UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

WASHINGTON, DC 

Regulatory Docket No. _____ _ 

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF 

COLON LAMBERT 

FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF 

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) 

& (a)(2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF 

PHANTOM 2 DRONE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF 

THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 

(PUBLIC LAW 112-95) 

Submitted on September 29, 2015 

Colon Lambert 

3045 Oaks Bend 

Bowling Green, FL 33834 

(863) 781-1103 

Lambert. Colon@gmail.com 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................... ! 

SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................... 2 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER ............................................................. 2 

BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................ 3 

BASIS FOR PETITION .................................................................................................................. 3 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER. ..................................................................... .4 

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH COLON LAMBERT 

SEEKS EXEMPTION ......................................................................................................... 5 

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF COLON LAMBERT SEEKS AND THE REASON 

COLON LAMBERT SEEKS THE RELIEF ........................................................ ? 

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING COLON LAMBERT'S REQUEST WOULD 

BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST ..................................................................................... IO 

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT 

ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY .................................................................................... l2 

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER. .............. 22 

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS 

AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT COLON LAMBERT'S REQUEST ................................ 22 

CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 23 

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................... 24 
AGL 

AOI 

ATC 

ATO 

AV 

CFR 

COA 

FAA 

FAR 

GCS 

GPS 

LOL 

NAS 

NOT AM 

PIC 

Section 333 

so 

SOP 

UA 

UAS 

VFR 

VLOS 

VMC 

VTOL 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS 

Above Ground Level 

Area of Interest 

Air Traffic Control 

Air Traffic Organization 

Aerial Vehicle 

Code ofFederal Regulations 

Certificate of Authorization 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Federal Aviation Regulation 

Ground Control Station 

Global Positioning System 

Loss of Link 

National Airspace System 

Notice to Airman 

Pilot In Command 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (FMRA) 

Safety Observer 

Standard Operating Procedures 

Unmanned Aircraft 

Unmanned Aircraft System 

Visual Flight Rules 

Visual Line of Site 

Visual Meteorological Conditions 

Vertical Takeoff and Landing 

Page 1 of27 
SUMMARY 

Colon Lambert seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 

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

to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit Colon Lambert to operate an 

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and 

photography to be used in real estate, agriculture purposes, inspection purposes, print 

photography, special events, weddings, sporting events, and news reports over areas of the 

United States. 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER 

My name is Colon Lambert, I am 46 years old, with a background in agriculture, real 

estate, and government. I have been a Private Pilot since 1999 with certifications in Single 

Engine and Multi Engine Instrument Land. I am currently employed as a Realtor Associate with 

Lambert Realty, Inc and serve as an elected official as County Commissioner District One in 

Hardee County, Florida. Additionally, I am a silent partner in our family owned and operated 

indoor foliage plant business. My areas of interests include videography, aerial cinematography, 

photography, design, and motion graphics. 

The objective is to provide clients with aerial photography and videography and advertise 

high quality imaging for a variety of commercial and public uses, specifically targeting: 

• Video for real estate purposes, inspection purposes, agriculture purposes 

• Print photography 

• Special events (weddings, sporting events, concerts, private functions, and news reports 

over areas of the United States). 

• Additional photo and video needs for design projects for myself and contracted 3rd party 

design agencies. 

• Increase public knowledge ofUAS and promote safe UAS operations 

Page 2 of27 
BACKGROUND 

Unmanned Aircraft System: Phantom 2 Drone 

Colon Lambert seeks an exemption to operate Phantom 2 Drone for compensation or hire 

within the NAS. The Phantom 2 Drone is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned 

Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone 

systems. The Phantom 2 Drone UAS has a maximum gross weight of approximately 2.204 

pounds, while having dimensions of29x29x18cm and a maximum flight speed of approximately 

15m/s. The Phantom 2 Drone is equipped with 4 nine inch propellers; driven by Lithium 

Polymer battery powered electric motors. 

The Phantom 2 Drone UAS will be operated by Colon Lambert, will be registered in 

accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of Aircraft, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft 

Registration, and marked in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, Identification and Registration 

Marking. 

BASIS FOR PETITION 

Petitioner, Colon Lambert, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations 

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

Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby petitions the Administrator to 

commercially operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS), and 

for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 

91.15l(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). 

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

unmanned aircraft and its operation, Colon Lambert operation of Phantom 2 Drone UAS meets 

the conditions ofFMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate 

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

Accordingly, Colon Lambert requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 

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

maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. 

Colon Lambert submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of 

safety will be ensured. Colon Lambert will use experienced personnel or technicians to perform 

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

and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the Colon Lambert Aerial Operations 

Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and Phantom 2 Drone Instruction Manual). Furthermore, 

Colon Lambert will document and maintain all maintenance records for the Phantom 2 Drone 

UAS. 

Page 3 of27 
Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot 

privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by Colon Lambert to the extent 

necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as 

well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flighthour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS 

in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

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

Colon Lambert seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, 

because the Phantom 2 Drone UAS does not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance 

with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, Colon Lambert submits that he will ensure the 

Phantom 2 Drone UAS is in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the 

UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the Colon Lambert Aerial Operations 

Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and Phantom 2 Drone Instruction Manual), and that the 

aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. 

Colon Lambert also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled 

Altimeter Settings, as the Phantom 2 Drone UA will not have a typical barometric altimeter 

onboard. However, altitude information of the Phantom 2 Drone UA will be provided to the PIC 

via Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications telemetry data link, 

which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude 

information, combined with Colon Lambert's operation of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS within 

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

91.121. 

Additionally, Colon Lambert seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 

91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Colon Lambert submits that 

safety will not be affected by operation of the Phantom 2 Drone UA during daylight hours in 

visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery 

power to fly at normal cruising speed for a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. 

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, Colon Lambert provides the following information 

in support of its petition for exemption: 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER 

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

Colon Lambert 

3045 Oaks Bend 

Bowling Green, FL 33834 

Office: (863) 773-0007 

Cell: (863) 781-1103 

Email: Lambert.Colon@gmail.com 

Page 4 of27 
A. THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH COLON LAMBERT 

SEEKS EXEMPTION 

1. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) 

And (b). 

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

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

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

an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may 

that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft. 

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

with any business or employment if-

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

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

hire. 

2. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a). 

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

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

3. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121. 

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

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

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

operating--

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

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

100 nautical miles of the aircraft; 

(ii) lfthere is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(l)(i) ofthis 

section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available 

station; or 

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

departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before 

departure. 

4. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b). 

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

(b), states the following: 

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

Page 5 of27 
(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the 

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

for at least 20 minutes. 

5. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 91.405(a). 

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

owner or operator of an aircraft-

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

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

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

6. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.407(a)(l) 

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, 

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

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

maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless--

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

this chapter[.] 

7. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

part 21 of this chapter. 

8. Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.417(a) 

And 91.417(b). 

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

following: 

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

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

paragraph (b) of this section: 

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

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

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

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

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

Page 6 of27 
performed; and 

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

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

return to service. 

(2) Records containing the following information: 

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

rotor. 

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

rotor, and appliance. 

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

required to be overhauled on a specified time basis. 

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

inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and 

its appliances are maintained. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

and appliances. 

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

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

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

performed. 

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

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

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 4 3.11 of this 

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

for return to service. 

B. THE EXTENT OF RELIEF COLON LAMBERT SEEKS AND THE REASON 

COLON LAMBERT SEEKS THE RELIEF 

1. Extent Of Relief Colon Lambert Seeks And The Reason Colon Lambert Seeks 

Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b). 

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

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

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

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

Page 7 of27 
operations for compensation or hire. 

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

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

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

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

As set forth more fully below, Colon Lambert submits that an equivalent level of safety 

will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS unless 

that PIC has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is 

able to safely operate either the Phantom 2 Drone UAS in a manner consistent with the 

operations specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency 

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

structures. 

Further, Colon Lambert submits that all flights of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS conducted 

by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to Colon Lambert's 

business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

2. Extent Of Relief Colon Lambert Seeks And The Reason Colon Lambert Seeks 

Relief From Section 91.7(a). 

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

required to allow Colon Lambert to determine that the Phantom 2 Drone UAS is in airworthy 

condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the operating 

documents (i.e., the Colon Lambert Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and 

Phantom 2 Drone Instruction Manual). 

Colon Lambert seeks the requested relief because the Phantom 2 Drone UAS does not 

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

Colon Lambert will ensure that the Phantom 2 Drone UAS is in airworthy condition based upon 

its compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the Colon Lambert Aerial Operations Manual, 

Monthly Maintenance Log, and Phantom 2 Drone Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and 

further, determine that the aircraft is in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and 

limitations below. 

3. Extent Of Relief Colon Lambert Seeks And The Reason Colon Lambert Seeks 

Relief From Section 91.121. 

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

operations of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS, which utilizes a barometric pressure sensor, GPS 

equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information 

from the UA to the PIC at the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any 

altitude information concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet 

above ground level (AGL), Colon Lambert seeks the requested relief because the Phantom 2 

Drone UA altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather than the local barometric 

Page 8 of27 
pressure or field altitude, before each flight. 

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

sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated 

below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained since the 

Phantom 2 Drone UA is equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which 

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

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

4. Extent Of Relief Colon Lambert Seeks And The Reason Colon Lambert Seeks 

Relief From Section 91.15l(b). 

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

requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered Phantom 2 Drone UA 

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

(VFR), with enough battery power to fly at normal cruising speed for a total duration of 

approximately 25 minutes. Colon Lambert seeks the requested relief because without an 

exemption from Section 91.151 (b), the flight time duration of the battery powered Phantom 2 

Drone UA will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight 

operations that Colon Lambert proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition. 

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the Phantom 2 Drone 

UAS operating documents, and Colon Lambert's proposed operating limitations, ensure that 

Colon Lambert will safely operate the battery powered Phantom 2 Drone UA during daylight 

hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough 

battery power to fly at normal cruising speed for a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. 

5. Extent Of Relief Colon Lambert Seeks And The Reason Colon Lambert Seeks 

Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) 

& (b). 

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only 

apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, Colon Lambert requests relief from these 

Sections because the Phantom 2 Drone UAS does not require airworthiness certificates. As set 

forth more fully below, the Phantom 2 Drone UAS meets the conditions ofFMRA Section 333 

for operation without an airworthiness certificate. 

Accordingly, Colon Lambert will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, 

alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices 

prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the Colon Lambert Aerial Operations Manual, 

Monthly Maintenance Log, and Phantom 2 Drone Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Colon 

Lambert will document and maintain all maintenance records for the Phantom 2 Drone UAS. 

Page 9 of27 
C. THE REASONS WHY GRANTING COLON LAMBERT'S REQUEST WOULD BE 

IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST; THAT IS, HOW IT WOULD BENEFIT THE PUBLIC 

AS A WHOLE 

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing Colon Lambert 

to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and photography of construction 

sites, real estate, and landscape over certain areas of the United States. 

Additionally, use ofthe Phantom 2 Drone UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, 

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

Lambert's proposed operation of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS will be realized without implicating 

any pnvacy Issues. 

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

The Phantom 2 Drone U A is battery powered and serves as a safe, efficient, and 

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

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

allowing the use of a Phantom 2 Drone UAS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the 

NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in the air 

and on the ground. 

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, 

congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The 

Phantom 2 Drone UA does not require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a reduction of 

manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography missions would result in fewer aircraft 

that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and 

landing phases of flight operations. 

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

Drone UAS. 

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the Phantom 2 Drone UAS, instead of manned 

aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution 

generated during traditional aerial video and still photography flight operations. By using battery 

power and electric motors, the Phantom 2 Drone UAS produces no air pollution, and is the most 

viable environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion 

engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial video and photography, while burning 

approximately 20-30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The Phantom 2 Drone UA, while 

reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UA is 

propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine. 

By using the Phantom 2 Drone UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to 

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

manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside 

from the lack of flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the Phantom 2 Drone UA 

Page 10 of27 
(weighing approximately 2.204 pounds with dimensions of29x29x18cm and with no fuel on 

board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in 

the air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations (weighing 

approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a 

fuel capacity of 180 gallons). 

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The Phantom 2 

Drone UAS Will Benefit The Economy. 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the Phantom 2 Drone UAS is also an economical 

alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of 

the Phantom 2 Drone UAS will allow United States based companies, like Colon Lambert, to 

remain competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising 

cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") regulatory actions 

phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and 

alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the battery powered Phantom 2 

Drone UAS is one such technology that not only allows companies greater operational flexibility 

compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of a 

traditional manned aircraft. 

By operating the Phantom 2 Drone UAS, companies such as Colon Lambert, is able to 

remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and 

contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Improved financial 

performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS, provides 

a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax 

revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in order to remain 

competitive both in the United States and abroad. 

4. There Are No Privacy Issues. 

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

decades, Colon Lambert's proposed operation of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS will not implicate 

any privacy issues. Specifically, the Phantom 2 Drone UAS will be operated only in compliance 

with operating documents (i.e., the Colon Lambert Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly 

Maintenance Log, and Phantom 2 Drone Instruction Manual) which requires property owner 

involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in accordance with the Federal 

Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C.F .R. § 91.119. 

Page 11 of27 
D. THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT ADVERSELY 

AFFECT SAFETY, OR HOW THE EXEMPTION WOULD PROVIDE A LEVEL OF 

SAFETY AT LEAST EQUAL TO THAT PROVIDED BY THE RULE FROM WHICH 

COLON LAMBERT SEEKS EXEMPTION 

1. Reasons Why Phantom 2 Drone UA Meets The Conditions Of The FAA 

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

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

unmanned aircraft and its operation, Colon Lambert's operation of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS 

meets the conditions ofFMRA Section 333, and will not require an airworthiness certificate in 

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

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

and sets forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the 

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

333 states the following, in part: 

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

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

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

national airspace system before completion of the plan and rule making required by 

section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

security; and 

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

certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required 

for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph 

(1). 

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--lfthe Secretary determines under this section that 

certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace 

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

aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 

Page 12 of27 
In seeking this exemption, Colon Lambert submits that the Phantom 2 Drone UAS can 

operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the 

characteristics of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the 

specific operating limitations. 

a. The Specifications Of Phantom 2 Drone UAS Demonstrates Its Safe 

Characteristics. 

The Phantom 2 Drone UAS does not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or 

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

capability. 

i. Technical Specifications Of Phantom 2 Drone UAS. 

The technical specifications of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS is set forth by the Phantom 2 

Drone Specification Sheet, attached hereto as Exhibit A. 

ii. The Phantom 2 Drone UAS Autonomous Flight And Navigation Modes 

Enable The UAS To Remain Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The Phantom 2 Drone UAS may be operated in both manual and fully autonomous flight 

modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational modes of the Phantom 2 Drone 

UAS is provided at pages 24-30 of the Phantom 2 Drone User Manual, attached hereto as Exhibit 

B. 

iii. The Phantom 2 Drone UAS Is Designed For Automatic Return To Home 

Point Or Hover In The Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or 

Navigation. 

When the Control Link is lost or the Phantom 2 Drone UA does not reacquire control link 

data from the GCS, the Phantom 2 Drone UA will assume that the Control Link is lost and will 

enter Failsafe mode. The flight control system will automatically control the aircraft via GPS to 

return to home and descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the Phantom 2 Drone is set forth at 

pages 25 through 27 of the Phantom 2 Drone User Manual, attached hereto as Exhibit B. 

iv. The Phantom 2 Drone GCS And Its Operation. 

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the Phantom 2 Drone GCS 

and flight control software is provided at pages 24 through 34 of the Phantom 2 Drone User 

Manual and is Exhibit B. 

Page 13 of27 
b. Flight Operations Of Phantom 2 Drone UAS Is Limited To The Line Of Sight 

Of A Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety Observer. 

Colon Lambert will only utilize certificated pilots who possess a current and valid airman 

medical certificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS. 

Additionally, a safety observer may assist all pilots during flight time. 

c. Flights Of Phantom 2 Drone UAS Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific 

Operating Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, Colon Lambert proposes to commercially operate Phantom 2 

Drone UAS for the special purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain 

areas of United States, pursuant to the following specific operating limitations: 

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

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

pounds maximum gross weight: Phantom 2 Drone Unmanned Aircraft Systems. 

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

amend this grant. 

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for the 

purpose of aerial video and photography. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 43.5 knots (50 miles per 

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

to determine compliance with the 43.5 knot speed restriction. In no case will 

the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating 

airspeed recommended by the aircraft manufacturer. 

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

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL. 

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

This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than 

corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC's FAA-issued airman medical certificate or 

U.S. driver's license. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vo. 

Page 14 of27 
7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 4 

operator's responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or 

revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the 

operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA's UAS 

Integration Office (AFS-80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or 

revisions to the operating documents. 

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with aVO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a 

manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property. 

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation. 

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the 

inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the U AS, the aircraft is 

prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the 

UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. 

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer's maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft 

components. 

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

bulletins. 

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver's license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

Page 15 of27 
government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 

CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate. 

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 5 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 

CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator's PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC's ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

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

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

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

appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119. 

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All 

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

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized. 

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) 

as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current FAApublished aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport's 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 

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

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

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property. 

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

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

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater. 

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an A TO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA. 

Page 16 of27 
22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 

(N-Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable. 6 

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS 

and any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to 

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

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

official upon request. 

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

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

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: a. Barriers or structures are present 

that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or debris in the 

event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain 

under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such 

protection and are within 500 feet ofthe UA, flight operations must cease immediately 

in a manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating persons; and b. The 

owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission for 

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

of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue 

hazard. The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption. 

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

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

(b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

Colon Lambert submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 

61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the Phantom 2 

Drone UAs unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency 

requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS in a manner 

consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

Page 17 of27 
appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Considering Colon Lambert's proposed area of operations, and the operating limitations 

set forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge requirements to those 

of commercial pilot requirements (See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship skills 

necessary to safely operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS, Colon Lambert submits that the 

additional manned airmanship experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not 

correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for Colon Lambert's specific proposed flight 

operations. 

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

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

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

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

Colon Lambert will not allow any PIC to operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS unless that 

PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour requirements or the Phantom 2 Drone 

UAS training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Phantom 2 

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

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

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 

C.P.R.§ 61.51(b), 25 hours oftotal time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of5 hours of 

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

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

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

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight experience that 

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

during Colon Lambert's proposed operations. The Administrator has held that prior documented 

flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe 

operations, stating as follows: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

and model ofUAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the 

FAA considers these minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 

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

10 hours may be included in the total25 hours ofUAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the 

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

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

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

Page 18 of27 
the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner's proposed operations. The FAA also 

finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with 

applicable regulations would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and 

experience-building flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption to 

accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building 

flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate distances in accordance 

with 14 C.F.R 91.119. 

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15. 

Accordingly, Colon Lambert will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to 

operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum 

flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Phantom 2 Drone 

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

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

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) Would 

Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

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

prior to every flight, Colon Lambert will ensure that the Phantom 2 Drone UAS is in an 

airworthy condition based upon the U AS's compliance with its operating documents and as 

stated in the conditions and limitations herein. 

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relieffrom Section 91.7(a) specific to 

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

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

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

4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would 

Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

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

the altitude information of the Phantom 2 Drone UA will be provided to the PIC via GPS 

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

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

with Colon Lambert's operation of the Phantom 2 Drone UA within visual line of sight, at or 

below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude 

information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to each 

flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the UASs at ground level. 

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

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

11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 

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

Page 19 of27 
5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.15l(b) 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 

C.F .R. Section 91.151 (b) as a result of ( 1) the technical specifications of the Phantom 2 Drone 

UAS; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed 

flight operations. Accordingly, Colon Lambert will ensure that it will safely operate the battery 

powered Phantom 2 Drone UA during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery 

power to fly at normal cruising speed for a total duration of 25 minutes. 

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the Phantom 2 Drone 

UAS; the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and the location of the proposed 

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

Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the Phantom 2 Drone UAS provide audible and visual 

warnings to the PIC at the GCS when the UAs experiences low battery voltage, the first warning 

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

remaining battery power. At the critically low battery level, the Phantom 2 Drone UAS will 

descend and land automatically. 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 

establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating 

limitations of the UAS are considered. Reliefhas been granted for manned aircraft to operate at 

less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 

10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in 

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

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

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

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 

In seeking this exemption, Colon Lambert submits that the equivalent level of safety with 

regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by Sections 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met because Colon 

Lambert will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive 

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

operating documents (i.e., the Colon Lambert Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance 

Log, and Phantom 2 Drone Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Colon Lambert will document and 

maintain all maintenance records for the Phantom 2 Drone UAS. 

Since the Phantom 2 Drone UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating 

documents, Colon Lambert will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Sections 

91.405(a), 91.409(a)(l), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy ofthe Phantom 2 Drone User Manual is 

attached hereto as Exhibit B; a copy of the DJI Phantom 2 Drone UAS Maintenance Log is 

attached hereto as Exhibit C. 

Page 20 of27 
Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because Colon Lambert 

will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the 

UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the operating documents. 

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

established by Sections 91.407, 91.417( a) and 91.417(b ), because all maintenance of the 

Phantom 2 Drone UAS will be performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will be 

documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log. 

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

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

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

In consideration of Colon Lambert's proposed operating limitations, the operating 

documents, and the technical aspects of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS, Colon Lambert submits that 

safety will not be adversely affected by granting exemption from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(l) and (a)(2), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously granted 

relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein 

(e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062,11063,11064,11065,11066,11067,11080,11109,11110,11112, 

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

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

In accordance with Section 333 ofthe FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 

(FMRA) and 14 C.F .R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, Colon Lambert requests that the 

FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation ofthe Phantom 2 Drone UAS, 

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

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

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

& (b). Such special conditions will permit safe operation of the UA for the limited purpose of 

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States for 

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

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

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

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

of the UAS in the NAS. 

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

21.16, for operation ofthe Phantom 2 Drone UAS, since the airworthiness regulations of 14 

C.F .R. Part 21 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or 

unusual design features of the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the 

following: 

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

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

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

Page 21 of27 
he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special 

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

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

establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations. See 14 C.F.R. 

§ 21.16. 

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

prescribe special conditions for Leading Edge's intended operation of the Phantom 2 Drone 

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

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

Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(1) & 

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

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

From Which Colon Lambert Seeks Exemption: 

Colon Lambert seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C. F. R Sections 

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

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

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption Colon Lambert Seeks: 

This exemption will permit Colon Lambert to commercially operate an Unmanned 

Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over 

certain areas of the United States. 

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

Lambert's Request. 

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

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if 

certain UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, Colon Lambert's request for 

exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority ofFMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. 

Part 11, as set forth above. 

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

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

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

certification. 

As discussed in detail above, Colon Lambert will operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS 

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

otherwise pose a threat to national security. 

Page 22 of27 
CONCLUSION 

As set forth herein, Colon Lambert seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and 

Section 333 ofthe FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (FMRA), which will permit safe 

operation of the Phantom 2 Drone UAS commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for 

the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and photography to be used in real estate, 

inspection purposes, agriculture purposes, print photography, special events, weddings, sporting 

events, concerts, private functions, news reports over areas of the United States, and additional 

photo and video needs for design projects for myself and contracted 3rd party design agencies. 

By granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of 

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

public, by allowing Colon Lambert to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the Phantom 

2 Drone UAS commercially within the NAS. 

WHEREFORE, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of2012, Section 333, Colon Lambert respectfully requests that 

the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F .R 

Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & 

(a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit Colon Lambert to operate the Phantom 2 Drone UAS 

commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of 

the United States. 

Dated: September 29,2015 

Respectfully Submitted, 

Colon Lambert 

3045 Oaks Bend 

Bowling Green, FL 33834 

Office: (863) 773-0007 

Cell: (863) 781-1103 

Email: Lambert.Colon@Gmail.com 

Page 23 of27 
Appendices: 

A. DJI PHANTOM 2 DRONE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

B. DJI PHANTOM 2 DRONE PROFESSIONAL MANUFACTURER'S USER MANUAL 

C. MONTHLY MAINTENANCE LOG 

D. PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST 

EXHIBIT-A 

DJI Phantom 2 Drone Technical Specifications 

Colon Lambert only utilizes safe and reliable UAS. Phantom is a leader in small UAS 

production. Phantom UAS are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the user to set 

parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be set to 

limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to a 

predetermined and set distance. In addition, Phantom software provides real-time altitude and 

location information to the PIC via the linked monitor or smart phone/tablet devices. 

General Features 

• Ready to Fly, Multifunctional Quad-rotor System 

• Customized H3-2D and H3-3D Gimbal Support 

• Precision Flight and Stable Hovering 

• 25min Flight Time & Smart Battery 

• Auto Return-to-Home & Landing 

• Advanced Power Management 

• Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) 

• Easy Battery Replacement 

• Self-tightening Propeller 

• Video Downlink Support 

• CAN-Bus Expansion Module 

Aircraft 

• Weight (Battery & Propellers included) - 1 OOOg 

• Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly)- Vertical: 0.8m and Horizontal: 2.5m 

• Max Yaw Angular Velocity- 200°/s 

• Max Tilt Angle- 35° 

• Max Ascent I Descent Speed- Ascent: 6m/s; Descent: 2m/s 

• Max Flight Speed- 15m/s (Not Recommended) 

• Diagonal Length- 350mm 

• Flight Time - 25mins 

• Take-off Weight- :S1300g 

• Operating Temperature- -10°C ~ 50°C 

• Supported Battery- DJI Smart Battery 

DJI Smart Battery 

• Type- 3S LiPo 

• Capacity - 5200mAh, 11.1 V 

Page 24 of27 
• Charging Environment Range - 0°C to 40°C 

• Discharging Environment Range - -20°C to 50°C 

2.4GHz Remote Control 

• Operating Frequency- 2.4GHz ISM 

• Communication Distance (open area) - 1 OOOm 

• Receiver Sensitivity (1 %PER) - -97dBm 

• Working CurrentN oltage - 120 mA@3. 7V 

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

H3-D2 GimbaVCamera 

Built-In Functions 

• 2-axis gimbal 

• Light-weight 

• GoPro supported 

• Based on Zenmuse 

• All aluminum alloy manufacture 

• Built-in independent IMU module 

• DJI gimbal special servos drive module 

• WKM /NAZA-M /NAZA-M V2 /PHANTOM supported 

Mechanical & Electrical Characteristics 

• Working Current- Static Current: 400mA (@12V), Dynamic Current: 600mA 

(@12V) 

• Operating Temperature- -1 0°C ~ 50°C 

• Gimbal Weight- 230g 

• Gimbal Dimensions- 99.5mm x 85.5mm x 92.75mm 

• Gimbal Input Power- 3S(12V)~6S(26V) 

• GCU Weight - 22g 

• GCU Dimensions- 42 mm X32 mm X9.3 mm 

Working Performance 

• Controlled Angle Accuracy - ±0.08° 

• Maximum Controlled Rotation Speed- Tilt axis: ±130°/s, Roll axis: ±30°/s 

• Controlled Rotation Range- Tilt axis control: -130~+50°, Roll axis control: ±39° 

Peripheral 

• Supported Camera- GoPro Hero 3 

• GCU Input Power- 3S~6S LiPo 

• Assistant Software System Requirement- Windows XP SP3; Windows 7; Windows 8 

Page 25 of27 
EXHIBIT- B 

See attached DJI Phantom 2 Drone Professional Manufacturer's User Manual 

EXHIBIT- C 

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE LOG 

Month: _____ _ Year: ___ _ 

UAS: Date Issue Date Issue Issue, Description, and Maintenance Conducted Maintenance Performed 

DJI Phantom 2 Drone Discovered Resolved By 

Print & Sign Name 

Software Updates 

Airframe 

Engines 

Propellers 

Camera/Gimbal 

Landing Gear 

Vibration Dampening 

Other: 

Page 26 of27 
EXHIBIT-D 

Pre Flight Checklist- For Safe Operation ofUAS 

PRE-FLIGHT: 

Transmitter firmware up to date 

UAS firmware up to date 

Inspect UAS for obvious defects 

Batteries fully charged 

Propellers tightened and/or locked 

SD card in camera, SD card formatted (if needed) 

Monitor brightness set to high & hood installed 

Transmitted antenna up 

Transmitter turned on 

UAStumedon 

Compass Calibrated 

U AS placed in safe launch and recover position 

Area clear of people 

DURING FLIGHT: 

Warn bystanders of imminent take off 

Hover close for 20 seconds, look/listen for defects 

Confirm expected stick operation 

Monitor battery power 

Keep line of sigh, if applicable 

Monitor signal/strength 

Page 27 of27 
PHANTOM 2 User Manual Vl.4 

For PHANTOM 2 Flight Controiler Firmware versior1 V~:S.\0 

& PHANTOM 2 Assistant. version V3.8 

& PHANTOM RC Assistant version Vl.l 

2015.01 

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

fully use and understand the product. 

It is advised that you regularly check the PHANTOM 2 's product page at www.dji.com which is upd~ted 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.1l 
Content 

CONTENT ..................................................................•....................................•.......••...•... 2 

INTHEBOX .....••......•...••...•............•.........•...•......................................•••..•.......••.....•..•••..• 4 

LEGEND .•.•.............................................................•...............................•...........•.•.•..•....• 4 

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

1.1 BUILT-IN FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS .•••••••••••••••••.•••.•••••.•••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••• S 

1.2 CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS ..••..•....••.•••.•.•••.•.•..........•.•.•••.•...•.•.•.••.•••.•••••.••.•••• S 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

41NTELLIGENT BATIERY ............................................................................................... 19 

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

4.2 INSTALL THE BATIERY ••.•••.••...•••••••••••••.••••.•••••.•••.••••••••••.•••..••••••••...•..••••.•••••••••.••••.••••••••••• 20 

4.3 BATIERY USAGE •••••••••••.••••••••.•••.•.••••••.•••••.•••.••••..••.•••••••.••.•.••••••••••••••.•••••.•••.••••.••••••••••••• 20 

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BATIERY LEVEL INDICATOR ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••• 21 

4.5 CORRECT BATIERY 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 BATIERY 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 
Legend 

Intelligent Battery 

D ---~ 

D 

D 

c_~:_J 

Screwdriver 

Micro-USB Cable 

0 Forbidden(lmportant) 

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

Charger 

Screws 

Caution Tip 

r1 

/

.I 

I 

I \ 

() .\ 

\ I 

\ I 

u 

Plug Set 

Cables 

Accessories Box 

€!\ Reference 
Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 

[]]Propeller [2]Motor [3]Front Side [4]Front LEDs [S]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 , iOSD mini , 

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

I Video cabie- - - - - 1 

I To the iOSD module or wirelessl---~-'r' I video transmission module. I --------

!Gimbal Mounting Position! 

!Mount the H3-2D/H3-3D J---"':;,.---";-._j 

!gimbal using 4 screws. ! 

!._ _______ I 

Figure 1-3 

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

---1 

I 

I 

I 

I 
Important Notes of Using with Other OJI 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 th<' working current of the wireless video transmission module you connect can work with an 

operational voltage betwenn 11.1V-l2.6V 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 fr·om 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 Data link. 

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

compass during installation and connection to avoid interference. 

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

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

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

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. 

ED. 

Figure 1-6 

-;- ZENMUSE, 

H3-2D I 

I 

I 

I 

I I 

L _______ l 

( 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. 

Figure 1-7 

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

~-·----~- ~----., 

Description of the Video Cable 

(stl<qu~";-ncl.! by color} 

VIDEO 

- VIDEOGND I -- VBat• I ,_-:=-_G~D- _______ _ 

ziNMUsE~ H3-2D 

I 

I 

I 

I 

L _______ l 
( 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. 

Figure 1-8 

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

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

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

below uses H3-2D as an example. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.8 I 
r----------, 

Wirolen video transmission I 

I module Transmitter specified by I 

I DJI(AVL58) 

I OR 

1 Other win~less video transmh~i<H'I 

~odui~Transmltter 

Figure l-9 

- ZENMUSE' H3-2D I 

I 

I 

I 

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

1------BATT. t______rB:;t.--------- -, 

I BATT· 1--------l Batt· I 

I BATT+ J..---.J Batt• Other wireless video I BATT+ J..---.J Batt• transmission module I : IOSD Mark II UART I I Transmitter 

UART I I AV·GND r----i VIDEO GND I 

I _ _!''!:.:.0_\LT J 0:1~~ _ 

--------1 

I BATT- I 

I BATTI BATT• .----..ICI 

1 ;oso Nark 11 BATT•~-----r~l 

UART 

UART 

AV-GND 

A't_O~T J 

Wireless video 

tram;mlssion 

module 

AVL58 Transmittr;.r! 

specified by DJt I 

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

transmission module AVL58. 

( 5 ) Using the iPad Ground Station 

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

STU i 

I;J 

?'&~._) 

Figure 1-10 

iPad Ground 

Station 

Bluetooth Datal ink to a spared CAN-Bus port of iOSD if an iOSD is used. 

( 6 ) Using the PC Ground Station 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.10 I 

Air End 

End 

Figure I-ll 
1.3 LED Flight Indicators Description 

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

up. 

LED 11ight ;---~-_;,=-==-:::"':.:.,.-----~ 

indicators 

Aircraft in Normal status 

••••• 

•••••• 

••• 

• • • the compass needs calibration. 

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

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

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

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

have spooled up. 

'T""'fj 

\'u. 

~ I L.l 

©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. 

V1.08 or above 

; ,:,~~·~Jpa,i~;:'=~~~ :,B~~reVe~}insif~~ir~ct; p ~~~~~tfo~~griidf~~ • • ~$J~~t;"J'~l~~~ 

P330CB (built-in 1 

\ Vl.O.l.l9 or above PHANTOM 2 

! central board) >---- . 

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

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

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.121 
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. 

Instructions 

2.1 Assembly 

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

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

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

fastening instructions. 

Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure2-3 

2.2 Disassembly 

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

propeller according to the un-fastening instructions. 

2.3 Notes 

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. 

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

J3 

• 

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

i4] J2 

J4 ••• [7] [6] ••• • Jl 

• • [8]+-~-~ 

[9] 

[10]·~=~-

Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 

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

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

[ll]Battery Level Indicators LED1/LED2/LED3/LED4 (from left to right) [l2]Trainer 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 

indicator is solid on, .the remc>te controller is functioning normally. The battery leyel 

indicators disP;li,1y the c(Jrrent batt<'I~Y.Ieyel. 

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. 

A 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 

start the remote controller. 

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

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

during flight. 

3.2.2 Remote Controller Battery Level Indicator Status 

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

a description of the indicators. 

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

• : The LED is light off 

75%-100% 

50%-75% 

25%-50% 

12.5%-25% 

0%-12.5% 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.15/ 
3.3 Antenna Orientation 

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

during flight. 

Figure 3-3 

~.4 ReiTIOt! C::cmtrollerOp~tration. 

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. 

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

The throttle stick controls aircraft altitude/elevation. 

Push the stick up and the aircraft will rise. 

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will descend. 

The aircraft will automatically hover and hold its 

altitude if the sticks are centered. 

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

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

suggest that you push the throttle stick slowly to 

prevent the aircraft from sudden and unexpected 
- ~"'-~~-=::•.-;:;.;~cc"oiPosition-2 Position-3 

OFF Course Lock Home 

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 a faster aircraft rotation 

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

Push the stick up and the aircraft will tilt and fly 

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 

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

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

The aircraft will keep level and straight if the stick is 

centered. 

Pushing the stick further away from center will result in 

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

Sl is for compass calibration. Toggle the Sl switch from 

position·l to position-3 and back to position·l at least 5 

times, which will force the aircraft to enter into 

compass calibration mode. 

Users can configure position 3(bottom position) of the 

Sl switch to trigger the Failsafe in the Assistant. 

S2 is the IOC mode switch. IOC 

Orientation Control) function can be enabled in the 

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

function after you are familiar with flying. 
i I The left dial controls the pitch of the H3-2D and H3-3D 

gimbal. The position of left dial determines the pitch 

n ~~:c~;;;-~·;.s;~;ll .. angle relative to the horizontal/eve/. I 

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

RA~lL --ij'-rw·; --· (f.,.; l4:rJ ·1·\, ,(--~~i up. 

i®~EfJI ~~-- f~~c_t) +0' Turn the left dial to the left to make the gimbal pitch 

l21 down . • go• 

The gimbal will keep its current position if the dial is 

static. 

I ( 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. 

· Link lndicat9r Status • ·' -

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

on the remote controller . 

•••••• The receiver is ready for linking . 

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

---~~--

©2013-2015 DJJ. All Rights Reserved.18 I 
4 Intelligent Battery 

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

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

Intelligent Battery Charger 

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

( 2.) Capacity Display Display the current battery level. 

The main controller communicates with the battery via communication ports 

( 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. 

The battery will charge only when its temperature is within o•C-55°C. If the 

battery temperature is out of this range, the 

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

Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage. 

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

responsibility for operation of any charger from a third party. 

4.1 Charging Procedures 

l. 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.19 I 
level indicator description for details. 

The battery is fully charged when the Battery Level il')dicator lights are off. Please disconnect the charger 

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: (l) Bad contact. (2) Unavailable 

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

4.3 Battery Usage 

LED2 LED3 

LEDl 

Battery Power Button 

(Built-in Battery Power Indicator) 

Figure4·2 

(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 LEDs will light out and the intelligent battery will turn off. Refer to < Battery 

Level Indicator Description> for details. 

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 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.21 I 

75%-87.5% 

62.5%-75% 

50%-62.5% 

37.5%-50% 

25%-37.5% 

12.5%-25% 

0%-12.5% 
4.5Correc:t Battery Usage Notes 

l. 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 o•c 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 dischargethe 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. 

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

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

concrete and never near any flammable materials. 

Safety is extremely important and users can get more information in the DISCLAIMER. 

@2013-2015 DJL 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. 

Position-] (®) 

,,.-; ... , 

Position-3 ;\_~ , __ 

LED Flight Indicator 

5.3 When Recalibration is required 

LED Flight Indicator 

Positi:n-1 (Cfi) 

,1·~ '\ Position-3 ·J~ 

·-- Position-l-·Position-3-·Position-1 

Flip once 

( 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 Environ~ent 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. 

A ( 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 8 c D 

Figure 6·1 

~-3 Ta!<~~off[~!!l1clii1Jl ~~~~~c:l•ues. 

·· 1. Start by placing the PHANTOM 2 on the ground with t~e battery level indicators facir,g you. 

2. Turn on the remote controller. 

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

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

(non-GPS) mode. Siart.ttie motors with the esc 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. 

( 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 initiali~ing the Ready to Fly status, the aircraft will record the current GP5 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 

!~ .,.,. ; LED FHghtlnditator'$ '$ iQii' ~ -1§1 ~ • 1J .. 4t i&l ~.?~N' .~m~"'?'"'~~"'"!-'-""'"''w '/'OI'.O'~·"<"_e!' _ _,,w••~~~-~ 

14 Signal lost lasts 3s, begin to go home. l ···~···-·--·· ... ~-·····-· w·· 

•-------

! LEO Flight Indicator ® -®:<$ ® 1$'-0-

.~. LED F~ght lndicator©-1$$\' 1i$J jj?.§$ 

Figure 6-2 

( 1 ) In a Failsafe situation, if less than 6 GP5 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 52 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 J2. if using i05D module. 

When the 51 switch is switched to Position-], 

How to regain toggle the 51 switch to any other position once to 

control regain controL If remote controller's signal is 

control is returned back to the 

©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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cause a communication failure. 

6.6 Flight Limits Function 

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

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

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

height, distance limits. 

In Ready to Fiy st<:ltus, hoight., dist21ncc limits work;, tOCJI2ther to restrict fiqht. In Rcoaciy to ~ly (non-GPS) stotus. 

only height limit works and the flying he1ght r~:•strlctc:d to bn not ovcl' l/Orr1 

(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 ~ffl/lil:22~flefflf.l'i!. 

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 
Max Height 

Max Radius 

Figure 6-3 

under the minor height between the 

Max height and 120m. 

is powered on 

Figure 6-4 

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

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

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

6.7 Flight Limits of Special Areas 

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

httpJ/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 
Center of 

Special 

Area 

Airspace: A,C,D 

Boundary:~.£. 

Category A Category B 

mode and Ready to Fly mode activates, it will 

...... to airspace C and hover 5 meters below edge sf. 

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~ 

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. 

(1) When flying in the airspace (A/8/C) of restricted special area, LED flight indicators will blink red 

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

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

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

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

6.8 Conditions of Flight Limits 

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

The following table demonstrates all the cases(-../: available; X:unavailable). 

All flights a reo restricted by height. distance and special areas simultaneously. 

<6 X " X 

<::6 X X X 

Manual 

<6 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 \ 
7 Assistant Installation and Configuration 

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

on the DJI website. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

bit)). 

lnst•lling •nd running on Mac OS X 

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

website. 

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

3. When launching for the first time if use Launchpad to run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant, Launchpad won' 

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

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

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

the prompt dialog box and then software will launch. 

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

the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.31 I 
"'" C.$0i!If'Y$ !'~li!l>M)$1'11 

"'" fl.m:M~>¥er Dfhn l):;m 

P\tcf', v.w orr &Sit 1~ 12~ !20% 

""'""' """"' ''"'' GifflbWSWlt¢1' ON 

1000 ... . """"I"" <fl{ 

1000 ... ""i '""" !'A.J.«lY11VO!taglil J:?•M•IW 

UJOO ... '""""'i """' ~~~~: .... 1000 FitstLiflll'(.flWmnirtg 

~'<¥JdL~Watttil!g -,..,. 

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

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

7.2Using the PHANTOM 2 Assistant ()ll a PC 

l. 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 G 

and communication indicator is blinking •. 

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

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

PHAHTOM2 P!1 2 f y 

.!" o> a ® ;-~------~ 

-:~~"-·~· 

-~-"-'' 

Con:11'1llr·icatior: -:c~ -~::.:.:c:c 

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

r-l;IK lo" .,w,!cr uf P1•0ntorn 2 

and ~,Jaz:a .tvj mode 

L,.1nquaqc :,wop 
( 1 ) Users should not enable the Naza-M function before finishing Advanced Flight Maneuvers 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

will be returned to factory settings. 

7.3 Firmware upgrade of PHANTOM 2 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHArtfOH2 PU~:t • .. - X 

'" """" "''""""" '" '""" 1 

' 

[q .!' .:.~ &iii i A'\., q 

OleCJ~,,, 'E:o-te; to the 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••• ac~uai L,s~::::r lntertace. 

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

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

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

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

CMU (5) GimbaiiMU (6) Battery 

7.4 PHANTOM RC Assistant Description 

Please follow the procedures to finish the configuration of the remote controller. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.33 I 

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

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

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

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

indicator is I!!) and communication indicator is blinking8. 

Finish configuration in the [Main) page. 

-i 

.,... __ "--~~r--·" w 

---·--·------......:. 

Main Page of the 2.4GHz Remote Controller 

~OMRC 1"'*~• -

i 

L--------------------------------------------~ 

Co1YI rnu n i<: <·\ t !cJ '' 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.34 I 

'-.,,c.;ccc.:= -.:.:.:.:,:_:::~ 

-.,;':_;;,;,;c..:.:~= 

f:,rrnwar->-~ upgr.:,di·~ 

AccDUIII·. ;;oftw,:,r<~ 

• Th~~ irn<·l:v: is fol" 

,efert~nc.e 0niy. !)le<Hd? 

n?fRr to th.:! actL:al 

interface. 
Operating environment temperature 

Power consumption 

Supported Battery 

Weight (including.the battery) 

Take-off Weight 

.!-Iovering Accuracy (R!Ndy .. to Fly) 

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 

Max Tilt Angle 

Max Ascent / Descent Speed 

Max Flight Speed 

Wheelbase 

Operating Frequency 

Communication Distance (open area) 

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER} 

Working Current/Voltage 

-1o•c to so·c 

5.6W 

DJ/Intelligent battery 

1000g 

~1300g 

Vef:tical: 018m, 1:/orizontal: 2:Sm 

2oo· /s 

35. 

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

15m/s (Not Recommended) 

350mm 

2.4GHz ISM 

lOOOm 

-97dBm 

Built-in LiPo Battery Working Current/Capacity 

120 mA@3.7V 

3.7V, 2000mAh 

Type 

Capacity 

Charging Environment Range 

Discharging Environment.Range 

•••••• 

••••• ••••• ••••• 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.35 I 

3S LiPo Battery 

5200mAh, JUV 

o·c to 4o•c 

-2o•c to so•c 

Power On Self· Test 

Warming Up 

Ready to Fly 

Ready t(l Fly (non-GPS) 

off during warming up 

1" Level Low Battery Capacity Warning 
ree·····-----------------r;:-~:~~~w ~~;;:;;-~:~·:;i~~;:-;,:;----- ---~ 

[ -----------·r:·------------------------------------- -~ 

••• --~ot Stati~ry or Se~~~i:~-~~too big-----------1 

' ! Errors C:-~~craft c~':._t_:ly.* --------1 • • • Fompass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or I --------------- ___ ------- ·--- --------- j __ t~e-=~~pass needs calibration. __________ _i 

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.361