© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 21

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

After these issues are resolved, press the Power Button to turn off the Battery Level Indicator. Unplug the 

Intelligent Flight Battery from the charger and plug it back in to resume charging. Note that you do not 

need to unplug and plug in the charger in the event of a room temperature error; the charger will resume 

charging when the temperature is within the allowable range.

DJI does not take any responsibility for damage caused by third-party chargers.

How to discharge your Intelligent Flight Battery:

Slow : Place the Intelligent Flight Battery into the Phantom 3 Professional’s Battery Compartment 

and turn it on. Leave it on until there is less than 8% of power left, or until the battery can no 

longer be turned on. Launch the DJI Pilot app to check battery levels.

Rapid : Fly the Phantom 3 Professional outdoors until there is less than 8% of power left, or until 

the battery can no longer be turned on.
22 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller

This section describes the features 

of the remote controller and includes 

instructions for controlling the aircraft 

and the camera.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 23

Remote Controller

Remote Controller

Remote Controller Profle

The Phantom 3 Professional remote controller is a multi-function wireless communication device that 

integrates the video downlink system and aircraft remote control system. The video downlink and aircraft 

remote control system operate at 2.4 GHz. The remote controller features a number of camera control 

functions, such as taking and previewing photos and videos, as well as controlling gimbal motion. 

The remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery. The battery level is displayed via LED 

indicators on the front panel of the remote controller.

Compliance Version: The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC regulations.

Operating Mode: Control can be set to Mode 1 or Mode 2, or to a custom mode. 

Mode 1: The right stick serves as the throttle.

Mode 2: The left stick serves as the throttle.

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

Using the Remote Controller

Turning the Remote Controller On and Off 

The Phantom 3 Professional remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery that has a 

capacity of 6000 mAh. The battery level is indicated via the Battery Level LEDs on the front panel. Follow 

the steps below to turn on your remote controller:

1. When the remote controller is turned off, press the Power Button once. The Battery Level LEDs will 

display the current battery level.

2. Press and hold the Power Button to turn on the remote controller.

3. The remote controller will beep when it is turned on. The Status LED will rapidly blink green, indicating 

that the remote controller is linking to the aircraft. The Status LEDs will glow solid green when linking is 

complete.

4. Repeat Step 2 to turn off the remote controller. 

Charging the Remote Controller

Charge the remote controller using the included charger. Refer to the fgure on next page below for more 

details.
24 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Charger

Power Outlet

Power Button

Controlling the Camera

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

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

[1] Camera Settings Dial

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture without letting go of 

the remote controller. Move the dial to left or right to scroll through pictures and videos in playback 

mode. Press down on the dial to toggle between these settings.

[2] Playback Button

Press to view images and videos that have already been captured.

[3] Shutter Button

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is activated, multiple photos will be taken with a single press.

[4] Video Recoding Button

Press once to start recording video, then press again to stop recording. 

[5] Gimbal Dial

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. 

Controlling Aircraft 

This section explains how to control the orientation of the aircraft through the remote controller. The 

Remote Control is set to Mode 2 by default. 

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 25

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Stick Neutral/Mid-Point: Control sticks are in the center position. 

Moving the Control Stick: The control stick is pushed away from the center position.

Remote Controller

(Mode 2)

Aircraft 

( Indicates Nose Direction) Remarks 

Moving the left stick up and down changes the 

aircraft’s elevation.

Push the stick up to ascend and down to descend. 

When both sticks are centered, the Phantom 3 

Professional will hover in place.

The more the stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will 

change elevation. Always push the stick gently 

to prevent sudden and unexpected elevation 

changes.

Moving the left stick to the left or right controls the 

rudder and rotation of the aircraft.

Push the sick left to rotate the aircraft counterclockwise, push the stick right to rotate the aircraft 

clockwise. If the stick is centered, the Phantom 3 

Professional will maintain its current orientation.

The more the stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will 

rotate.

Moving the right stick up and down changes the 

aircraft’s forward and backward pitch. 

Push the stick up to fly forward and down to fly 

backward. Phantom 3 Professional will hover in 

place if the stick is centered.

Push the stick further away from the center position for 

a larger pitch angle (maximum 30 ̊) and faster fight.

Moving the right stick control left and right changes 

the aircraft’s left and right pitch. 

Push left to fly left and right to fly right. The 

Phantom 3 Professional will hover in place if the 

stick is centered. 

Gimbal Dial: Turn the dial to the right, and the 

camera will shift to point upwards. Turn the 

dial to the left, and the camera will shift to point 

downwards. The camera will remain in its current 

position when dial is static. 
26 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Position Figure Flight Mode

Position 1 F-mode

Position 2 A-mode 

Position 3 P-mode

Flight Mode Switch

Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode. 

You may choose between; P-mode, F-mode and Amode. Position 1 

Position 2 

Position 3 

P-mode (Positioning): P-mode works best when the GPS signal is strong. There are three different 

versions of P-mode, which will be automatically selected by the Phantom 3 Professional depending on 

GPS signal strength and the Vision Positioning sensors:

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

P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but a suffcient GPS signal is not available. Aircraft is using 

only Vision Positioning for position holding.

P-ATTI: Neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is available, the aircraft is using only its barometer for 

positioning, so only altitude is maintained.

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

only its barometer to stabilize. The aircraft can automatically return to the Home Point if remote controller 

signal is lost and the Home Point was recorded successfully.

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

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

By default, the Flight Mode Switch is locked to P-mode. To unlock other fight modes, launch the DJI Pilot 

app, enter the “Camera” page, and tap “Mode”, then activate “Multiple Flight Mode”.

RTH Button 

Press and hold the RTH button to start the Return-to-Home (RTH) procedure. The LED ring around the RTH 

Button will blink white to indicate that the aircraft is entering RTH mode. The aircraft will then return to the 

last recorded Home Point. Press this button again to cancel the RTH procedure and regain control of the 

aircraft.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 27

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Connecting Your Mobile Device

Tilt the mobile device holder to the desired position. Press the button on the side of the mobile device holder 

to release the clamp, and then place your mobile device into the cradle. Adjust the clamp down to secure the 

mobile device. To connect your mobile device to the remote controller using a USB cable, plug one end of 

the cable into your mobile device and the other end into the USB port on the back of the remote controller.

Optimal Transmission Range

The transmission signal between the aircraft and the remote controller is most reliable within the area that 

is depicted in the image below:

Optimal Transmission Range

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

performance, maintain the appropriate relationship between the operator and the aircraft.

Remote Controller Status LED

The Status LED refects the strength of the connection between the remote controller and the aircraft. The 

RTH LED indicates the Return-to-Home status of the aircraft. The table below contains more information 

about these indicators.

RTH LED

Status LED

strong weak
28 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Status LED Alarm Remote Controller Status 

— Solid Red Chime The remote controller is disconnected from the aircraft. 

— Solid Green Chime The remote controller is connected to the aircraft. 

 Slow Blinking Red D-D-D...... Remote controller error. 

/

Red and Green/ Red and 

Yellow Alternate Blinks 

None HD downlink is disrupted. 

RTH LED Sound Remote Controller Status

— Solid White Chime Aircraft is returning home.

 Blinking White D . . . Sending Return-to-Home command to the aircraft.

 Blinking White DD .. .. .. Return-to-Home procedure in progress.

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

Linking the Remote Controller

The remote controller is linked to your aircraft before delivery. Linking is only required when using a new 

remote controller for the frst time. Follow these steps to link a new remote controller:

1. Turn on the remote controller and connect to the mobile device. Launch the DJI Pilot app.

2. Turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery.

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

RC Control Setting

RC Calibration

Stick Mode

C1 Not Defined C2 Not Defined

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. 

Do not change unless familiar with your new mode.

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the RC.

Linking RC
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 29

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

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

same aircraft.

Remote Controller Compliance Version 

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

Link Button

RC Control Setting

RC Calibration

Stick Mode

C1 Not Defined C2 Not Defined

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. 

Do not change unless familiar with your new mode.

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the RC.

Linking RC

Searching for aircraft frequency, 

timeout in 54 seconds

Cancel

Press the linking button on the aircraft 

to link this remote controller

5. Locate the linking button on the side of the aircraft, as shown in the fgure below. Press the link button 

to start linking. The Remote Controller Status Indicator LED will display a solid green once the remote 

controller is successfully linked to the aircraft.

4. The remote controller is ready to link. The Remote Controller Status Indicator blinks blue and a beep is 

emitted.
30 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Camera and Gimbal 

This section provides the technical 

specifications of the camera and 

explains the gimbal’s operation modes.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 31

Gimbal Camera

Camera and Gimbal 

Camera Profle

The on-board camera uses the 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor to capture video (up to 4096x2160p at 24fps or 

4K at up to 30fps with the Phantom 3 Professional) and 12 megapixel stills. You may choose to record 

the video in either MOV or MP4 format. Available picture shooting modes include burst, continuous, and 

time-lapse mode. A live preview of what the camera sees can be monitored on the connected mobile 

device via the DJI Pilot app. 

Camera Micro-SD Card Slot

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

turning on the Phantom 3 Professional. The Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 16 GB Micro-SD 

card and supports Micro-SD cards up to 64 GB. A UHS-1 Micro-SD card is recommended due to 

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

Do not remove the Micro-SD card from the Phantom 3 Professional when it is turned on.

Camera Data Port

Turn on the Phantom 3 Professional and connect a USB cable to the Camera Data Port to download 

photos and videos to your computer.

The aircraft must be turned on before attempting to access the fles on the Micro-SD card.
32 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Gimbal Camera

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Camera Operation

Use the Shutter and Video Recording buttons on the remote controller to shoot the images or videos 

through the DJI Pilot app. For more information about how to use these buttons, refer to “Controlling the 

Camera Page 24”. 

Camera LED Indicator

Camera LED Indicator lights up after the flight battery is powered on. It provides information on the 

working status of the camera.

Camera LED Indicator Camera status

 Green Fast Blink (0.2s off, 0.1s on ) System is warming up. 

 Green Blink Once (0.5s off, 0.4s on ) Taking a single picture.

 Green Blink 3 Times (0.3s off, 0.1s on ) Taking 3 or 5 photos per shot. 

 Slow Red Blink (1.6s on, 0.8s off ) Recording.

 Fast Red Blink (0.5s off, 0.2s on ) SD card error.

 Double Red Blink (0.1s on, 0.1s off, 0.1s on, 0.1s off) Overheated Camera

Solid Red System error. 

Green and Red Blink (0.8s green on, 0.8s red on) Firmware Upgrading

-90°

0°

30°

Gimbal

Gimbal Profle

The 3-axis gimbal provides a steady platform for the attached camera, allowing you to capture clear, 

stable images and video. The gimbal can tilt the camera within a 120 ̊ range.

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the tilt movement of the camera. 
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 33

Gimbal Camera

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Gimbal Operation Modes

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

settings page of the DJI Pilot app. Note that your mobile device must be connected to the remote 

controller for changes to take effect. Refer to the table below for details:

Follow Mode The angle between gimbal’s orientation and aircraft’s nose remains 

constant at all times.

FPV Mode The gimbal will synchronize with the movement of the aircraft to provide a 

frst-person perspective fying experience. 

 

A gimbal motor error may occur in these situations: (1) the aircraft is placed on uneven ground 

or the gimbal’s motion is obstructed (2) the gimbal has been subjected to an excessive 

external force, such as a collision. Please take off from fat, open ground and protect the gimbal 

at all times. 

Flying in heavy fog or clouds may make the gimbal wet, leading to temporary failure. The 

gimbal will recover full functionality after it dries.

 

2

1

3

Anti-Drop Kit

The anti-drop kit helps keep the gimbal and camera connected to the aircraft. Two pins have been 

mounted prior to shipping. If new or additional pins are required, see the diagram below. Press Part 

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

as shown 3 . Mounting the anti-drop kit pins diagonally from each other is recommended. 
34 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

This section introduces the four main 

functions of the DJI Pilot app.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 35

DJI Pilot App 

DJI Pilot App

The DJI Pilot app is a mobile application designed specifcally for the Phantom 3 Professional. Use this 

app to control the gimbal, camera, and other aircraft functions. The app also features Map, Academy, 

and User Center, which are used for confguring your aircraft and sharing your photos and videos with 

others. It is recommended that you use a tablet for the best experience.

Camera

The Camera page contains a live HD video feed from the Phantom 3 Professional’s camera. You can also 

confgure various camera parameters from the Camera page. 

United States

Mountain View

CAMERA DIRECTOR STORE DISCOVERY

Safe to Fly (GPS) MODE P-GPS CL

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

ISO 100 1/320 EV 0 4821 JPEG

[14]

[15]

[13]

[10]

[9]

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

[18]

[17]

[16]

[12] [11]
36 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

[1] Flight Mode

: The text next to this icon indicates the current fight mode. 

Tap to confgure the MC (Main Controller) Settings. These settings allow you to modify fight limits and 

set the gain values. 

[2] GPS Signal Strength

: This icon shows the current strength of GPS signals. Green bars indicate adequate GPS 

strength. 

[3] IOC Settings

CL : This icon displays the IOC setting when the aircraft has entered F-mode. Tap to view the IOC 

settings menu and select the desired IOC setting.

[4] System Status 

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

[5] Battery Level Indicator 

 : The battery level indicator provides a dynamic display of the battery level. The colored 

zones on the battery level indicator represent the power levels needed to carry out different functions.

[6] Remote Controller Signal 

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

[7] HD Video Link Signal Strength 

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

the remote controller.

[8] Battery Level

: This icon shows the current battery level.

Tap to view the battery information menu, set the various battery warning thresholds, and view the 

battery warning history.

[9] General Settings

 : Tap this icon to view the General Settings page. From this page, you can set fight parameters, 

reset the camera, enable the quick view feature, adjust the gimbal roll value, and toggle the fight 

route display.

[10] Camera Operation Bar

 Shutter and Recording Settings

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

the videos, image size and so on. 

 Shutter

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

or time-lapsed shooting modes.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 37

DJI Pilot App 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Record

 : Tap once to start recording video, then tap again to stop recording. You can also press the 

Video Recording Button on the remote controller, which has the same functionality.

Playback

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

captured.

Camera Settings

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

[11] Vision Positioning

 : This icon shows the distance between the surface and the Vision Positioning System’s sensors.

[12] Flight Telemetry

The Vision Positioning Status icon is highlighted when the Vision Positioning is in operation.

Flight attitude is indicated by the fight attitude icon. 

(1) The red arrow shows which direction the aircraft is facing.

(2) Light blue and dark blue areas indicate pitch.

(3) The angle of the boundary between the light blue and dark blue areas indicates the roll angle.

[13] Map

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

[14] Dynamic Home Point

 : Press this button to enable the dynamic home point feature, the home point then will be reset to 

position of the mobile device.

[15] Return to Home (RTH)

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

H: 39M D: 1039M V.S: 8.3M/S H.S:24.2M/S 1.2M
38 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Director 

Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI Pilot app. After recording several video clips, simply 

tap “Director” from the app’s home screen. You can then select a template and a specifed number of 

clips, which are automatically combined to create a short flm that can be shared immediately.

Store

Tap “Store” to visit the offcial DJI Online Store to see the latest information about DJI products and easily 

buy new products.

Discovery

Sync pictures and videos to your mobile device, view fight logs, and check your DJI account status in 

"Discovery". Use your registered DJI account to login to "Discovery".

[16] Auto Takeoff/Landing 

/ : Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing.

[17] Livestream 

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

mobile data service is available on the mobile device. 

[18] Back

 : Tap to return to the main GUI.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 39

Flight

This section describes safe fight 

practices and fight restrictions.
40 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

Flight

Once pre-fight preparation is complete, it is recommended that you use the fight simulator in the DJI Pilot 

app to hone your fight skills and practice fying safely. Ensure that all fights are carried out in an open 

area.

Flight Environment Requirements

1. Do not use the aircraft in severe weather conditions. These include wind speeds exceeding 10 m/s , 

snow, rain and fog.

2. Only fy in open areas. Tall structures and large metal structures may affect the accuracy of the onboard compass and GPS system.

3. Avoid obstacles, crowds, high voltage power lines, trees, and bodies of water.

4. Minimize interference by avoiding areas with high levels of electromagnetism, including base stations 

and radio transmission towers. 

5. Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and 

temperature.Be very careful when fying at altitudes greater than 19, 685 feet (6000 meters) above sea 

level, as the performance of the battery and aircraft may be affected.

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

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones

All unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators should abide by all regulations set forth by government and 

regulatory agencies including the ICAO and the FAA. For safety reasons, fights are limited by default, 

which helps users operate this product safely and legally. Flight limitations include height limits, distance 

limits, and No-Fly Zones.

When operating in P-mode, height limits, distance limits, and No-Fly Zones function concurrently to 

manage flight safety. In A-mode, only height limits are in effect, which by default prevent the aircraft 

altitude from exceeding 1640 feet (500 m) .

Maximum fight altitude & Radius Limits

Maximum flight altitude and radius limits may be changed in the DJI Pilot app. Be aware that the 

maximum fight altitude cannot exceed 1640 feet (500 meters). In accordance with these settings, your 

Phantom 3 Professional will fy in a restricted cylinder, as shown below: 

Maximum Flight Altitude Max Radius

Home Point

Height of aircraft 

when turned on