;,ri;u;.; ;;f"th;;Vicl.,-;;-c~l;;---, 

1 {sequenee by color) I 

. VIDEO 

: . VIDEOGND 

1-----l v •••. 

I OR r-------~~~ L ::-_Gt!_D 

1 Other wkeiess video tranzmissicmj 

...::'"_~ul:_l::.:'':_~it~r _____ j 

..----

I i ~-----~-~--~ 

Figure 1-9 

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

BATT· !BattBATT- 1-l --~,Batt· 

BATT+ I Batt+ Other wireless I video 

1 BATT+ I I Batt+ transmission module I 

I iOSD Mark II UART I I Transmitter 1 

UART I I I I AV-GND r-1 ---!j VIDEO GND I 

~ ____ _ A Y:_O.!:!_T J ~1~0- __ ·- _____ _. 

1------ ~TI-1 r-----------1 

I BATT· I I ' I ~ ~ Wireless video I 

I BATT+ i::===+J:R~~p ~ transmission 

1 iOSD Mark II BATT+ ~ " module I 

! UART " ~~ AVL58 Transmitter! 

l UART ':<:;; specified by OJ! 1 i AV-GND I I ___ ·- __ _ !-~O~T J l:: _________ ·- _, 

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

transmission module A VL58. 

( 5 ) Using the iPad Ground Station 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.9 I 
Air End 

Figure l-10 

sru 

iPad Ground 

Station 

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 F.nd 

Figure 1-11 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.1 0 I 
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. 

,:::~~~=~ indicators ~~/' <~ H :.!) )\ 

I I\ 

1 ~ u lJ 

Warnings and errors 

Remote Controller Signal Lost 

1st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning 

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 

J 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. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.11 I 
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. 

~:_:· §~~~~~jl~~~~Sf~Gifi®~;~i~~~i~_t;~;~l31A~~~!~t~~~2IlX~irs~"~~~i;J§ii:SJ 1 P330CB (built-in I j I I I I Vl.0.1.19 or above .

1 

PHANTOM 2 I V1.08 or above 1 1 central board) , I , ~--------··--·---·--·--r----~--···---~~---·---·~--~---1---··--·-·-·-····----~-----·-i----·-·----····----~ ! Zenmuse H3-2D l CMU Vl.O , IMU Vl.6 or above j PHANTOM 2 I Vl.08 or above ! 

l=~~~-iOS~~;~-~~- --+---~J~~~=--V~:Q~--~-a~~;e:_-==-~+~=-w~~-=~==~yi.o _c:7.!b:ve =J L-----~~-~! .. ____ . ___ .L ______ _y.!:£~_o!:.~!?.C:Y~--~-·--L-._--~-~os~------,--_L_ .. ~4·~.9r a~c:~~---1 

*The iOSD Assistant is applied to both iOSD Mark II and iOSD mini. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.12 I 
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 Black Nut (9450 R) 

~--------~_..------.-..... ___ ~----------·- ----------~ c-- - (o-~1 __ j ------------..!!!----=-......"-.. ___________________ _ 

Attach to the motor thread that has a 

Assembly Location 

not have a black dot. black dot. 

Fastening/Un-fastening Lock: Tighten the propeller in this direction. 

Instructions Unlock: Remove the propeller in this direction. 

2.1 Assembly 

l. (Figure 2-l) 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 

l. 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.13 I 
3 Remote Controller 

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

on delivery. 

.,,, j&. 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. 

J3 

• 

[1] 

J4 ••• [7] 

• [8] 

[9] 

[10] 

Figure 3-1 

[12] 

[14] 

[13] 

Figure 3-2 

[l]Antenna [2]Carrying Handle [3]Left Dial [4]3-Position Switch S1 [5]3-Position Switch S2 [6]Joystickl(Jl;J2) 

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

[l1]Battery Level Indicators LED1/LED2/LED3/LED4 (from left to right) [12]T rainer Port 

[l3]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 ~;:; t I Q 

indicator is solid on, the remote controller is functioning normally. The battery level ' . +· : ;(~~· .. L 

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. 

I· 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.141 
3.2 Remote Controller LED Indicator Status 

3.2.1 Remote Controller Power LED Indicator Status 

(from 3.5V-3.53V), recharge the remote controller. o~ '<"'~"-'•~·-~· -~> <>• .~.,. ~-·- -~•o.c "'·-~• o ~~ 

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

0 ~C~~~!r.()_l ~=~"•i~l"ll.:~.i~O~:~Y:.-

B--B--8 ..... . Aiert will sound after 15 minutes of inactivity. It will stop once you 

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

:f 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 

25%-50% 

12.5%-25% 

0%-12.5% 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.15 I 
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. 

Operation details 

Push the stick up and the aircraft will rise. 

=-~=- ~-=::::.- """---=-~ Pull the stick down and the aircraft will descend. 

~~~~ 111 .. The aircraft will automatically hover and hold its lfr ·-\ 1 . eiHtude if the 'tkh ece oenteced. 

{L==-j) :~::i::et:h:o::~ t~:c:i~::;te t::: ::~t:::n(:~:~i:~ 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.16 I 

suggest that you push the throttle stick slowly to 

prevent the aircraft from sudden and unexpected 1 

elevati?~-c~~~~~~: _ _______ _ __ _ __ 
,~,-.... , I I 

\ I .... _,.,., 

Position-2 

OFF Course Lock 

point Lock 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.17 I 

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~--~~~t_e~!l~EC::~~!! ~o,t_~ti<:>~'{_:~<?_~j_ty. -···· 

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 

____________ f_as~~r __ !l~~~!. 'I.:!.<:>.C::i_ty~-- ----·· .•.... ·······-·-· 

Position-3 

Home 

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

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 

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. 

S2 is the IOC mode switch. IOC (Intelligent 

Orientation Control) function can be enabled in the 

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

function after you are familiar with flying. 
-90" 

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. 

l. ( 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. 

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. 

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

on the remote controller. 

There is 2.4GHz signal around but the remote controller is not linked with the receiver, 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.18 I 
.. el~~~e ca~~}' out the li~ki.n.~ 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.lV and charge-discharge management functionality. The battery should only be charged with the DJI charger. 

Intelligent Battery Charger 

DJIIntelligent Battery Functions 

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

( 2 ) Capacity Display Display the current battery level. 

The main controller communicates with the battery via communication ports i 

( 3 ) Communicating 

for battery voltage, capacity, current and other information. 

Charging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 12.8V to 

( 4) Overcharging Protection 

prevent overcharging damage. 

( 5 ) Over Discharging Discharging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 8.4V to 

Protection prevent over discharging damage. 

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

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

( 7 ) Sleep Protection power. The static current is 10nA in sleep mode when the battery is 

powered on without connecting to other devices. 

( 8) Charging Temperature The battery will charge only when its temperature is within 0°C-55°C. If the 

Detection 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 . 

. ··'I .•. 

( 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.191 
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. 

.-tG 

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 

LED2 LED3 

LED1 LED4 

Battery Level Indicator Battery Power Button 

(Built-in Battery Povver 

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. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.20 I 
(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 LEOs 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 

Battery life 

• • • • 90%-100% 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.21 I 
60%-70% 

50%-60% 

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°( to 40°(. and be discharged in an 

environment that is between -20°( 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.22 I 
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. 0 ( 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. 

Start 

cali 

Quickly flip the switch Sl 

Position-1-·Position-3-·Position-1 

Flip no less than 5 times 

LED Flight Indicator 

Start horizontal calibratic .. 

5.3 When Recalibration is required 

360° Rotate the aircraft 

horizontally 

I 

CL~ 

LED Flight Indicator 

Start vertical calibration 

Position·1-·Position-3-.Position-1 

Flip once 

360°Rotate the aircraft 

vertically (Nose downward) 

~A 

\'1~! tLJ_,~~~ , I 

r 

~ I 

LED Flight 

Indicator 

Normal LED • 

Succeed 

Re-calibrate 

• 

Frtil 

( 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.23 I 
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. 

l ( 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-l 

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.24 I 
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. 

0 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. 

:1 ( 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.25 I 
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. 

-

~1if LED Flight Indicator _ 

4 Signal lost lasts 3s, begin to go home. 

-rr 

LED Flight Indicator -

2 Flying. 

LED Flight Indicator 

5 Fly back to home point. 

~--------------~ 

"t"r.l' ~~-'"~~~~~~~i; • Height over home point«20m 

LED Flight Indicator , 

Figure 6-2 

3 Remote controller signal lost. 

LED Flight Indicator -

6 Landing after hovering lSs. 

I 

I 

I 

~ LED Flightlndicator·. ' 

( 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 .C.. if using iOSD module. 

Regaining Control during Failsafe Procedure 

Position of 

Switch Sl Position-1 

. When the S1 switch is switched to Position-1, 

How to regain 'toggle the S1 switch to any other position once to 

·regain control. If remote controller's signal is 

rec;()y~:.e_~; ~911t_~<:l_is.:.(o)~_u_rl1.~~- -~_a_c;~ t5> !~_€)_ J>i ~()!· _ 

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

Regain control as soon as signal is 

recovered. 
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. 

( l ) 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 lst and 2nd level warnings. This uses l0.65V 

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. 

( l ) 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 UA V (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 ~fflmfi;~~J:§,\;~V})ti;. 

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.27 I 
JlnANf()W :# .........., ,. - 1t 

r~.J~ *'~; 

Figure 6-3 

"~~- ~ .. ~="""""" 

Max 

Radius 

Home Point 

-~- The height of 

aircraft when it 

is powered on 

Figure 6-4 

: Ready to Fly. 

Limits Ground Station 

The flight height is restricted to fly • Warning: Height limit 

, under the max height. 

, The flight distance is restricted to fly . Warning: Distance limit 

' reached. : when close to the Max radius limit. : 

Warning: Height limit reached. 

, Max Height ' under the minor height between the 

(l) 

(2) 

: Max height and 120m. 

Not limited, no warnings or LED indicators. 

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

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.28 I 
10.5m 

Center of 

Special 

Area 

Airspace: A,B,C,D 

Boundary: f!., Q, £,sf 

Q.£ '-c--·--, 

1000 

Center of 

Special 

Area 

Airspace: A,C,D 

Boundary: f!., £, 

ii. .£ 

c 

Category A Category B 

Limits 

Motors will not start. 

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

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

8 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 sf. 

No restrictions of flight, but the Phantom will not enter 

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

c 

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 e, 

D 

No restrictions. None. 

Blue 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.29 I 
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 Sl switch. 

(l) 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(V: available; X:unavailable). 

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

Flight Status Limits of Special Area Max Radius 

X X 

number of GPS found 

;:::6 

GPS 

<6 

A TTl. 

X X 

X X 

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.30 I 
7 Assistant Installation and Configuration 

J.l lnst!'ll!~g_p_~iy~r:_!'~_ci._~HANTOM 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 DJ I 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. 

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

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

bit)). 

Installing and running on Mac OS X 

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. 

? 

"PhAntom~ cAn't be opened because h Is 

from <~n unidentified developer. 

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.31 
l}JI PHANTOM Z 

® 

~~~!", 

GPSLoca~ 

X Ocm 

y Oc<!" 

z o:m 

P>t~ Yaw 

BasJC 12Q'l~ 200% 

AltluOO 22()"; 

... """''"''""'"'• 1000 -41:!» ..... .... .......... 1000 

.._. """"""'" ..... 1000 ............... " "'' •• 1000 

... '"'"""'"" '"'i 1000 

Mctor ltli.e Spe<ld 

Gill Off Type 

Cu~e:-1t Vollage:. 

Cunen1 Capac1ty· 

Fi-rst level Warnif'J9 . 

S&co'1d L.evel Warmng 

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

Racommernled 

ll"\telhgent 

ON 

12400"1V 

93% 

t5% 

Usage of PHANTOM 2 Assistant on Mac OS X and Windows a;e exactly the same. The Assistant pag]s 

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 0 

and communication indicator is blinking •. 

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

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

PHANTOM2 PO 2 L'.' 

Vie\.v configur<:ltions 

RC, Gain .

Gimbal, Battery 1 

I 

CornrnuPicatirJn 

indic2<tor 

~ <F a ® i ~' '~ '.: - ,~': ' 

tJC-1<.'! reo; ~{!'l}.,i"" Re._,W'h~;,d·~ i. :"ui•"O"l"T•\'t' tl•h:'l>:_;()r.! 

'., 

:.'! 

Function switch of P!·i-3ntc.rn 2 

and l'<!azc'~'l mode 

Language swnp 

. Account, software 

version I" Firmwar·e upgrade 

H·..i!U ca!ibration 

I 

"'This iP')age Is for ;·t_:.ference 

P~ease refer to the 

actual us~r tnte~·face . 

Conr~ecfon indicAtor- ................... 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.32 I