August 18, 2015

Exemption No. 12489

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015-1404

Mr. Ruben E Carlos

16450 King Avenue

Riverside, CA 92504

Dear Mr. Carlos:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letter dated April 22, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for 

an exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct aerial photography, videography, closed-set motion picture filming, survey, news 

gathering, inspections, and training1.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

 

1 The petitioner also requested authority to conduct UAS training. At this time, the FAA is unable to authorize 

UAS operations for training until a further assessment is completed. When the FAA completes its review, we 

will proceed accordingly and no further action will be required by the petitioner. However, the petitioner is 

permitted to train its own pilot in commands and visual observers in accordance with condition no. 14 and the 

other conditions and limitations in this exemption.
2

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Phantom 3 Professional.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 

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

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft 

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is 

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection2 and closed set motion picture and 

filming. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material 

respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus 

Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 

11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the 

enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described 

by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of 

significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA 

good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

• They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

• The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

• A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

 

2 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
3

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Ruben E. Carlos is granted an exemption from 14 CFR 

§§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 

91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to the 

extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection and 

closed set motion picture and filming. This exemption is subject to the conditions and 

limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Ruben E. Carlos is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed 

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

exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 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) of the 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) of the 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; 
4

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.

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 

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 a VO 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 UAS, 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.
5

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 

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 

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 

FAA-published 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 of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.
6

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 ATO-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.

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.

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. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

26. 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 of 

the 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.

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

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 
7

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. 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.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of 

the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

This exemption terminates on August 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
Ruben E carlos 

16450 King Ave. 

Riverside, CA 92504 

April 221 2015 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington DC 20590 

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

Aviation Regulations from: 14 C.F.R. 21 subpart H; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b}; 14 C.F.R. 61.113(a); 14 

C.F.R. 91.7(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2); 14 C.F.R. 91.103; 14 C.F.R. 91.103; 14 C.F.R. 91.119{c); 14 

C.F.R. 91.121; 14 C.F.R. 91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) and (b); 14 C.F.R. 91.405(a}; 14 C.F.R. 

91.407(a)(1); 14 C.F.R. 91.409{a)(1) and (2); 14 C.F.R. 91.417{a) and (b) 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

Pursuant of Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 {The Reform Act) and 14 

C.F.R. Part 11, Ruben E. Carlos, Operator of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems ("sUASs")1 hereby applies 

for an exemption from the listed F~deral Aviation Regulations (

11FARs11 ) to allow commercial operation of 

its sUASs, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or 

as may be established by the FAA as requir~d by Section 333. 

Commercial operation sUASs, as described herein, which are equipped with cameras. and s.ensors1 would 

operate In the following manner: 

1: Aerial Photography and/or video for public and/or private use including real estat~. 

architecture, land surveying, engineering and other related professional activities. 

2: Aerial video and/or photography for public and/or private use including television. dosed-set 

· moti'on ph::ture1 public events, cinematography and news gathering, 

3: Aerlallnspection/photography of residential/commercial structures under contract with the 

owners or local authority. 

4: A~rial video/photography or providing live video feed to assist with search and rescue 

operations In cases of an emergency or natural disaster only when the local authorities or 

gov~rnment has requested It by contract or donation. 

5: The ability to offer training to persons individually or belonging to both private and/or public 

organizations that have Interests in the use and application of sUASs for the purpose of the safe 

operation of sUASs to enhance the safety of the National Airspace System ("NAS") as well as for 

the protection of the persons or property. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com -t 1 (951) 321"0350 
U.S. Department of Transportation 

April 22, 2015 

Page 2 

As Described fully below1 the requested ex.ernption would permit the operation of sUASs under 

controlled conditions In the NAS that would be a) Limited b) Controlled c) Predetermined and d) Will 

provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations in the industry presently using conventional 

aircraft. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of 

Transportation's (The FAA Administrators) responsibilities to "establish requirements for the safe 

operations of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.1

' 

The Name and address of the applicant is: 

Attn: Ruben E. Carlos 

Ph: 951~3:21-0350 

Email: Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com 

Address: 16450 King Ave. Riverside1 CA, 92504-5757 

Regulations from which the exemption Is requested: 

14 C.F.R. part 21 subpart H 

14 C.F.R. 45.23 (b) 

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

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 

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

14 C.F.R. 91.103 

14 C.F.R. 91.109 

14 C.F.R. 91.119 (c) 

14 C.F.R. 91.121 

14 C.F.R. 91.151 (a) 

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

14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a) 

14 C.F.R. 91.407 (a) (1) 

14 C.F.R. 91.409 (a) (2) 

14 C.F.R. 91.417 (a) & (b) 

The Applicants sUASs are multi~rotor craft weighing less than S51bs. Including payload. Under normal 

conditions they operate at speeds of no more than SOkts and have the ability to hover and move along a 

vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. They will Operate in the line of sight and will operate 

within a closed off and predetermined area owned and/ operated by the property representative. · 

Given the small size ofthe sUASs and the controlled ~mvironment provided the proposed operations will 

adhere to the Reform Act's Safety Requirements. The Approval of this Appllcatlon presents no National 

Security issues. Regarding the level of safety surrounding the proposed operations and th€! public 

benefit, reduction in environmental impacts, Including but not limited to reduced emi$Sions and noise, 

the grant of the requested exemption is in the publlc Interest. Accordingly the applicant requests that 

the FAA grant the r~quested e!xemptton with minimum delay. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA; 92504 

B,y~.@gmail.com + 1 (951) 321~0350 
U.S. Department of Transportation 

April22, 2015 

Page 3 

AIRCRAFT AND Eg_UIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY 

The operation limitations proposed for an equivalent or higher level of safety because operations will 

further enhance the safety ofthe persons and/or property using conventional aircraft. 

These limitations and conditions to which the applicant agrees to adhere to when conducting 

l;Ommercial op~rations under the FM issued exemption as set forth in the Flight Operations Manual 

(FOM) indud~: 

1. The sUASs will weigh less than 55 lbs. 

2. Flights will be operated within line of sight of the pilot and/or observer. 

3. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. Flights will be terminated at 

25% battery power reserve or 30 minutes of flight whichever occurs first. 

4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) and 

not more than 200 feet above an elevated platform from which filming iS planned. 

5. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUASs Pilot, the Visual Observer (VO) and 

may Include but not lirnited to a Camera Operator/ Technician. 

6. The sUASs pilot will be a designated Pilot In Command (PIC) and hold a current Third or Higher 

Class Medical Certificate, along with a valid state driver's license. If the PIC feels 'lhother 

operator to be qualified with the necessary skills to be PIC & possess a Third or higher Class 

Medical and a valid state driver's license, that person may be designated PIC provided they have 

a minimum of 20 hours of flight time with the sUASs. 

7. A briefing wlll be performed regarding the planned sUASs operations prior to each day's flight 

consisting of all the days' production activities. 

8. The operator will file FAA Form 7711~1, or its equivalent, as modified in light of the requested 

exemption, with the appropriate local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) no more than 72 

hours but no less than 48 hours from planned operation. 

9. The operator will obtain verbal/written consent of all persons involved with the planned 

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

flight operation, and the radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalemt level of 

safety determination; as required under the FOM. With the advanced permission of the FSDO, 

operations at closer range may be approved. 

10. The PIC and VO will have been trained in operation of sUASs and receive up~to~date Information 

for the particular sUASs to be operated. 

11. The PIC and VO will be able to communicate by vokei radio, and/or text at all times. 

12. Written and/or verbal permission and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county, or 

dty juri~di!:tloM, lnduding law enfort:~m~nt, flr~ or oth~r approprl:at~ l;lOV~rnm~ntal :agencies, 

13. If the sUASs loses communication or loses GPS signal, the sUASs will have the capability to 

return to a Pre~Determlned location within a designated location and land autonomously. 

14. The sUASs will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredlcted obstacles, weather, or 

emergencies .. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmall.com + 1 (951) 321·0350 
U.S. Department of Transportation 

April 22, 2015 

Page 4 

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart i-t: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) (1) 

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements fot the issuance 

of Airworthiness certificates as required by FAR §91.203 (a) (1). Given the size and limited operating 

area associated with the aircraft to be utilized by the Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H 

meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and section 333 of the Reform 

Act. ihe Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C§44701 {f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act both authorize the 

FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificatQ, upon considera.tton of the 

size, weight, speedJ operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the 

particular sUASs. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the sUASs operated without 

an airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the conditions proposed will be at 

least safe, or safer, that a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) operating with an airworthiness 

certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed. 

The sUASs to be operated hereunder Is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor 

passenger, carries no explosive material or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exdus1vely within a 

secured and designated area. Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly 

controlled ~md monitored by both the operator and under the requirements and in compliance with 

local public safety requirements. The FAA will have advanced notice of all operations. These safety 

enhancements provide a greater degree of safety to the public and property owners than conventional 

operations conducted with airworthiness certificates issued under 14 C,F.R. Part 211 Subpart H. Lastly, 

application of these same criteria demonstrates that there Is no credible threat to national security 

posed by the sUASS1 due to its size, speed of operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials 

or flammable liquid fuels, and Inability to carry a substantial external load. 

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 (b). Marking of tha Alrc:raft 

The regulation requires: 

When marks include only the Roman capitol letter "N" and the registration number is displayed on 

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

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

in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 11 Inches high, the words "limited/' "restricted," "light· 

sport,'1 11experimenta1,'1 or Provisional,'' as applicable. 

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

will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the word "Experimental" will be 

placed 011 the fuselae;e In eomplianee with §45.29 (f). 

The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the sUASs marked oh Its fuselage as required by 

§45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and others working with the sUASs will see the identification of the 

sUASs as ''Experimental." The FAA has issuad the following exemptions to this regulation to Exemptions 

Nos. 10700, S73Sf 10167, and l0167A. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmaiLcom + 1 (951) 321-0350 
u.s. Department of Transportation 

April 22, 2015 

PageS 

14 C.F.R. § 61.113 (a) & (b): Private pilot Privlleges and limitations: Pilot 1n Command. 

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. 61.113 (a) & (b), no person who holds ill private pilot certificate may act as a pilot 

In command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire. Our sUASs 

do not carry any pilots or passengers nor property therefore I am seeking an exemption to 14 C.F.R. 

61.113 (a) & (b). Although helpful, a pilot's license will not ensure remote control piloting skills. Unlike 

conventional aircraft that carries a pilot and passengers, the .sUASs ls remotely controlled with no 

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

coordinated in advance. the risks associated with th9 operation of the sUAS~ are so dirninl5hed from the 

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

operations as requested with a skilled PIC in the ground crew exceeds the present level of safety 

achieved by 14 C.F.R. §31.113 (a) & {b). 

14 C.F.R. § 91.7 (a): Civil aircraft Airworthiness. 

The tegulation requires that non person may operate a civil aircraft unless It Is in airworthy condition. As 

there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft}' should this exemption be granted}' no 

FAA regulatory standard will exist for a determining airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft for 

maintenance and use of safety check lists prior to each flight and equivalent level of safety will be 

provided. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2): Civil Airc:raft Fllght M~nu~lln the Aln:;rah. 

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a u.s.-registered civil aircraft ... (2) For whlch an 

Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, unless there is available in 

the aircraft a current and approved airplane or rotorcraft flight manual, approved manual material, 

markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. The sUASs, given its size and configuration has no 

ability or place to carry such a flight manual on the aircraft}' not only because there is no pilot on board; 

but because there is no room or capacity to carry such an Item on the aircraft. The equivalent level of 

safety will be maintained by keeping the flight manual at the ground control polnt where the pilot flying 

the sUASs will have immediate access to it. The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this 

regulation: Exemption Nos. 8807, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565; 95658, 10167, 10602, 32827; and 

10700 

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action. 

This regulation requires each PIC to take certain actions before flight to insure the safety of flight. As 

FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an exemption will be 

needed. The PIC will take all actions including reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing 

and takeoff distances, ahd aircraft performance data before initiation offllght. Further, we have 

proprietary manuals created with the help of sUASs experts, the manufactures, and the regional sUAS 

vendor, and continue to work with these organizations to ensure best safe practices are adhered to. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com + 1 (951) 32ln0350 
u.s. Department of Transportation 

April22, 2015 

Page 6 

14 C.F.R. § 91.109: Flight Instruction. 

Section 91.103 provides that no per~on may operate a civil aircraft (except manned free balloon) that is 

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

remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully functional dual controls. Flight control is 

accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with the aircraft via radio 

communications. The FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual 

controls for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. See Exemption Nos. 

5778K & 9862A. The equivalent level of .safety provided by th~ fact that neither a pilot nor passenger 

will be carried In the aircraft and by the size and speed of the aircraft. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum safe Altitudes. 

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

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

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

Is for a sUASs that is a helicopter and the exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 400 

AGL, or not more than 200 above an elevated platform from which filming Is planned, an exemption 

may be needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, the sUASs is used to survey or photograph 

a structure whose height exceeds 400 feet AGL, the sUASs will not be operated more than 100 feet 

above the highest point ofthe structure. It will however be oper;;3ted In a restricted area with a security 

perimeter; where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations without thc~lif pte,obtalned 

consent. 

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

location where it ls to be opetated. No flight will be taken without the permission of the property owner 

or local officials. Because of the advance notice to the property owner and participants in the filming 

activity, all affected Individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations, Compared to flight 

operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum 55 lbs. proposed herein and 

the lack of flammable fuel; any risk associated with these operations Is far less than those presently 

presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below soo AGL. In addition, the low-altitude 

operation of the sUASs will ensure separation between these small~ UAS operations and the operations 

of conventional aircraft that must corn ply with Section 91.119. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings. 

Section 91.121 requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to 

al'l altimeter that is set"·-- to the elevation ofthe departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting 

available before departure." As the sUASs may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS 

altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety wW be achieved by the 

operator, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. 

The PIC and technician will also ensure effective pairing with multiple GPS sources to guarantee accurate 

detection of height, 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmaiLcom + 1 (951) 321~0350 
U.S. Department of Transportation 

April 22, 2015 

Page7 

14 C.F.R. § 91.151 (a): Fuel Requirements for Flight: In VFR Conditions 

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an Individual from beginning ua flight in an airplane under VFR conditions 

unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of 

intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising speed~ {1) During the day, to fly after thi\'lt for at least 

30 minutes; or (2} At night1 to fly after that for at least 45 minutes. 

The battery powering the sUASs provides approximately 30 minutes of powered fUght in hover mode 

without payload. The applleal"'tS sUAS!: will not bE! abl@ to meat the 30 minute reserve reqt.~irement in 14 

C.F.R §91.151. Given the limitations on the sUASs proposed flight area and the location of its proposed 

operations within a predetermined area, a longer flight time frame for flight In daylight or twilight VFR 

conditions is reasonable. Operating the sUASs, in a tightly controlled area where only people and 

property owners or official representatives who have slgned waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 

minute of reserve power1 does not engender the type of risks that Section 91.151 (a} was intended to 

alleviate given the slze and speed of the small UAS. 

Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limltfng flights to 30 minutes or 

25% of battery power whichever comes first. This restriction would be more than adequate to return 

the sUASs to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limlte!d operating area. 

Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions 2689f, 5745, 10673, 

and 10808. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration 

The regulation provides in pertinent part: 

{a) Except as provided in §91. 715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has within it 

the following: 

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

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

paragraph (a) ofthls section to a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is 

displayed at the cabin or cockpit antra nee so that it is legible to pessenge!rs and crew. 

The sUASs fully !()aded weighs no more than SSibs and is operated without an onboard pilot. As such, 

there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display them on the 

sUAS. 

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

where the pilot flying the sUASs will have immediate access to them; to the extent they are applicable to 

the sUASs. ihe j;:M has Issued numerous exemptions to this regulation. A representative sample of 

other exemp~ions includes. Exemption Nos. 9565. 9E.i6S, 97~91 51789A, 97971 9797A, 9816A~ and 10700. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA1 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com + 1 (951) 321-0350 
U.S. Department of Transportation 

April 22, 2015 

Page 8 

14 C.F.R. § 91.405 (a); 407 (a)(t); 409 (a)(2); 417 (a) & (b): Maintenance inspections 

These regulations require that an aircr~ft opt!!rator or owner ''shall have that aircraft inspected as 

prescribed in subpart E of this chapter and shall between required inspections} except as provided in 

paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter ... " and 

others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. 

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

sections will not aJ.')ply to the applicant. Maintenance will be accomt:Jiished by the operator pursuant to 

the f!lght manual, operating handbook and maintenance handbook. An equivalent level of safety will be 

achieved because these small UASs are very limited in size and will carry a small payload and operated 

only in restricted areas for limited periods of time.'lf mechanical issues arise the sUASs can land 

Immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. The operator will ensure that the 

sUASs is in working order prior to initiating fllght1 perform required maintenance, <tnd keep a log of any 

maintenance performed. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best 

suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in 

accordance with the sUASs Manufacturer's Manual1 as referenced in the Aircraft Operations Manual 

(AOM). As provided in the FOM, the operator will ensure that the sUASs is in working order prior to 

initiating flight and perform required maintenance needed. 

''"''******* 

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

Register, should it be determined that publication Is needed: 

Appllcant seeks an exemption from the following rules: 

14 C.F.R. §21, subpart Hi 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b}; 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113(a) & (b)i 91.7(a); 91.9(b)(2); 

91.103(b); 91.109; 91.121; 91.15l(a); 91.203(a) & (b)i 91.40S(a); 91.407(a)(1); 91.409(a}(2)i and 

91.417(a) & (b) to operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55 lbs. or less) in motion picture and 

television operations, as well as in the public and private sector. 

Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUASs lh the film industry will enhance 

safety by reducing risk. Conventional film operations, using jet or piston powered aircraft operate at 

extrem@ly low altitudes just feet from the subject being filmed and in @xtreme proximity to people .and 

structures; and present the risks associated With vehicles that weigh in the neighborhood of 4JOOO lbs., 

carrying large amounts of Jet A or other fuel. (140 gallons for the jet helicopter shown below.) Such 

aircraft must fly to and from the film location. In contrast, a sUASs weighing fewer than 55 lbs. and 

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

fuel carried onboard. The sUASs is carried to the film set and not flown. The sUASs will carry no 

RubE!o E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. ~iverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com + 1 (951) 321-Q350 
U.S. Department of Transportation 

April22, 2015 

Page 9 

passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with manned aircraft 

flights. 

the operation of small UASs, weighing less than 55 lbs., conducted in the strict <:onditions outlined 

above, will provide and equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the exemptions requested 

herein1 including exempting the applicant from requirements of Part 21 and arlowing commercial 

operations. Th~se lightweight aircraft operate at slow speeds, dose to the ground and in sterile 

environment and, as a result, are far safer than conventional operations conducted with turbihe or 

piston Powered hetieopters operating In close proximity to the ground <~nd people. 

Privacy 

All flights will occur over private or controlled access property with the property owner's or official 

representative's prior consent and knowledge. Filming will be of the people who have also consented to 

being fllm~d or otherwlse have agreed to be In the area where filming will take place. 

Commercial and Public Benefits 

The applicant believes that granting this exemption request furthers the public interest by providing safe 

(by the way of unmanned system) and efficient means to meet technical problems solvable by elevated 

data cQIIectlon Instruments. The applicants client base are typic;ally small to medium si:z;ed business' and 

realtors looking to increase thelr awareness of structures or landscape on their respective properties 

through data collection by photographic, video graphi<::, or LIDAR based surveying. By moving these 

subjects onto sUASs based aircraft} the potential for loss of life or property is diminished due to the 

greater control in a smaller and safer aircraft that holds no pilot, crew, or passengers. Second, there are 

no reactive or combustible materials on board the sUASs and thus the potential for fire or explosion is 

greatly diminished. Third, the small size and extreme maneuverabtllty of the applicant's sUASs allow the 

PJC to avoid hazards. Lastly due to the nature of the remote sensing instrumentation onboard, the sUASs 

can maintain quite a safe distance between the aircraft and the object(s) undergoing scrutiny. 

Accordingly, the Applicants sUASs have operated and will continue to operate at and above current 

safety levels. 

The effect of an exemption for the appUcant on the quality of the natural ancl social environments 

Utilizing sUASs mlnlmh:es the requirement for c::onventional aircraft. This eliminates the need for an 

onboard pilot1 Time consuming adherence to regulations surrounding book keeping and submission of 

flight paths to local civil or military airports, and detrimental effects to the environment caused by 

operating a combustible fuel_ large scale aircraft, with restrictions on the proximity to the target for 

remote sensing, photography or videography. 

Ruben E. c::arlos 

16450 King Ave. Rlverslde CA; 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmall.com + 1 (951) 321-0350 
u.s. Department of Transportation 

April 221 2015 

Page10 

Flight Capabilities and Characteristics of the Applicants UASs 

Pursuant to 112 P.l. 95 §333 (a), concerns for public:: safety are mitigated by the overall capabilities and 

characteristics of the sUASs. * 

The Applicant's UASs utilizes four (4) counter-rotating propellers paired oppositely to each other for 

balance, control and stability. The total span of the sUASs Is:;,: 590mm including propellers, allowing for 

stable flight or landing even with the sudden onset of detrimental environmental conditions. The sUASs 

maximum weight (including batt~ry. propellers) of 1.3 Kg_ ihe applicant's sUASs is designed t~W> hQver in 

place to capture photographic data and then operate at less than 50 knot maximum speed to the next 

point of Interest. They are capable of vertical and horizontal operations hut. in practice, is operated only 

within unaided VLOS of the PIC. In addition to the PIC; the Applicant employs a spotter (VOS role) and a 

technician (secondary VOS and on~site personnel liaison) which are within verbal communication range. 

These personnel are supplemented by safety officials provided by the client who are instructed to 

cordon off and otherwise minimize pedestrian access in the flight zone of the dient;s grounds. In the 

event of loss of visual of the UAS1 the PIC can change the flight controls from Cartesian (X, Y,Z.) based 

controls to radial (r,a,h) based control$ which allows the PIC to utilize one controller axis to recall the 

UAS to the PIC's position without concern to the current heading of the sUASs. The sUASs also have a 

Return-to~Home feature that will allow the UAS to return to the PIC's location in the case of the UAS 

losing signal to the PIC, or If the PIC initiates the Return-to~Home procedure. In the event of loss of sight 

of the sUASs Into ;:~n area containing hazards or possible hazards, the spotter has a heads-up-display 

containing a live video feed which can b~ used to locate the UAS while it maintains its position hover 

mode. The sUASs has d~monstrated its ability to maintain its position by GPS, SONAR, and Optkal flow 

camera with an accuracy of+/~ 10cm vertical and+/~ 1m horizontal. 

All of the applicant's sUASs utilize liPo (lithium polymer) battery based power sources, decreasing safety 

risks from more easily combustible, fuel based, power sources. Flight times generally last between eight 

(8) to ten {10} minutes allowing the staff to work with small areas per phase. The maximum flight time 

without payload is approximately 25 minutes; however practical safe operation limits this to 15 minutes 

to give ample time to control the sUASs to a :!iafe lahding wne. 'fhe applicant further restricts flight time 

by to operating the sUASs with less than twenty five percent (25%) battery capacity. 

Reasons Why an Exemption to the Applicant Will Not Adversely Affect Safety Standards 

The Applicant contends that operation of its sUASs will not ·"create a hazard to users of the national 

airspace system or the public." As stated rn 112 P.l. 95 § 333(b). Given the diminutive size and weight of 

the sUASs, combined with their operation in cordoned off and well-controlled areas. The applicant's 

sUASs falls within congress's contemplated safety 11:one. The applicant's sUASs have an established 

safety record bolstered by multi-point preflight checklists, awareness of their surroundings and intimate 

knowledge and behavior of the sUASs platform In many weather conditions. This safety record and 

implemented operational practices demonstrates an awarene~s of public safety. 

~uben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com + l (951) 321-0350 
u.s. Department of Transportation 

April 22, 2015 

Page 11 

The Applicant's operations routloely provide:! a level of safety at le~st equal to existing rules1 and in 

nearly every instance, exceeds existing rules. The applicant's sUASs does not and cannot operate on or 

near airports and generally has only operated its fleet on private grounds with cordoned off areas or 

areas under the control of the property owner/ client with assistance by safety officials employed by the 

business. The applicant determines the areas needed to fulfill the clien'l!s goals and only operates its 

sUASs In these flight zones and only in compliance with well-regarded safety protocols set f£>rth initially 

by the RC UAS trade and hobby groups and recently codified by relevant FAR's. 

Tha <lpplicant standardiz~d on tke following pr~dices to etlsur~ safe operatiol'l of its sUASs; 

• Work with on-site personnel to plan the flight goals. 

• Work with on-site personnel to restrict access to non-egsential persons. 

• Operations by unaided VLOS operations only. 

• Operation phases of 15 minutes in length. 

• Operation to minimal 25% battery power. 

• Operation of device to GPS aided readout of no more than 400 feet AGL. 

• Numerous pre-programmed fail-safes that ensure specific behavior per issue. 

• Three main roles supplemented by on-site safety personnel. 

• Employ controlled Ufecyde management of c:;omponents to guard against failures. 

• Preform a site check day(s) before flight to identify potential issues. 

• Subscribe to relevant local and safety alerts 

• Expertly choose data collection instruments and accessories to minimize flight requirements or 

expertise. 

The applicant has expertise In similar fields and has adapted this expertise in Its use of sUASs to increase 

safety. In combination to the ever expanding knowledge repositories from hobbyists and expert$ a Ilk¢, 

the applicant is constantly evolving lts practices when there is a clear benefit to operations or increased 

safety element. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gm~tl.com + 1 (951} 321-0350 
U.S. Department of Transportation 

April 22, 2015 

Page 12 

Satisfaction of the crlt@ria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012-sl2e, weight, speed, 

operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated afeas and operation within visual line of site 

and national security- provide more than adequate justification for the grant of the requested 

exemptions allowing commercial operation of the applicant's sUASs in the real estate, architecture, land 

survey/ englneefing, motion picture and television industry pursuant to the manuals appended hereto. 

Sincerely, 

~"<--~/' ~~--· ~ 

Ruben E. Carlos 

End: Supplement A: Physical Characteristics./ Specifications of UAS (3 pages) 

End: Supplement B: Flight operations and procedures Manual (FOPM) related to operation (4 pages) 

End: Supplemental C: Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide {EN) vl.O 

End: Supplemental D: Phantom 3 Professional User Manual (EN) v1.0 

End; Supplemental E: Phantom 3 Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer 

~uben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.CarJQ.s@gmail.s;g..m. + 1 (951) 321-Q350 
Docket Management System 

u.s. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave.; SE 

Washington D.C. 20590 

Supplemental A: Physical Characteristics/ Spedflcatlons of UAS 

• Aircraft 

Weight (including Batterx and Propellers} 

Diagonal size (Including Propellers) 

MID< Ascent_sgeed 

Max Descent speed 

Hov.er Accura£1 

Max speeg 

Max altitude above seg level 

OperatiM temQeratures 

GPS Mode 

• camera 

12SOg 

590mm 

5~ 

3m/s 

Vertical +1·10cm 

Horizontal+/- 1m 

16 m/s. (AITI mode. no wind) 

600.0m 

G PS/GLONASS 

Sensor Sgov EXMOR '!1.3" Effective pixels: 12A M (total pixels: 12.76 Ml 

Lens FOV 949 20ffim (35tnm format egulval!i_nt) f/2.8, focus at Qo(1l 

ISO Bange 100-3200 (Video) 100-1600 (Photo) 

Shutter Speed 8s-1{8000s 

4000 x 3QQ_O 

Photography;, modes 

o Single shot 

o Burst Shooting 3/5/7 shots 

o Auto exposure bracketing (At:B): 3/5 

o Bracketed Frames at 0.7EV Bias 

o Time-lapse 

~~o Recording Modes 

o UHD: 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p 24/25/30 

o FHD: l920x1080p 24/25/30/48/50/60 

o HD: 1280x720p 24/25/30/48/50/60 

Su_pport;ed SD card T_ypgs Mi&ro SO (Max capacity: 64GB. Class 10 or UHS-l. rating regulred 

Max Bitraje Qf video storage 60mbps 

Supporteq File Formats 

o FAT32/exFAT 

o Photo: jpeg; DNG 

o Video: MP41 MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) 

Operating temperature a~c to 40"C 

rtuben E, Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CAr 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmgit.com + 1 (951) 321-0350 
j 

;I 

I 

I 

Supplemental A; Physical Characterlstlcs/Speclfltations of UAS Page 2 

• Gimbal 

Controllable RangQ Pitch ~90° to +30" 

Stabilization 3-axi? (pitch. roll 1 vawl 

• ·Vision Positioning 

Max Velo~i:tY Less than Sm/s !when 2m above ground) 

Altitude Range SOcm to 300cm 

Operating Bange 30c;rn.. to 300cm 

OQ,erating environment Surface with s;lear pattern and adequate llg_htlng 

(lux>1!ll 

• Remote Controller 

Operating Frequency 2.4 GHz-2.483. GHz 

Max Distance 2000 m (outdoors and unobstructed) 

VIdeo Output Port USB 

Operating Temperature 

Batterv 600Q mAh UPo 2.5 

Mobile D~yjce Holder For tabl~t or phone 

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -101 dBm +/~ 2dBm 

Transmitter Powedi;;IRP) FCC; 20 dBm. CE: 16dBm 

Working Voltag~; 1.2 A at 7.4V 

• Battery Charger 

Voltage 17.4V 

R2ted Power lQOW 

• Intelligent Flight Battery 

Capacity 4480mAh 

Voltage 15.2V 

Batterv Type LiPo4S 

Energy 68Wh 

Net Weight 365 g 

Ma.!S Flight Time Approximately 23 minutes 

Operating Iemeerature 

Max: Charging Power lOOW 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

B..11ben.E.Carlos@gmail.com + 1 (951) 321"0350 
Supplemental A: Physical Characteristics/Specifications of UAS Page 3 

• App/live Vl~w 

MobileApp 

EIRP 

Uve View Working Frequency 

Live View Quality 

Latenc'l 

E.mwired Operating $y:item 

Recommended Devices 

o lOS: 

• I Phone Ss 

• iPhone 6 

Ill !Phone 6+ 

"' lPad Air 

DJI Pilot 

lOOmW 

2.4GHz IS~ 

?20p @30fpm (depending on condition~ and mobile 

~ 

220ms (depending oo conditions \ijnd mobile device) 

ros 8.0 or later, Android 4.1.2 or lat!il( 

Ill I Pad Air Wi-FI +Cellular 

IIi iPad mini 2 

• iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi +Cellular 

• iPad Air 2 

• iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi +Cellular 

• iP:;1d mini 3 

• lPad mini 3 Wi-Ft +Cellular 

o Android: 

• SamsungSS 

"' Note 3 

• Sony Xperia Z3 

• Google Nexus 7 ll 

• Google Nexus 9 

II Mi3 

,. Nubia Z7 mini 

"'Support for other additional android devices available as testing and development continues 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben .• E.Carlos@gmail.~ + 1 (951) 321-0350 
Docket Management System 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave.1 SE 

Washington D.C. 20590 

Supplemental B: Summary Sections of Flight Operation5 and Procedure Manual (FOPM) 

1. Introduction 

This manual describes the notable roles, tasks, and operations performed by the applicant Ruben E. 

Carlos. The aJm is to document everything that Is needed to be done during a mission, :so it can act as a 

referenee point for t~am members_ 

II, Roles and Responsibilities 

As much as is possible, the applicant attempts to have a redundancy in expertise and skilisets related to 

operations of the sUASs. 

Pilot in Command (PIC) 

• Piloting the UAS. This will Include: 

o Takeoff 

o Normal flight 

o Flight during emergency procedures 

o Landing 

• Assembling the UAS 

• Performs pre-flight checks of the firmware 

• Performs pre-flight checks of the hardware 

• Performs preflight checks of the software 

Spotter 

• Relays notable flight parameters such as flight tlmesi battery strength, and metr-ics from 

the UAS. 

• Primary communication between pilot and on·site safety personnel 

• Will hold physical documents related to current flight 

• Performs pre-flight checks of the data collection equipment 

• Monitors ground and greatet above-ground environment for safety concerns 

Tec;;hnidan 

• Assembling the UAS 

• Preforms pre-flight checks of the hardware 

• Preforms pre-flight checks of the software 

• Secondary ~;ornmunicatlon link between pilot and onfts1te safety personnel 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CAJ 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com +l (951) 321-Q350 
Supplemental 8: Summary Sections of Flight Operations and Procedure Manual (FOPM) Page 2 

• Relays to the spotter and records notable flight parameters metrics from the UAS 

• Monitors ground and greater above-ground environment for safety concerns 

Ill. Pre~FIIght Che(klist 

A. Before power is applied 

• Check for physical damage and any missing hardware 

• Check all electronics present end connected/ check cord connections are tight. 

• t;cmfirm all batteries are charged 

• Check all rotors and moving parts for debris that would prevent proper operation 

• Check weather patterns the night beforehand. 

• Check aU data collection equipment for proper Installation/operation 

• Cher.:k all data collection equipment for issues th~t would impact safe operations of flight 

package. 

B. After Power Source Applied 

• Confirm proper power reading of battery 

• Run hardware ba$ed systems check 

• Run software based systems ch~:!ck 

• Check flight LED array 

• Confirm proper radio link to flight controller 

• Confirm proper radio link to data collection device controller 

• Confirm secondary controller connection to UAS onboard flight controller 

• Confirm waypoints and geofences are accurate to current flight 

• Confirm desired behavior of emergency fail safes 

• Check with on~site safety personn~l for any changes ln goals/flight path 

IV. Flight-time Chec:kllst 

• Check with on-site personnel for safe flight area for first flight 

• Record relevant metrics in flight log 

• Check for ground hazards at home-base and rectify 

• Confirm more than eight (8) satellite GPS lock 

• Confirm Initial state of controllers 

• Initialize rotors and check for proper operation 

• Perform ~:ontrolled fliaht to hover mod~ approximately five (5) meter.s ebove the ground 

• Check landing gear flight mode (up) operation 

• Perform controlled multi~ax.ls roll proc::edure to check for proper orchestrated rotor operation 

• Perforrn controlled multi-axis (if applicable) control procedure of data collection package 

• Switch controller mode to radial based, check for proper operation to maximum five (5) rneter 

distance to PIC and return to Initial position 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlos@gmail.com + 1 (951) 321-0350 
Supplemental B: Summary Sections of Flight Operations and Procedure Manual (FOPM) Page 3 

• Return UASto normal orientation 

• Perform controlled flight to hover mode one (1) meter above the ground 

• Check h:mdinggear landing mode (down) operation 

• Land the UAS and check for proper de~inltfallzation of rotors 

• Perform controlled flight to hover mode approximately five {5) meters above the ground 

• Check landing gear flight mode (up) operation 

• Operate UA5 to e~ch waypoint/position until ma)(irnum flight time ls achieved 

• Return UAS to normal orientation 

• Perform controlled flight to hover mode approximately one (1) meter above the ground 

• Check landlng gear landing mode (down) operation 

• Land the UAS and check for proper de-initialization of rotors 

• Remove power to the flight package 

• Remove power to the data collection package 

• Remove power to controllers 

• Complete flight log 

V. Standing Procedures 

• The Pilot, Spotter, and Technician will be the only members in the forw~rd flight area. On-site 

personnel will be within verbal range behind the PIC, Spotter, and Technician 

• The maximum power used to control the device is soft limited to 75% in order to maintain 

power in reserve for unforeseen conditions 

• Flight tome is limited to 15 minuteg and goals will be planned in phases to be accomplished 

during this time 

• Flight time is limited to reserving 25% battery power 

• Flight height is soft limited to visible and unaided line of sight (VLOS)1 and hard limited to 400ft. 

AGL 

• Flight time is limited to operation in safe environmental conditions 

• Flight staff will maintain proximity so as to be in dear verbal range 

• The PIC will announce all movements to staff and on-site staff so that non-PIC staff members 

can identify possible safety concerns before operation of the UAS to the next waypoint or 

position 

• All regular and irregular operations are noted with timestamps, relevant UAS metri's and 

corrective action procedur!:ls {CAP) that are performed 

o Note: All irregular beh::1vior have root cause analysis performed before UAS operation Is 

resumed 

VI. Emergency procedures 

• Loss of Remote Signal 

o The flight package features an optional enhanced fail-safe which returns the UAS to the 

home base way point via the same path taken to point of lost signal 

o The UAS will then perform a hover over this waypoint and then perform a controlled 

landing 

Ruben E, Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.t;arlos@gmail&:gm + 1 (951} 321ft0350 
I 

supplemental B: summary Sections of Flight Operations and Procedure Manual (FOPM) Page 4 

• Loss of GPS signal 

o The system will operate in GPS mode with three (3) satellites 

o At loss ofthree (3) GPS satellites1 manual mode can be activated of the flight package 

can be programmed to perform a controlled landing to the home base waypoint. 

o Ground based height ranging is performed by separate system and so loss of GPS will 

not impact controlled landing In a safe manner 

• Loss of Ground Control Software 

o This will not affect operation of the flight. The unit will be piloted to a safe landing area 

thE!n landed so that examination of th~ link can be made. 

Ruben E. Carlos 

16450 King Ave. Riverside CA, 92504 

Ruben.E.Carlgs@gmail.com + 1 (951) 321·0350 
PHANTOtv13 

(PROFESSIONAL] 

Quick Start Guide 

V1.0 
Phantom 3 Professional 

It's. time to meet your Phantom 3 Professional. 

Th~J: Phantom 3 Professional's camera records video at up to 4K and captures 12 megapixel photos. 

Fleview the diagram below for a full list of your Phantom 3 Profeseions.l's parts: 

1. Gimbal and Camara 

2. Viaion Positioning System 

3. Camara Mlcro-SD Card Slot 

4. Aircraft Mioro-USEl Port 

5. Front LEDs 

6. Motors 

7. Propellers 

8. Aircraft Status Indicators 

9. Antennas 

10. lntelligMt Flight ElaM-ry 

11 . Power Button 

12. Battery Level Indicators 

13. Link Button 

14. Camera Mlcro.USB Port 
Remote Controller 

Tl)is powerful Remote Controller allows you to pilot and maneuver your Phantom 3 PrOfessional i!lt distances over 6,000 

feet (2 km)" away, while putting selected camera controls at your fingertips. 

Built into your Remote Controller is a rechargeable UPo battery and DJ! Lightbridge, whioll when paired with a compatible 

mobile device gives you a live HD view from the Phantom's camera. · 

Folded 

11 . Gimbal Oial 

12. Camera Settings Dial 

13. Video Recording Button 

14, Flight Mode Switch 

15, Shutter Button 

16. Playback Button 

17. C1/C2 Buttons (Customizable) 

18. USB Port 

19. Micro-USS Port 

1 . Power Button 

2. Return to Horne (RTHl Bunon 

3. Control Sticks 

4. Status LED 

5. B~ttery Level LEDa 

e.PowsrPort 

7. Mobile Device Holder 

6. Small Davloe Positioning Tabs 

(such as mobile phone) 

9. Antennas 

10. Handla Bar 

Mobile device connection 

*This maximum transmission dista11ee was «ls!ed in a. lab environm~nt and is for rernrence o11ly. lM maximum operatln!J distance may vary depending 

on cOr\ditku">~ in yOLJr imrnecliate ~urroundinge. 
Fly Safe 

DJI encourages you to ~mjoy flying your Phantom 3 Professional in a safe, responsible, and amart way. To clo tills, It Is Important to 

understand some basic flight guidelines, both for your protection and for the safety Of tl1oae around you. 

1. Fly in Opan Areas: Always fly In locations that are free and clear of buildings, trees, power lines, and other obstacles. Do not flY above 

or near people or animals. 

2. Maintain Control at All Times: Even when using DJI autopilot functions such as Auto-Takeoff, Auto-L9.nding, and Auto-Return to 

Home, alway$ k*P your hand a on the Remote Controller anel maintain control of your 9lrcraft when it is in ffight. 

3. Maintain Un~ Qf Sight: Kl;lSp your aircraft in 8ight at ell times, and avoid tly1ng behind buildings or other obstacles that ma'y block your v1e'v\l, 

4. Monitor Your Altitude: For the safety of full-si<:ed alroraft and other air traffic, always fly at altitudes less than 400 feet (i 20 meters) 

above ground Javel, or In line with your local laws and regulatione. 

Via~ http://flysa.fe.dji.com/no-fly for more Information on cr~lcal safety features such as 

No-Ry Zones. 

• Calibrating the Compass: 

Me.ke sure to calibrate the compass at every new flight location. The compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic Interference, which 

~n cause abnormal compass data, leading to poor illght performance or even fallure. Regular calibration is required for optimal 

performance. 

1. DO NOT calibrate your compass where there Is a chance of strong magnetic in1erference, such as magnettte, parking structures, and 

steel reinforcements underground. 

2. DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as Keys or cellular phones. 

a. DO NOT calibre!;$ be$ide maeeive metal objects. 

4. If the Aircraft Status Indicators are showing soUd red, than try to calibrate again. If they are blinking red and yellow alternately after 

placing tM aircraft on tha ground, the compass has detected m9gnetlc Interference. Change your location. 

• Environmental Considerations: 

1. Do not ffy in severe we~ther condition~. Thi::; indud$$ high wind::; (:speeds of 22 mph or 10 m/:s or more), snow, rain, and fog. 

2. Only fly In opan areaa. Tall buildings and steal structures may affect the accuracy of the on-board compass and GPS signal. 

3. Avoid ob-stacles, crowds, high, voltage power lines, treee, $lid bodl$$ of water. 

4. Minimize electromagnetic interference by avoiding areas with high levels of electromagnetism, Including mobile phone baae stations, 

radio transmission towers. or WI-Fi hotspots. 

5. Aircraft and battery performance are subject to enviror~mental factors such as air density and temperature. Be vefY careful when 

flying 19,600 feet (6 km) or more above sea level, as battety and aircraft performance may not be at peak effici~ancy. 

6. Tha Phantom 3 Professional cannot operata In P Mode or use GPS at polar latitudes. Only A Til Mode and the VIsion Positioning 

Byatem will be operational. 

• P Mode: 

In thle mode, the Phantom 3 Professional can use GPS and the VIsion 

Positioning system, allowing tt to hover accurately In position Indoors 

and out:. 'Mlen GPS Is available, a Home Point will b8 locked so that the 

Phantom 3 Profeoolone.l can Retum to Home if the Remota Controller 

signal is lost. 

CJ ~ To enable P Mode, toggle the Flight Mode Swttch to the P position. 

There are three states In P mode: 

P..GPS: GPS works best when outdoors and in a wide open :!~rea. Your 

Phantom 3 PrOfessional uses GPS to hover in place when 1here la a 

strong GPS J<!ignal. 

P·OPTI: If GPS Is not avallable, the aircraft can use the VIsion Poamoning 

system to hover accurately. 

P-ATTI: Neither GPS nor the Vl$1on Positioning syst$m ~ available. 

The aircraft will only use its barometer for altitude and other on,board 

$8Jlsors for attitude stabilization. 

Note tllat me Vl&lon Poeftlonlng :sy:stl!)m may not work; propemy wnen 

the Phantorn 3 Professional Is nying over water, over surfaces without 

a clear pattern, or In a low-light environment. 

i 

I 

1 

• 

J:'.!eturn to home 

GPS Positioning 

·.· ...... ,• 

'• ''' , ... 

......... " ... 

• Return to Home: 

•:i 9 feet 10 inches 

Vision Positioning 

Altituoe 

1 foot 

When thera is a strong GPS signal, the aircraft will ba able to 

r~cord a Home Point and return to that Home Point wl1en 

required. The Home Point location Is recorded when the GPS 

algnal Icon In th., DJI Pilot ;;~.pp is either yellow or green. 

The aircraft will return to the Home Point autornatlcally In the 

following scenatioe (all require a strong GPS 2ignal): 

Smart RTH: When the RTH button on the Remote Controller 

or in the DJI Pilot app is pressed. 

LOw-Battery RTH: A notification will appear in the DJI Pilot 

app reqwestlng the pilot to take action when the battery level 

fall$ under a certain level. 

Failsafe RTH: When the Remote Controller's signal is lost . 

• While returning to the Hom~ Point, the alrcran·s altitude can be adjusted to avoid obstacles. Tall buildings may affect the Remote 

Controller's. eignal. The Fallsaf~ Retum \0 HDm$ prooedure will bs triggsrad if ths signal Is lost. Be sure to lly hiEJhli!r than any newby 

buildings to avoid craahino, 
Appendix 

• Aircraft 

Weight (Including Battery) 

Max. AscE:lnt Speed 

Max. Descent Speed 

Max. Speed 

Max. ~light Altit1,1de 

Max. Flight Time 

Operating Temperature Range 

GPS 

•Gimbal 

Angular Vibration Range 

• VISion Poeitioning 

Velocity Range 

1260g 

5m{s 

3m/s 

16 m/s (A TTl mode, no wind) 

eooom 

Approxlmli\tely 23 minutes 

O"C to 40"C 

GPS/GLONASS 

Pitch: - 90" to +30" 

<8 m/s. (Altitude 2 m) 

Socm..Joocm 

30cm-300cm 

8i 

3 

3 

~ 

I 

Altitude RMge 

Operating Range 

Operating l;;:nvlronm&nt Surface with clear pattem ar'\d ~do;>quate lighting (Lux ;;r iS) 

• Camera 

Sensor 

Lens 

ISO Range 

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

FOV (Field Of Vlew) 94" 20 mrn (35 rnm format equivalent) f/2.8 

100..3200 (VIdeo) 100-1600 (photo) 

Electtonic Shutter Speed 

knage M<~X. Size 

S~ll Photography Modes 

6~;~-1/SOOO s 

4000x3000 

Single shot 

8t.1rst shooting: 3/5/7 framea 

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 brackelad frames at 0.7EV Bias 

Time-lapse 

Video Recording MOdea UHD: 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p 24/26/30 

FHD: 1920x1 080p 24/25/30/48/50/00 

HD: 1280ll 720p 24/25/30/48/50/eO 

M!VI:. Bitrate of Video Storage OOMbpa 

Supported File Fonnats 

Supported So Card Types 

Operating Temperatura Range 

J=AT32/exFAT Photo: JPEG. DNG Video: MP4/MOV (MPE;;Gl-4 AVC{H.2€l4) 

Micro-SD, Max. capacity: 64G6. Class 10 or UHS·1 rating required 

• ~smole Controller 

Operating Frequency 

Max. Transmission Die1ance 

Video Output Port 

Opera.tlng Temperature Range 

Battery 

Mobile Device Holder 

Transmitter Power (EIRP) 

Working Voltage 

• Charger 

Vottage 

RatedPowat 

O"C to 40"C 

2.400 GHz-2.493 GHz 

2 km (OL,Jtdooriiland unobstructed) 

USB 

O"C to 40"C 

6000 mAh LiPo 2S 

Tablets and smattphones 

FCC: 20 dbm; CE:16 dbm 

1.2A~7.4 V 

17.4 v 

100W 

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

Capacity 4490 mAh 

Voltage 15.2 v 

Battery Type LiPo 4S 

En.;lrgy 68 Wh 

Net Weight 365 g 

Opsratlng lempetature -1o•c to 40°C 

Max. Ch~ing Power 100 W 

* This Quick Start Guide is subject to change without prior notice. 

FCC lD' S~Wf'1:}Ut~03 FCC to, m.<Ol;:IOOt:lot ihb d.....icw -:ompll•• w{~h p..,r1: ,!;(If ~M FCC Rui•:L. 

01J'Qfatllln !g. :tubj.cl \9 thl!l' fo~fowtng twu c9rH::Il~i~:;~o~~ 

{I) Thle. tW4oe lllliiY nt::r~ t.u•• h•rmf~l il"'ttlilltfw:r.nc.,. •:nd 

(.2) thi:t ~ mulJt ~p-1: Qfl'f \ntui'lilr'lln:'"e ~celv'lild, in.c:ludi'llg 

inl.n.l'll:nCD ~.;!~ MJ;.'(.e-01.>~ undw:ti~ ~~~iQn. 
PHANTOM 3 

(PROFESSIONAL) 

W'N\V,dj!.CO!")"l 
Preparing Your Phantom 3 Professional Before Flying 

Read the User Manual and watch the video tutorials in the OJI Pilot app or on the offlclal DJI website (www.dji.com). and 

rsad the following documents included in tha box before using your Phantom 3 Professional for the first time: Phantom 3 

Professional Quick Start Guid~, Ph~ntom 3 Professional I Advanced Safety GuidE!JinE!S and Disdaimet; Phantom 3 Professional I 

Advanced Intelligent F/ight Battery Safety Guidelines, In th~ Box. 

1. Download the OJI Pilot App 

Soorch 'OJ I Pilot' on the App Store or Google Play and 

download the DJI Pilot app to your mobile device. 

DJI Pllotepp 

2. Watch the Tutorial Videos 

Watch the tutonal videos on www.dji.com or in 

tha OJI Pilot s.pp, 

Phantom 3 tutorial videos 

A • For the best s:xp(lriencs, use a mobile device that runs lOS a.o or above- or Android 4.1.2 or above. 

3. Check Battery Levels 

Pressing th~ Power Button once on either your Intelligent Flight Battery or Remote Controller displays the battery level. 

Be sure to fully charge both batteries before your firs• flight. 

Low .- Billttery Level _,.. High 

4. Charging the Batteries 

Low - Battery Level _,.. High 

\ I 1 ©©::©}:0 

~~. " I \ 

• Only use the official OJI Phantom 3 Professional charger. Remove the Intelligent Flight Battery from the aircraft before 

charging. 

• It Is recommended that you tum off the Intelligent Flight SattetY or Remote Controller before charging. 

• Connect the charger to a suitable power source (1 00·240V 50/60Hz). 

• Connect the charger to the Intelligent Flight Sattery or Remote Controller. The LEDs will display the current charge level, 

and when fwlly charged, they will automatically turn off. 

Remove the Intelligent 

Flieht Battery 
5. Preparing the Remote Controller 

lilt the Mobile Devlce Holder to the desired posltlon, and 

then adjust the antennas as shown. 'The strength of the 

Remote Contmller's slgnal will fluctuate depending on the 

positions of the antennas. 

The transmission signal between the aircraft and 

Remote Controller will be strongast within the 

range illustrated here. If the signal is waak, adjust 

the pos~lons of the antennas and fly the alrcraft 

closer to echieve optimal signal perfom~anoe. 

CD Pre...>::s the button on the side of the Mobila 

Devic~ Holder to release tha clamp. 

® Place your mobils device Into the clamp and 

adjust it so that the mobile device Is held 

securely in placs. 

@ Connect your mobile device to tile Remote 

Controller with a USB cable. Plug one end of 

the cable into your mobile device, and the 

other end Into the USB port on ths back of 

the Remote Controller. 

A • To avoid signal interference, ~o not use other 2.4GHz devicas when flying. 

6. Flight Controls 

Here are the dafau!t flight controls (Mode 2). The left stick controls a!tltuda and rotation. while the right stick controls the 

forward, backward, left or right movements. The gimbal dial controls the camera's tilt. 

Left Stick Right Stick Gimbal Dial 

·- • 

~ ~-¢' I ...... #' .~--~ 

""<,jj'" 

'""$'" 

' /It ~:: 

~ .,. j]J 

A • You can customize or chan9e thes~ controls through tha DJI Pilot app. 
7. Getting Ready for Takeoff 

Remove the gimbal clamp as shown on the 

right. Place your Phantom 3 Professional on a 

'flat surface, In s.n open spa.ce, with the nose 

facing away 1rorn you. Then follow tM steps 

bslow In this order; 

DJI Pilot 

App 

7 

0 

• 0000 

6 

S· 

.... ,.,,.,,.., ... . •.. ,, .. ,,, .. , ........ .. 

<D Toggle the Flight Mode Switch on your Remota Controller 

to the tight (P Mod&). P Mode is Positioning Mode, A 

Mods is A TTl Mode, and F Mode Is Function Mode. 

@ Turn on the Rsmote Controller by pressing the power 

button once, releasing it, and then preaelng and holding 

tor 2 seconds. 

® lneert the Intelligent Flight Battery into your Phantorn 3 

Professional. Turn on thE! battery by pressing the power 

button once, releasing ft. and then pressing and holding 

for 2 seconds. 

@ En$ure the LED on your Remote Controller Is green, 

indicating it i$ ready to be used. 

® Connect your mobile device to the Remote Controller 

with a USB cable and launch tfle DJI Pilot a.pp. Follow the 

instructions within the app. 

@ In the app, tap 'Camera'. l;nsure your Pht~ntom 3 

Professional ls ready to fly by completing the on-screen 

Checklist. Beginner Moda is enabled by default when 

you launch the DJI Pilot app for the first time. lhe 

aircraft's altitude and flight distance are restricted wh0n 

flying ln Beginner Mode. You can disable Beginner 

Mode in the Setting$ Page ot the DJI Pilot app. 

®Calibrate the compa:;;s by tapping 'MODE' in the app 

and selecting 'Compass Calibration'. Then follow the 

on-screen instructions. 

® Attach tha propellers with a blacl'< nut onto the motors 

with a blaok axis and spin them counter-clockwise to 

secure. Attach the propellers with a gray nut onto the 

motors wlth a gray axis and spin them olockw!se to secure. 

• 9e $1Jre to match all the propeller~;~ to motors with the correct colore and tighten by hand before flying. 

•If yOu wish to racord photos or videos, insert a. Mlcrc.SD cerd into the Camer,:~'s M!cro·SD Card Slot. 

• The Flight Mode Switch is locked in P Mode by default. Refer to the User Manual to learn how to unlock the switch and chs.nge 

to other modes. 

"'When not in P mode, the Phantom S Professional Will only maintain altitude. not position. and will drift with wJnd or ueer input. 

Ratum to Home is not available in F mode. 

a. Flight 

· · Safe to Fly ( GPS ) Before taking off, make sure the Aircraft Status 8ar in the DJI Pilot app 

indicatea 'Saw to Fly (GPS)' or ·sate to fly (non-GPS)' if flying Indoors. I '• ' 

• Auto Takeoff and Landing: 

Your Phantom 3 Professional can automatically takeoff and land at the tap of a button In the Camera screen of the DJI 

Pilotapp. 

• 

Thp and slids to confirm automatic t*eoff. 

The aircraft will automatically takeoff and 

hover at 5 feet (1.5 mertars). 0 Tap a.nd alide to confim1 a.utomatic landing . 

The aircraft will automatically Janet 
• Manual Takeoff and Landing (Stick configurations are for MODE 2): 

Start the motors by pullin9 both control sticks to the bottom 

inside (or outelde) corners. Release the sticks once the 

motors start. Slowly push the left stick (thmttle stick) up to 

takeoff. 

Start I Stop the motors Lett stick up (:Slowly) 

To land, gently pull the left stick (throttle stick) 

down to lower the aircraft until it touches the 

ground. Then pull both sticks to the bottom inside 

comers to stop the! motors. 

Left stick down (Slowly) 

• Ngver atop the motora mid ..flight, otherwise the aircraft will crash. Only slop the motors when on the ground or as required in 

emergency sltuatiOI'ls to reduce the risk of damaoe or injury. 

• You cannot tal<eoff If the Intelligent f=light Battery is not avffic:iently charged and the Critical Low Battery Warning I$ active. 

• The Intelligent Flight Battery must warm up if the outside temperature is low. A W<lrl'lii1Q will appear in the DJI Pilot app In this scenario. 

• Once spinning, the rotating propellers can be dangerous. Do not start tha motors when there are peopla nearby and alwaye fly 

In a Wicte-opan area. • Power off your Phantom 3 Professional before switching oil the A!ilmote Controller after landing. 

• Return to Home: 

1. Press and hold tha Return to Home Button on your 

Remote Controller until tha LED surrounding the button 

starts blinking whrte and starts beeping. Your Phantom 

3 Professional will return to the set Home Point. Press 

the button once to stop the procedure. 

RTH Button The app's RTH Button 

Appendix 

2. The DJI Pilot app vv!U wam you tf your Phantom G 

Profssslonal's battery level falls undar a certain level. This 

warning threshold can be set In the app. The aircraft: \Nlll 

land Immediately lf the battery power reaches a critical 

level and the Critical Low Battery Level Warning appears. 

3. Failsafe: The Phantom 3 Pro1esslor1al will enter Return to 

Home Mode ff the signal to the Remote Controller is lost. 

A • While returnlt1g home, you can still control your Phantom 3 

Profea5ional's altitude to avoid any obs1ac1as. 

Aircraft Status Indicators Remote Controller Status LED Camara Controls 

)+( Slowly: Safe to fly, GPS working \fi Remota Controller is functioning normally, 

but Is not connected to the aircraft. 

~~~ X2 Continuously: Vision Positioning rjl Remote Controller is functioning normally 

system working, no GPS e.nd is connected to the aircraft. 

)¥,Slowly; P-Anl or A TTl Mode 

=!$:~Quickly: Not connected 

to the Remote Controller 

~•~ B-B-B ... Aircraft Low Battery Level Warning 

''' or Remote Controller error. 

f) B-8-... Remote Controller has been 

Idle for 5 minutes. 

• Slowly: Low Battery Level W~rning 

~~~Quickly: Critical Low Battery Level Warning 

• Solid: Critical error 

~-~ '"/''' ~~~ Bl1nkmg - - AI terna t e I y: 

' '' '' ' Compae$ calibration t$quired 

For tnore information: 

http://www.djl.com/pha.ntom3 

• Adjust the camera parameters using 

the Camera Settings Dial on the 

Remote Controller or through the DJI 

Pilot app. Press 1he Shutter Button or 

Video Recording Button tc capture 

photos or record videos. 

• Adjust the gimbal'$ tilt using the 

Gimbal Dial . 

• Download photoS and videos irom 

the Micro-SO ca~d to your mobile 

device through the OJI Pilot app. 

You can also use a SO-card reader 

to export flies to your computer. 

©2015 DJI. All Rights ~rv01(:j 
PHANTOM 3 

( PROFESS! ON?L] 

lJser Manual C~:L~~.i 

2015.05 
' " 

Using this manual 

·.:~·#Q~.n8s,::.:.-~:·.'. ..,:-·:.: · ... ' ···: .. 

' ···.·. •," .. ,", ·::::·.' · ..... ! ~ . '•.:·.··· ,' ,'.'. 

. , :, ., ..... 

'.,' .· .. ,.: .. :·:· .;::· :.': .. ·;:·.. ........ :.: ..... ..... . . . :::: 

0 Warning & Important * Hints and Tips liTil Reference 

<·'' '.·:·· . ,• 

. · ... ·:··' 

Read the following documents before using the Phantom 3 Professional: 

1. In the Box 

2. Phantom 3 ProfGssional User Manual 

3. Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide 

4. Phantom 3 Professional I Advanct:Jd Safety Guidelinss and Disclaimer 

: . .: ~ ·. 

:· ....... 

5. Phantom 3 Professional I Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Sl!lfety Guidelines 

. ' . ' '•" ' :. : :'' .... '' ~·. 

•',•,.' \' :.' '• .•'•, ....... :: 

We recommend that you watch all tutorial videos on the official DJI website and read the Disclaimer 

before you fly. Prepare for your first flight by reviewing the Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide and 

refer to the User Manual for more detailed information. 

'···.:.· · ... ··.· ·.": : ... ,. .... '·: ',, ', : ~: ,'• •' ' ,',.1 .'' ';' I ;,•'• 

:; 

Please watch the tutorial videos at the link below, which demonstrates how to use Phantom 3 Professional 

safely: 

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3/Video 

:" .. , . ··:.·,·. 

'.' ,• 

•.'', ... . '·.· ... : :. ',' 

' .. ,' 

. '. ·: ' 

:,~, ...:· , ......... •" 

.··: .. ' 

. .... ,: . 

··· .. •'' 

.:;,:: ··.::·: '. ':·.:·:·· "",·,·.: . .:·.·· 

Download and instaJJ the OJI Pilot app before using the aircraft. Scan tfle OR code to the right 

to download the latest version. · I!J 

The Android version of the DJ I Pilot app is compatible with Android 4.1.2 or later. 

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

2 .. IUiil:oliliiil 
Contents 

Using this manual 

Legends 

Read Before the First Ffight 

Video Tutorials 

Download the DJl Pilot app 

Product Profile 

Introduction 

Featum Highlights 

Preparing the Aircraft 

Aircraft Diagram 

Remote Controller Diagram 

Aircraft 

Flight Controller 

Flight Mode 

Flight Status Indicator· 

Return-to-Home (RTH) 

Smart RTH 

low Battery RTH 

Failsafe RTH 

Vision Positioning Systam 

Flight Recorder 

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 

DJilntaltlgent Flight Battery 

Remote Controller 

Remote Controller Profile 

Using the Remote Controller 

Remote Controller Status LED 

linking the Remote Controller 

Remote Controller Compliance Version 

2 

2 

2 

2 

6 

6 

7 

8 

8 

11 

11 

11 

12 

12 

13 

14 

14 

16 

16 

17 

23 

23 

27 

28 

29 
Camera and Gimbal 

Camera Profile 31 

Gimbal 32 

DJI Pilot App 

Camera 35 

Director 38 

Store 38 

Discovery 38 

Flight 

Flight Environment Requirements 40 

!=light limits and No-Fly Zones 40 

Preflight Checklist 44 

Calibrating the Compass 44 

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing 45 

F='light Test 46 

Starting/Stopping the Moton~ 46 

Troubleshooting {FAQ) 

Appendix 

Specifications 53 

Intelligent Orientation Control {100) 55 

F='CC Compliance 56 
Product ProfUe 

This section introduces the Phantom 3 

Professional and lists the components of 

the aircraft and remote controller. 
Product Profile 

'

', ,;,· .. · .. ·:. '•' 

':.: .. :.'' . ' ... 

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

4K video and trqnsmitting an HD video signal out of the box. The built-in camera has an integrated gimbal 

to maximize stability while minimizing both weight and size. Even when no GPS signal is available, the 

Vision Positioning System allows the aircraft to hover accurately in place. 

:.·· .. ··:: .. ·:.' . ',, '•: :.· ,.•., •',• "'• .... :.>::: .· . . . . . : ........ ·.:.· ·· ........ 

Camera and Gimbal: With the Phantom 3 Professional, you're shooting 4K video at up to 30 frames per 

second and capturing 12 megapixel photos that look crisper and cleaner than ever. An enhanced sensor 

gives you greater clarity, lower noise, and better pictures than any previous flying camera. 

HD Vrdoo Downlink: The low·latency HD downlink is powered by an enhanced version of DJ! Lightbridge. 

DJIIntelllgent Flight Battery: The 4480 mAh OJIIntelligent Flight Battery features upgraded battery cells 

and en advanced power management system. 

Flight Controller: The next~generation flight controller has been updated to provide a safer, more reliable 

flight experience. A newly implemented flight recorder stores critical data from each flight and the Vision 

Positioning System enhances hovering precision when flying indoors or in environments where GPS is 

unavailable. 
Removing Gimbal Clamp 

.... :·· :, . ·:. 

'.:.:··.·. 

Phantom 3 Profosl;lione.l U::ser Hant18l 

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

,. ---b11 

'.! ------·~ 

Attaching the Propellers: 

Mount the propeiJars with black nuts on to motors with black axes and spin counter-clockwise to secure. 

Mount the propellers With grey nuts on to motors with gray axes and spin clockwise to secure. Be sure all 

propellers are securely in place . 

.& Place all propellers onto the com:~ct motors and tighten by hand to lock them in position. 

Preparing tt1e Remote Controller: 

Tilt the mobile device holder to the desired position, then adjust the a.ntennas so they are facing outvvard. 

1. Press the button on the top right side of the mobile devioe holder to release the clamp, tl'len adjust the 

clamp to fit the size of your mob lie devlce. 

2. Secure your mobil<;~ devic~ in the clamp by pressing aown. and connect your mobile devicG to the 

remote controller using a US8 cable. 

3. Plug one end of the cable into the mobile device, ahd the other end into the USB port on the back of 

the remote controller. 

"'tt 

... 

0 

c. 

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...... 
Phantom 3 Professional UsE!r Manual 

·-~-·--~[1] 

-=-==A:::~~~;:;:s=~~=··· f~l ~~Fc:;4~2~ .. ·-[4i [?] ---~--r-l!=;---811 

~--···[5] 

····~···-----~-[1.) 

·-'11----1---------~. [2] 

~.,..::t""-':>,--- ---- [3] 

:::;;->..!!:_-~\------- [4] 

~~-·-- ••• !~--- ···-----[5] 

[1] GPS 

[2] Propeller 

[3] Motor 

[4] Front LED Indicator 

[5] Landing gea~ 

[6] Gimbal and Camera 

[7] Aircraft Micro-USB Port 

[8] Aircraft Status Indicator 

[9] Intelligent Flight Battery 

[10] Vision Positioning Sensors 

[11] Antennas 

[12] Camera Micro-SO Card Slot 

[13] Camera Micro-USB Port 

[14] Llnk Button 

., •, : .. 

, .. 

[1J Antennas 

Relays aircraft control and 

video signal. 

{.2] Mobile Device Holder 

Securely mounts your mobile 

device to the remote controller. 

[3] Control Stick 

Controls the orientation and 

movement of the aircraft. 

[4] Return Home (RTH) Button 

Press and hold the button to 

initiate Return to Home (RTH). 
[5] Battery Laval LEDs 

Displays the battery level of the rernote 

controller. 

[6] Status LED 

Displays the remote controller's system status. 

[7] Power Button 

Used to turn the remote controller on and off. 

[81 RTH LED 

Circular LED around the RTH button displays 

RTH status. 

[91 Camara Settings Dial 

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings. 

(Only functions when the remote controller is 

connected to a mobile device running the OJI 

Pilot app.) 

[1 O] Playback Sutton 

Playback the captured images or videos. 

(Only functions when the remote controller is 

connected to a mobile device running the DJI 

Pilot app.) 

[11] Shutter Button 

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is 

selected, the set number of pliotos will be 

taken with one press. 

{1 ~~ !=light Mode Switch 

Switch between P-mode, A-mode, and 

F~mode. 

[13} Video Recording 6~.tnon 

Press to start recording video. Press again to 

stop recording. 

[17] C1 Button 

customizable through the DJI Pilot app. 

[18] C2 Button 

Customiz:able through the OJI Pilot app. 

[19] Power Port 

[14J 

[13] 

[12] 

Phantom 3 Prof~ssional U!>er Motm.Jal 

[1~] [16] 

i 

\. ______ [11] 

[14] Gimbal Dial 

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. 

[15} Mircro·USB Port 

Connect to a SO card reader to UtJgrade the 

firmware. 

[1 ij] U~IJ FOrt 

Connect to mobile device or to a USB port for 

firmware upgrade. 

Connect to a power source to charge the 

battery of the remote controller. (

1

oJ -· 

\) 

a 

0.. 

(;:; 

0 

....... 

-u 

0 

;:!l 

ro 
Aircraft 

This section introduces the features of 

the Flight Controller, Vision Positioning 

System, and the Intelligent Flight Battery 
Aircraft 

... ·.·: '•, ·. 

......... ' 

'•' ' ' 

.· .. :':::·.'·:;._ .. :· ... . · ···::·; . ..... '•' 

The Phantom 3 Professional's flight controller featutas several important upgrades, including a new flight 

mode. Safety modes include Failsafe and Return-to-Home. Tl'18St;;j features ensure tha safe return of your 

aircraft If the control signal is lost. lhe flight controller can also save critical flight data from each flight to 

the on~board storage device. 

. :=·:··· :.:.· .. ·.··.:.·.·.· ... ··. ;' ... · .. , 

,, •' ····· . ·. ·, .·.:.:.· ''•.:.· -:::· .. :' .... : .. . 

Three flight modes are available. The details of each flight mode are found below: 

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

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

strength of GPS and Vision Positioning sensors : 

P-GPS: GPS and Vision Positioning both ere available. The aircraft is uslng GPS for positioning. 

P-OPT!; Vision Positioning is available but the GPS sighal strength is not ~ufficient. The aircraft is 

using only the Vision Positioning System for positioning. 

P~ATTI: Neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is available. The aircraft is using only its barometer for 

positioning, so only altitude can be stabilized. 

A-mode (Attitude); GPS and Vision Positioning System are not ussd for stabilization. The aircraft only uses 

its barometer. The aircraft can still automatically return to the home point if the control signal is lost and 

the Home Point was recorded successfully. 

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

about IOC, refer to the lOC section in the Appe11dix. 

:¢: Use the Flight Controller mode switch to change the flight mode ot the aircraft, refer to the "Flight 

Mode Switch" on P26 for more information. 

':,:. ',• 

'.· .. -:. ........ •' 

·.: .. ·.:.: .. ·:··' 

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

are shown ln the figure below: 

Aircraft Status Indicator 

The Front LEOs show the orientation of the aircraft. The Front LEOs glow solid red when the aircraft is 

turned on to indicate the front (or nose) of the aircraft. The Aircraft Status Indicators communicate the 

system status of the flight controller. Refer to the table below for more intormation about th® Aircraft Status 

Indicators; 
? 

.., 

0 

.., 

s. -

Phantom 3 Profe.ssion:ftl U~er Manual 

··. '• 

. . : .. ;.;' .. 

Normal 

:.:;~l:~.:q w:: ······Red, Green and Yellow Flash 

Alternatively 

Turning On and Self-Checking 

.(~:b'J:..:: ...... Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Aircraft Warming Up 

-:::~:;; ······Green Flashes Slowly 

-:(~fX2 ······Green Flashes Twice 

tt.:- ······Yellow Flashes Slowly 

Warning· 

:::,r.:.- ...... Fast Yellow Flashing 

\6) ······Slow lied Flashing 

A:;t·: • · · • · · Fast Red Flashing 

·:(11\. ······Red Flashing Alternatively 

:/~):-Solid Red 

Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision 

Positioning) 

Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Positioning but 

without GPS) 

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

Positionlt'lg) 

Remote Controller Signal Lost 

Low Battery Warning 

Critical Battery Werning 

IMU Error 

Critical Error 

·\Ei/·iY/ · · · · · · Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively Compass Calibration Required 

·;: ..... ' 

....... :·.:-,.:.:.::.: .. 

'•'/.·· . .', . . : .. ,. 

The Returnmto-Home (RTH) function brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are 

three types of RTH procedure: Smart RIH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH. This section describes 

these three scenarios in detaiL 

GPS 

Home Point 

Description 

If a strong GPS signal was acquired beforEJ takeoff, the Home Point 

is the location from which the aircraft was launched. The GPS signal 

strengtll is indicated by the GPS icon ( "-,,!': ). lhG aircraft status 

indicator will blink rapidly when the home point is recorded. 

' ~ ' " ' ' :.: :, ,' '' ' ', /' '' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' I '• ' ' 

:::.~tr)~~;~"f:B>:~:/·;::<:···:.·:y.·: .. : .; .·:;:::: :.:·. · .... . ·.:·: ::',·:.:: ·:: .:',' ::: .... . i, ·.' : .... :: : .,•. ':· '•,, ,•'', ,., ·, 

',' /,. :,·_..... ' ... :: ',' 

. . ' ':·· .. · ~. ', ;. 

... · .·· •' ·., .. ' : ... ' ... ':' .~.:-. : . ·.:_.:-,:: ' 

:: .. · ..... •.' .~ 

Use the RTH button on the remote controller (refer to ''RTH button" on page_f6 for more information) or 

tap the RTH button in the DJI Pilot app when GPS is available to Initiate Smart RTH. The aircraft will then 

automatically return to the last recorded Home Point. You may use the remote controller's control sticks to 

control thEJ aircraft's position to avoid a collision during the Smart RTH process. Press and hold the Smart 

RTH buttotl once to start the prooess, and press the Srnart RTH button again to tern.inate the procedure 

and regain full control of the aircraft. 
Phantorn3 PrQfe&JSional User Manual 

• 8~\!J.::~~~~f:Y,\ft't~.:,::, .. ;/·.:;,, :.·.·· 

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

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

when prompted. The DJI Pilot app will display a notice when a low battery warning is triggered. The 

aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is taken attar a tennsecond countdown. The 

user can cancel the RTH procedure by pressing the RTH button on the remote controller. The thresholds 

for these warnings are automatically determined based on the aircraft's current altitude and distance from 

the Home Point. · 

The aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support the aircraft long enougt1 

to desoend from its current altitude. The user can still use the remote controller to alter the aircraft's 

orientation during the landing process. 

The Battery Level Indicator is displayed in the DJI Pilot app, and is described below: 

Critical Low battery level 

warning(Re(i) 

Suflic.ient t:Jattery 

lsvei(Gwen) 

j_Low battery 

.''~ WBJ"'t~:) .. r· .... Remaining flight tir'rle 

•"1 

Battery Level Remark Warning 

Low battery The battery 

level warning power is low. 

Please land tile 

aircraft 

Critical Low The aircraft 

battery level must land 

warning immediately. 

Estimated Estimated 

remaining remaining ffight 

based on current 

flight time battery level. 

Power requires 

to return t1ome 

Bat\(lry level indicator 

Aircraft Status . DJI Pllotapp ·Indicator 

Tap ''Go.home" to have the 

aircraft return to the Home 

point and !and automatically, 

Aircraft status or "Cancal" to resume normal 

flight. If no action is taken, indicator blinks the akcraft wlll automatically RED slowly. go hOme and land after 10 

seconds. Remote controller 

will sound an alarm. 

Aircraft status 

lhe DJI Pilot app display will 

flash red and the aircraft will 

indicator blinks start to descend. The remote RED quickly. controller will sound an alarm. 

N/A NJA 

Flight Instructions · 

Fly the aircraft 

back and land 

it as soon as 

possible, then 

stop ths motors 

and replaoe the 

battery. 

Allow the aircraft to 

descend and !and 

automatically. 

N/A 
Phantom 3 Profo;oo,.lonal Us~r Manual 

:\): • When the Critical battery level warning is triggered and the aircraft begins to land automatically, 

you may push the throttle upward to make the aircraft hover at its current altitude, giving you an 

opportunity to navigate to a mora appropriate landing location. 

• Tha colored zones and markers on the battery level indicator bar reflect the estimated 

remaining flight time. They are automatically adjusted according to the aircraft's current location 

and status. 

:::F'ail$at~:~.Atf.l··· ,:.:, 

If the Home Point was successfully recorded and the compass is functioning normally, Failsafe RTH will 

be automatically activated if the remote controller signal is lost for more than three seconds. The Return~ 

to..Home process may be interrupted and the operator may regain control of the aircraft if the remote 

controllsr signal connection is re-established. 

Failsafe Illustration 

1 Record Home Point 

Blinking Green 

4 Signal Lost Lasts (afer 3 sec.) 

-~ 

Fast BlinKing Yellow 

2 Confirming Home Point 

.,iff'.J'r •. u11f 

Bllnkina Green 

5 RTH (adjUstable altitUde) 

Fast Blinking Yellow 

3 Remote Controller Signal Lost 

@ 

Fast Blinking Yellow 

6 Lancfng (after 1-Dvemg fcr 5 sees) 

.,.. ' 

@ 

Fast Blinking Yellow 

Lt. • The aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH, therefore, it ls important to set an 

suit<1ble Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch the DJI Pl!ot app and enter "Camera" and 

select ''MODE" to set the Failsafe altitude . 

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

moved during the Failsafe RTH procedure. 

Vlah:>n_~~ositionlh9:$Y~~m··: .... · .. · .. .-: · .. · . . . . . ' . . . . . 

"',' ... '• ...... . .·.· .... : ...... ·· ·:· . . ::... ::. ,' 

..... ,. 

·.' , .. •'• 

..... : ~ .. ~:.: 

,'' ' I ' :• ' '•' ~ ' ' : ,,' ' ' 

....... '• 

Tha DJI Vision Posttioning System uses ultrasound and image data to help the aircraft maintain its current 

po$ition. With the help of Vision Positioning, your Phantom 3 Professional can hover in Place more precisely 

and fly indoors or in other environments where a GPS signal is not available. The main components of 

the Vision Positioning System are located on the bottom of yol.lr Phantom 3 Professional; they include two 

ultrasonic sensors and one monocular camera. 
Phantom 3 ProfessionAl User Menu~ I 

Using VIsion Positioning 

Vision Positioning is activated automatically when the Phantom 3 Professional is turned on. No 

further action is required. VIsion Positioning is typically used in indoor environments, where GPS 

is unavailable. Using the sensors that are built into the Vision Positioning system, the Phantom 3 

Professional can hover precisely even without GPS. 

Follow the steps below to usa Vision Positioning: 

1. Toggle the flight mode switch toP-mode. 

2. Place the aircraft on a flat surface. Note that the Vision Positioning system cannot work 

properly on surfect!s without clear pattern varfations. 

3. Turn on the aircraft. The aircraft status indicator will flash green two times, which indicates the Vi$lon 

Positioning system is ready, Gently push the throttle up to lift off and the aircraft will hover in place. 

,Lh The performance of your Vision Positioning System is affected by the surface over which it is 

flying. The ultrasonic sensors may not be able to accurately measure distances when operating 

above sound-absorbing materials. ln addition, the camera may not function correctly in 

suboptimal environments. The aircraft will switch from P-mode to A-mode automatically if neither 

GPS nor Vision Positioning System are available. Operate the aircraft with great caution in the 

following situations: 

• Flying over monochrome surfaces (e.g. pure black, pure white, pure red, pure green) . 

• Flying over a highly reflective surfaces. 

• Flying at high speeds( over 8 m/s at 2 rneters or over 4 m/s at I meter). 

• Flying over water or transparent surfaces . 

• Flying over moving surfaces or objects . 

• Flying in an area where the lighting changes frequently or drastically . 

• Rying over extremely dark (lux < iO) or bright (lux > 1 00,000) surfaces . 

• Flying over surfaces that can absorb sound waves (e.g. thick carpet}. 

• Flying over surfaces without clear patterns or texture . 

• Flying over surfaces with identical repE!ating patterns or textures (e.g. tiles with same design) . 

• Flying over inclined surfaces that will deflect sound wavf;ls away from the aircraft. 

:\): .. Keep the sensors clean at all times. Oirt or other debris may adversely affect the effectiveness 

of the sensors . 

• Vision Positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitudes of 0 to 3 meters . 

• The Vision Positioning System may not function properly when the aircraft Is flying over water . 

• The Vision Positioning System may not be able to recognize pattern on the ground in low light 

conditions (less than 100 lux). 

• Do not use other ultrasonic devices with frequency of 40 KHz when Vision Positioning system is 

in operation . 

• Vision Positioning System may not be ablg to stabilize the aircraft when flying close to the 

ground (below 0.5 meters) in fast spe~d. 
Phantom 3 Profes$1onal User Manu<~ I 

0 Keep the animals away from the aircraft when Vision Positioning system is activated. !he sonar 

sensor emits high frequency sound that Is only audible to some animals . 

...... · ... , . ,: . . . ' . :, ~ ' '.' .: ,·,· ·. :· ", . ~ '' . . ·.. ,• ' . '• '·' .:: .. '' .. ·,·.: '•', '• 

· .. : .. ··: •' ·.·. · .. :· ... 

Plight data is automatically recorded to the internal storage of the aircraft. This includes flight 

telemetry, aircraft status information, and other parameters. Access these data from the DJI Pilot 

app through the Mlcro~USB Port on the aircraft. 

·-.Auaoolhg;arld :Oeta6hln9~:ft1.e:. lirbpeuer~, · ··· ·. · ....... ,' ·:·· ''•, · .. · .. ' ·. ' . '' ".:.' ',. : . 

,.,·::· . ·.· · ... ·. ·.·:. 

. . :·. '' . : : . : ~ :' .. ' . . ..... : ... . ', ··:·· ... . .. ·.· 

Use only DJI approved propellers with your Phantom 3 Professional. The grey and black nuts on 

the propeller Indicate where they should be attached and in which direction whey should spin. To 

attach the propellers properly, m'atch the nut color with the motor axis color. 

Propellers 

Figure 

Attach On 

Legends 

Grey Nut Black Nut 

Motors with a grey axes Motors with a black axes 

61 Lock: Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to mount and tighten. '0., Unlock: Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to loosen and remove. 

Attaching the Propellers 

1. Atts.ch the propellers with grey nuts onto the motors with grey axes and spin the propellers clockwise 

to secure them in place. Attach the propellers with black nuts onto the motors with black axes and spin 

the propellers counter-clockWise to secure them in place. Be sure to tighten each propeller by hand 

before flight. 
Phantom~ Profession~! User Manual 

Lh • Ensure propellers are attached to its corresponding motors, otherwise the aircraft cannot take off . 

• Wear gloves when handling pmpellers . 

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

Detaching the Propellers 

Hold the motor in place with one hand, then spin the propeller in the indicated unlock direction. · 

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

• Ensure that all propellers are in good condition before each flight. DO NOT use aged, chipped, 

or broken propellers. 

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

• ONLY uae original DJI propellen;l for a better and 5afer flight experience . 

. ·oUJ/I.nt~~~·~~~~1.:F:Ii9tW:,ali~er.Y::·: .,.,::: .: • . •' . ,. ' . . ,. 

The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery has a capacity of 4480 mAh, a voltage of 15.2 V, and a smart charge/ 

disoharge functionality. It should only be charged using an appropriate charger that has been approved 

byDJI. 

lntel!iger.\ Flight Battery 

Cliarger 

The Intelligent Flight Battery must be fully charged before using it for the first time. Refer to 

"Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery· for more information. 

Be aware that the output power of the supplied Phantom 3 Professional charger is 1 DOW. 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Functions 

i. Battery Level Display: the LED indicators display t!1e current battel)' level. 

2. Battery Life Display: the LEOs display the current battery power cycle. 

3. Auto-Discharging Function: To prevent swelling, the battery automatically discharges to below 65% of 

total power when it is idle for more than ten days. It takes around two days to discharge the battery to 

65%. It is norma! to feel moderate heat being emitted from the battery during the discharge process. 

Discharge thresholds can be set in the DJI Pilot app. 

4. Balanced Charging: Automatically balances the voltage of each battery cell when charging. 

5. Overcharge Protection: Charging automatically stops when the battery is fully charged. 

6. Temperature Detection: The battery will only charge when the temperature is between 0°C (32°F) and 

40°C (i04°F). 

7. Over Current Protection: The battery stops charging when high amperage (mor$ than 8 A) is detected. 

8. Over Discharge Protection: To prevent over-discharge damage, discharging automatically stops when 

the battery voltage reaches 1Q V. 

9. Short Circuit Protection~ Automatically cuts the power supply when a short circuit is detected. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Hanu;;~l 

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

csll is detectod. 

11. Battery Error Histoty: Browse the battery error history in the OJI Pilot app. 

12. Sleep Mode: To save power, the battery enters sleep mode after 20 minutes of Inactivity. 

13. Communication: Information pertaining to the battery's voltage, capacity, current, etc. is transmitted to 

the aircraft's main controller. 

Lt. Refer to Phantom 3 Professional/ Advanced Intelligent Right Bartery Safety Guidelines before 

use. Users take full respol"lsibility for all operations and usage. 

? Using the Battery .... 

C) 

..... 

Ill 

;::t 

Power Button (Bulit-in LED) 

Turning ONIOFF 

Turning On: Press lha Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to turn on. The Power 

LED will turn red and the Battery Level Indicators will display the current battery level. 

Turning Off: P(ess the Power Button once, then press again and hold for .2 seconds to turn off. 

Low Temperature Notice: 

1. Battery capacity is significantly reduced whan flying in low temperature ( < O"C) environments. 

2. It is not recommended that the battery be used In extremely low temperature(<~ 10QC) environments. 

Battery voltage should reach the appropriate level when operating environment with temperatures 

between ·10°0 and 5°C. 

3. End the flight as soon .as the DJI Pilot app displays the "Low Battery Level Warning'• in low temperature 

environments, 

4. Keep the battery indoors to warm it before flying in low temperature environments. 

5. To ensure optimal performance of the battery, keep the battery temperature above 20°C. 

6. The charger will stop charging the battery if the battery cell's temperature is not wuhin the operating 

range (0°C - 40°C ). 

Lt. In cold environments, insert the battery into the battery compartment and allow the aircraft for 

approximately 1-2 minutes to warm up before taking off. 

Checking the Battery Level 

The Battery L~vel Indicators display how much power remains. When the battery is turned off, press 

the Power Button once~. The Battery Level Indicators will light up to display the current battery level. See 

below tor details. 
Phantom.3 Pn;lfeaakmol U::~er t..,em.1al 

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

discharging. The indicators are defined below. 

0 : LED ls on. U : LED is flashing. 

0 : LED Is off. 

Battery Level 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Level 

0 0 0 0 87.5%-100% 

0 0 0 \G 75%--87.5% 

0 0 0 0 62.5%~75% 

0 0 n 0 50%.-.62-B% 

0 0 0 0 37.5%-50% 

0 u 0 0 25%~37.6% 

0 0 0 0 12.5%~25% 

D. 0 0 0 0% .... 12.5% 

0 0 0 0 ::;;Q% 

Battery Ute 

Battery life refers to how many more times the battery can be discharged and recharged before it must 

be replaced. When the battery is turned off, press and hold the Power Button for 5 seconds to check the 

battery life. The Battery Level Indicators willligt1t up and/or bllnk for two seconds, as shown below: 

Battery Life 

LED1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

n: 

0 

LED2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

D 

n 

0 

0 

0 

LED3 LED4 

0 0 

0 if --

0 0 

ij -- 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

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

Battery Life 

90%-100% 

80%-90% 

70%-80% 

60% .... 70% 

50%-60% 

40% .... 50% 

30%,...40% 

20%~30% 

below20% 

1!0 For more information about the battery, launch the DJI Pilot app and check the information that is 

listed under the battery tab. 
Ph~ntom 3 Prof•$$lonal User Manual 

Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery 

1. Connect the Battery Charger to a power source ( 100-240 V 50/60 Hz). 

2. Open the Protection Cap and connect the Intelligent Flight Battery to the Battery Charger. If the battery 

level is above 95%, turn on the battery before charging. 

3. The Battery Leva/Indicator will display the current battery level as 1t is charging. 

4. The Intelligent Flight Battery is fully charged when the Battery Level Indicators are ell off. 

5. Air-oool the Intelligent Flight Battery after each flight Allow its temperature to drop to room temperature 

before storing it for an extended period. 

fh ·· Do not charge the Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller with standard charger at the 

same time, otherwise the charger may overheat. 

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

Never Insert or remove a battery when it i:5 turned on. 

lntelngent Flight Battery Che.rger Power Outlot 

Battery Level· Indicators While Charging 

LED1 LED:2 LED3 LED4 Battery Level 

~a 0 0 0 0%~25% 

u .. tr 0 0 25% .... 50% 

;n n tr, 0 50%~75% 

\U u u ;. ~ ~u 75%-1000/<1 

0 0 0 0 Fully Charged 

Battery Protection LED Display 

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

. Battery Level. Indicators while Charging . 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Blinking Pattern Battary Protection Item 

0 :: ~ n 0 0 LED2 blinks twice per second Over current detected 

0 n 0 0 LE02 blinks three times p€lr second Short circuit detected 

0 0 u 0 LED3 bllnks twice per second Over charge detected 

0 0 n 0 LED3 blinks three times per second Over-voltage charger detected 

0 0 0 {} . ' LED4 blinks twice per second Charging temperature is too low 

0 0 0 n LED4 blinks three times per second Charging temperature is too high 
Phantom 3 Proftt$ilonal Usar Manual 

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

Intelligent Flight Banery 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 

oharging when the temperature is within the allowable range_ 

Lt. OJI does not take any responsibility for damage caused by third.party chargers. 

:¢: How to discharge your Intelligent Flight Battery: 

Slow : Place th~ Intelligent Flight Battery into the Phantom 3 Professional's Battery Compartment 

and turn it on. LMve it on until there is less than 8% of power lett, 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. 
Remote Controller 

This section describes the features 

of the remote colltroller and includes 

instructions for controlling the aircraft 

and the camera. 
Remote Controller 

:.·ffl;~mqi~···¢B~~tQit~r.;:·~;t6r.~r~~~ .. · .. 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 featuras 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 28 rechargeable battery. The battery level is displayed via LED 

indicators on the front panel of the remote controller. 

r:l=1 

~ • 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 servE!S as the throttle. 

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

Turning the Remote Controller On and Off 

The Phantom 3 Pro1esslonal remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable batte~ry that hw;; a 

capacity of 6000 mAh. The battery level is indicated via the Battery Level LEOs 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 BL.ltton once. The Battery Level LEOs will 

display the current battery level. 

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

3. The remote controller will beep when it is turned on. The Status LI::D will rapidly blink green, Indicating 

that the remote controller is linking to the aircraft. The Status LEOs 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 figure below for more details. 

:0 

(0 

3 

9. 

(0 

C) 

0 

:::l 

.... 

.... 

2. 

(!l 

.... 
Phantom 3 Profe:~5ional Us~r Man~,~<!l 

Poww Button 

Controlling the Camera 

1Cl:J;;;~~~:1IJIC··G 

Povvef Outlt;t 

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. 

rt5J _-f-lt:i~n----rw-a~ ··- [1] 

[4]- 1-H-f-- [2) 

·----[3] 

[1 J Camera Settings Dial 

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings such as ISO, shutter spsed, 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. 

[2] Playback Sutton 

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] Vldao Recoding Button 

Press on~e to etart recording video, than 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 controlfer. The 

Remote Contrails set to Mode 2 by default. 
Phantom 3 Professional Usf.l-r Manual 

l!J!I Stick Neutrai/Mid·Point: Control sticks are in the center position. 

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

R~no1--( •too~~: o::~~~rks 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 th9 stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional w111 

change elevation. Always push the stick gently 

to prevent sudden and unexpected elevation 

1 cl'lan9.~_s_. -~-~--~ ______ _ 

Movlng 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 lts current orientation. 

The more the stick is puahed away from the center 

I 

posltlon, 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. 

I Push the stick further away from the center position for 

a larger pitch angle (ma:ximum 3o·) and faster flight. ------!-

Moving the right stick control left and right changes 

the aircraft's left and right pitoh. 

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

Phantom 3 Professional will hover in place if the 

stick is centered. 

JJ 

([) 

3 

~ 

0 

0 

il 

.... 

g 

rn 

...... 
Phantom 3 Profe:Jsi<mal User Manual 

Flight Mode Switeh 

Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode. 

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

Position Figure Flight Mode 

Position 1 ~ F-mode 

Position2 : -··i 

~ A-mode 

Position3 d;s P~mode 

Position1~ 

Position2~ 

-· ,.. .... /,......~ 

Position3~ /--

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

versions of P-mode, which will be automatically salscted by ths 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 PO'sitionlng is available but a sUfficient GPS signal is not available. Aircraft is using 

only Vision Positioning for position holding. 

P-ATI!; Nelther GPS nor Vision Positioning is available, the aircraft is using only its barometer for 

positioning, so only altitude is maintained. 

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

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

signal is lost and the Home Point was recorded successfully. 

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

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

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

app, enter the "Camera" page, and tap ''Mode'', then activate ''Mul~ple 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 wlll then return to the 

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

aircraft. 
Phantom 3 Profe.55ional User Manual 

Connecting Your Mobile Device 

Tilt the mobile davicfl 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 sscura 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 signa! between the aircraft and the remote controller is most reliable within the area that 

is dE!picted in the image below: 

Optimal Tr<'\nsrnlssion Range 'it \\ I 

\ I 

"'\'· ............ ... 

strong weak 

\ :/ .A 

Ensure that the ain;;raft is flying within the optimal transmission zone. To achieve the best transmission 

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

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

8tH LED indicates the Return-to-Home status of the aircraft. The table below contains more information 

about these indicators. 

-- RTHLED 

:0 

(]) 

3 

£_ 

i"D 

0 

0 

~ 

-..., 

& 

(I) 

--.. 
Phantom 3 Professlo11al User Mam1al 

statU$ lEO 

<~>-Solid Red 

·(~5- -Solid Green 

Alarm 

f Chims 

J Chime 

;)j';~ .. ·· .. Slow Blinking Red D·D·D ...... 

·•§\":Cf?,V-~~::-;y/ ····-· Red and Green; Red and None 

Yellow Alternate Blinks 

RTH LED Sound 

:~wr- Solid White 1 Chime 

'/fi]J· •··•·· Blinking White 

:~IJk ...... Blinking White 

D··· 

oo ...... 

Remote Controtier Status 

The remote controller is disconnected from the aircraft. 

Tho remote controller is connected to the aircraft. 

Remote controller error. 

HD downllnk is disrupted. 

Remote Controller Status · 

Aircraft is returning home. 

Sending Return~to-.Home command to the aircraft. 

Return.to-Home procedure in progress. 

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

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

remote controller tor the flrst time. Follow these steps to link a new remote controller; 

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

2. Turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery. 

3. Enter "Camera" and tap on riM~ IIIII and then tap "Linking RC" button as shown below. 

RC CRiibration > 

Stick Mode > 

Default stick mode is Mods 2, ch:;~nglnQ stick rYlOdM a~ers 1he Wl/.y 1h0 airetaft i~ controlled. 

Do not che.r<ga unless familiar with your new mode. 

C2 [.._ _ __:_N:.:..ot.:..:D;.:.:.ec:..:.tin:.::e:.:..d _ ___, 

Yo~ can customi<::e the C1 and C2 bvt\onll on the back 

oltMRC, 
Phantom 3 Professional Utar Manual 

4. The remote controller is mady to link. The ~=?emote Controller Status Indicator blinks blue and a beep Is 

emitted. 

RC C~libra~lon 

Sticl( Mode 

Dafeul t $\ick mode i$ M 

Do not ch~nge uc'll&s~ f< 

C1 I Not D 

> 

> 

searohing lor .airtraH frequency, 

tfli'leout Ill 54 ~eonds he alrcraft ia oontrolle d. 

Pfess the linking but1on on 1M aircreft 

to lir'lk this remote corWoUer 

cancel Defint!d 1 

You oan cuatomize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

ofth& liC, 

5. Locate the linking button on the sida of th~ aircraft, as shown in the fl9ure shown below. Press the 

linking button to start linking. The Remote Controller Status Indicator will display solid green onoe the 

remote controller is successfully linked to the aircraft. 

·· ... -.... -... -.... -... Unk BuHon 

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

same aircraft. 

:R~t:nrit¢ Qqnttolltilr;:.cprl;tplianc~·v$r~i~h::.:.;._: .. ~ •.. ::,:: :.·'.·· .•. '.•·· · ::.:,_ ,:·· · ,•'' .. · .. : ......... · .. ' . :',, '' ','•, .. ·:···. . . ,•' ', ',' ',' . :,,',,',,' : .. · ·. 

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

"!} 

3 

0 

Ri 

0 

0 

i2. 

Q_ 

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.... 
Camera and imbal 

This section provides the technical 

specifications of the camera and 

explains the gimbal's operation modes. 
Camera and Gimbal 

. . ' . . . . . . . . ...... ·.·· .. · 

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

with the Phantom 3 Professional) and 12 megaplxel stills. You may export tl1e video in either MOV N MP4 

format. Available picture shooting modes include burst, continuous, and time~!apse mode. A live preview 

of what the camera sees can be monitored on the connected mobile device via the DJt Pllot app. 

Camera Micro-SO Card Slot 

To store your photos and videos, insert the Micro-SO card Into the slot. as shown below, before 

turning on the Phantom 3 Professional. The Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 16GB Micro~SO 

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

their fast read and write time, which will allow you to save high-resolution video data. 

c''"''''' •. , .,,, 

~ 

0 Do not remove the Micro-SO card from the Phantom 3 Professional when it is turned en. 

Camera Data Port 

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

photos and videos to your computer. 

·.·-·:···"''"_.~ ~ '.1. ,, ... ·• 

L:~.~\~~---~!!!!!!!JII--_.L___.,J 

Lt. Turn on the aircraft before attempting to access the files on the Mlcro-SD card. 
Phantom 3 Professional U.s€!r Hanus! 

Camera Operation 

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

through the OJI Pilot app. For more Information about how to use these buttons, refer to "Conrrglllt}£1 the 

Camera P24". 

'··.: •,!. '," ..·/'·:·. '' '! 'I 

: c3Jrnb.~t : .. ; .. '•, ., ,,.. ..... 

,•,,•'• 

,,•, '· ... ••' I" 

',, ·., ... ' .; '·/ 

.. ... !•., 

Gimbal Profile 

The 3-axis gimbal provides a ste<;J.dy platform tor the attached camera, allowing you to capture clear, 

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

-90" 

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

Gimbal Operation Modes 

Two gimbal operation modes are available. Switch bamesn 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: 

The angle between gimbal's orientation and aircraft's nose remains Follow Mode constant at all times. 

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

first-person perspective flying experience . 

.1':::, • A gimbat motor error may occur in these situations: {1) the aircraft is pliil.Ced on uneven ground 

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

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

at all times. 

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

gimbal will recover full functionality after it dries. 
Phantom 3 Profes$lonal U:ser Hanual 

Anti-Drop Kit 

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

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

CD through the hole of the vibration absorber and into the oenter hole of Part ® , then lock them together 

as shown ® . Mounting the anti-drop kit pins diagonally from each t)ther is recommended. 
DJIPUotApp 

This section introduces the four main 

functions of the DJI Pilot app. 
DJI Pilot App 

The DJI Pilot app is a mobile application designed specifically for the Phantom 3 ProfessionaL Use this 

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

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

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

United Stoto• 

Mountain View 

r©·• DIRE aTOll D&:OVERY 

' '' .:, 'I :~,',' 

J • •• •,,' 

The Camera page contains a live HD video fet~d from the Phantom 3 Professional's camera. You can also 

configure various camera parameters from the Camera page. 

[1} [2] (<!) [5] [6] [7} [8] 

[17)~~1---'W 

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

[16 J -------1--!1"')1 

[15] 

[10] 

[13] 

[12] [11 J 
E 

Phantom ?i Profe!islonal User Nanu!ll 

[1) Flight Mode 

El: The text next to this loon indicates the current flight mode. 

Tap to configure the MC (Main Controller) Settings. These settings allow you to modify flight limite, 

perform compass calibration, and set the gain values. 

[2] GPS Signal Strength 

111 11: This icon shOws the current strength of GPS signals. Green bars indicates adequate GPS 

strength. 

{3] lOG Settings 

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

settings menu and select the desired IOC setting. 

[41 System Status 

SatatoFiy(G~) :This icon indicates the current aircraft system status and GPS signal strength. 

:::9. [5} Battery Level Indicator 

S _..........., ···" : lhe battery level Indicator provides a dynamic display of the battery level. The colored 

-6' zones on the battery level indicator represent the power levels needed to carry out different functions. 

"0 

[6] Remote Controller Signal 

fit' ,,IIJ: This icon shows the strength of remote controller signaL 

[7] HD Vldeo Link Signal Strength 

1100;<~ ,,,II: This icon shows the strength of the HD video downlink connection batween the aircraft and 

the remote controller. 

[8] Battery Level 

& 1 00%: This icon shows the current battery level. 

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

battery warning history. 

[9] General Settings 

:::Tap this Icon to view the General Settin9s page. Frorn this page, you can set flight parameters, 

reset the camera, enable the quick view feature, adjust the gimbal roll value, ahd toggle the flight 

route display. 

[10] Camara Operation Bat 

Shutter and Recording Setting$ 

d:t: Tap to enter various camera value settings, that including color space for the recording, size of 

the video files, Image size and so on. 

Shutter 

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

shot or time-lapsed shooting mode. 
Phantom~ Prcfes~;icnal U!ier Manu~! 

Record 

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

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

Playback 

[E : Tap to erlter 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 ic on shows the distance between the surface and the Vision Positioning System's sensors. 

[12] Flight Te~lemetry 

Vision Positioning Status icon Is highlighted when Vision Positioning is in operation. 

Flight attitude is indicated by the flight attitude icon. 

( 1) The red arrow shows which direction the aircraft is fac;ing. 

(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 

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

0· 

., •• 

[14] Return to Home (RTH) 

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

[15] Auto Takeoff/Landing 

... t./.i.: Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing. 
Phantom3 Pr'ofosslonal User Manu:;~l 

[16] Livestream · 

!t!»; Livestream icon indicates the current video feed is broadcasting live on YouTube. Be sure the 

mobile data service is available on the mobile device. 

[17] Back 

1\ :Tap to return to the main GUL 

':pjt~C:tO.r;./ ·:.,::· ... :.' 

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

tap "Director" from the app's home screen. You can then select a template and a specified number of 

dips, which are automatically combined to create a short film that can be shared immediately. 

···.·:·.:·.:,-,: 

Tap ''Store" to visit the official DJI Onlil'le Store to see the latest information about DJI products and easily 

buy new products . 

.. .,s;:.'··.::·:.~ .;_:.:;.;:.:•:.:: ···L)ISCOvenf..' ··· '::'·: .......... .. ·':._, .... ,! .. ~!:":.· 

'' 

· .. · ...... 

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

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

This sect ion describes safe flight 

practices and flight restrictions. 
Flight 

Once pre-flight preparation is complete, it is recommended that you u6e the flight :s:imulator In the DJI Pilot 

app to hone your flight skills and practice flying safely. Ensure that alt flights are carried out in an open 

area. 

:·~light::.~:~~t~Hri1¢r~·.~&,q4it$:tf1~.~tj:':~ 

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

snow, rain and smog. 

2. Only fly 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 a.ir density and 

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

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

~ 6. The Phantom 3 Ptofessional cannot operate within the polar areas. ,....,. 

·.:.:F.(I~~~:-:4.·~6i•!t~.a~~·::~d~·fiY,~qv:$$.;:_:.·:~_-::_ .. : . 

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

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

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

limits, and No-Fly Zones. 

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

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

altitude from exceeding 1640 feet (500 m). 

Maximum flight altitude & Radius Limits 

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

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

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

Maxii'T'lUI"11 Flight AltitucJe Max Radius 

Horne Poi11t 

----'--\,..-----+-- Height of aircraft 

wt·Jen tl1rnecJ on 
Phantom 3 Profe.s.sional U.s~r Manual 

GPS .Signal Strong :i~$· · ·····Blinking Green 

Flight Limns DJI Pilot app 

Maximum Flight Aircraft's attitude cannot Warning: Height 

Altltuda exceed the specified value. limit reached. 

Max Radius Flight distance must be within Warning; Distance 

the max radius. 

GPS Signal Weak·:\~):······ Slinking Yellow 

Flight Limits 

Maximum 

Flight 

Altitude 

Max Radius 

Height i.s restricted to 400 

feet. (120m) and under. 

No limits 

limit reached. 

OJI Pilot app 

Warning: Height limit 

reached. 

Aircraft Status Indicator 

None. 

Rapid red flashing 'Fl· 

·· .... when close to the 

max radius limit. 

Aircraft Status ltldicator 

None. 

Lh • If you fly out of the limit, you can still cotltrol the ltlspire, but cannot fly it <1t1y father. 

• If the Inspire flies out of the max fadius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back within 

range automatically. 

No-Fly Zones 

All No-Fly Zones are listed on the DJI official website at httf2:11flysafe.dji.com/np-:fl;t. NoRFiy Zones are 

divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and flying field where manned 

aircfaft operate at low altitudes. Restricted Areas include border lines betvveen countries or sensitive 

Institute. The details of the No-Fly Zones are explained as follow: 

Airport 

(1) Airport No"Fiy Zone are comprised of Take-off Restricted zones and Restricted -Altitude Zone. Eaoh 

zone features circles of various size. 

(2) R1 miles (value of the R1 depends on the size and shape of the airport) around the airport is Take·off 

restricted zone, inside of which take off is prevented. 

(3) From R1 mile to R1 + 1 mile around the airport the flight altitude is limited Otl a 15 degree inclines. 

Starting at 65 fest (20 meters) from the edge of airport and radiate outward. The flight altitude is 

limited at 1640 feet (500 metars) at R1 '1-1 mile 

(4) When the aircraft enters within 320 feet (100 meters) of tha No-Fly Zones. a. warning massage will 

prompt fmm the DJI Pilot app. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

. ' ''• . '·. ''• 

1:2o,.!l_ .. ___ m_IIQ __ - _R_2_.1.._ R1 _..I 

Restricted Area 

~;f,h.l 'Jij,'y.J}' 

No-fly zone 

/,', 

; i 

'•' ,, 

. ' . '· . ' . ' 

Raalrlctad-8)t!t1.1de ~lgf!t z:am1 Wi!IT!Ing z:one 

::!! ( 1) Restricted Area does not have flight altitude restriction. 

ro 

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

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

(3) A ''warning zone" has been set around the Restricted Area. When the aircraft approaches within 0.6 

miles (1 km) of this zone, a warning message will prompt from the OJI Pilot app. 

", 1[,1· 
<~. ······Blinking Green '. 

· G.PS. Signal Strong -w~ 

Aircraft 

Zone Restriction OJI Pilot App Prompt Status 

Indicator 

-- Motors will not start. Warning: You are in a No-fly 

zone. Take off prohibited. 

No-fly Zone If the aircraft entHs thE! 

·1'1 restricted area in A-mode, (:·1~ • "I 

'•1"- but is switched to P·mode, Warning: You are in a no-fly zone. 

the aircraft will automatically Automatic landing llas begun. 

descend, land, and stop its 

motors. 

R1: Warning; You are in a <B:: ....... 

If the aircraft enters the restricted zone. Descending to Red flashing 

Restricted- restricted area in A·mode, but safe altitude. 

altitude flight is switched to P·mode, it will R2: Warning: You are in a 

zone descend to an appropriate restricted zone. Maximum flight 

altitude and hover 15 feet altitude is restricted to between 

below the altitude limit 20m and 500m. Fly cautiously. 

Warning zone No flight restriction applies, but Warning: You are approaching a 

: there will be a warning . restrictltld zone. Fly Cautiously. 

Free zone 

No restrictions. None. None. 

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

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

& • When flying in the safety zone, aircraft status indicator will b!inl<: red quickly and continue for 3 

ssconds, then switch to indicate current flying status and continue for 5 seconds at which point 

it will switch back to red blinking. 

• For safety reasons, please do not fly close to airports, highways, railway stations, railway lines, 

city centers, or other sensitive areas. Fly the aircraft only within your line of sight. 
Ph.o~ntom 3 Profoulonal User Manv~l 

: .'. ':'.:' ': "· ·:=:: I:'.,.· ... ·,'·/", ....... · 

.. ,\., 

.. ,, ·: ., 

... ,,.,, .. , ' ~ ' . 

1. Remote controller, Intelligent Flight 13attery, and mobile device are fully charged. 

2. Propellers are mounted correctly and firmly. 

3. Micro-SO card has been inserted, If necessary. 

4. Gimbal is functioning normally. 

5. Motors can start and are functioning normally. 

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

,.··.:· ·: 

... : ''. ·/ .. \ '•: .. · .. : . :.~ ... :·. : .. :. ',•',.' ... : : : .. ,',• .,: 

,' ' ', • '• ' I '' ' .... , '' ~ ' ' ' •• ', ,' :,,.,,'· ' " 

···: ::·. '·.·. :_::··,·:.'. 

IMPORT ANT: Always to calibrate the compass in avery new flight location, The compass is very sensitive 

to electromagnetic Interference, which can produce abnormal compass data and lead to poor flight 

performance or flight failure. Regular calibration is required for optimal performance, 

0 • Do not calibrate your compass where there Is any possibility of strong magnetic interference. 

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

1:! metal structures 

CQ 

:::r • Do not carry ferromagnetic materials with you during caJibration such as keys or cellular 

phones . 

.. Do not calibrate in direct proximity to large metal objects. 

• DO NOT calibrate indoors. 

Calibration Procedures 

Choose an open area to carry out the following procedures. 

1. Ensure that the compass is calibrated. If you did not calibrate the compass as part of yoUr pre-flight 

preparations, or if you have moved to a new location since the last calibration, tap "Mode'' in the app 

and select ''Compass Calibration'', then follow the on-screen instructions. 

2. Hold the aircraft horizontally and rotate 360 degrees. Tha Aircraft Status Indicators will display a solid 

green light. 
Phantom 3 Profe-5sional U~;li!r Manual 

3. Hold the aircraft vertically, with nose pointing downward, and rotate it 360 degrees around th@ csnter 

axis. Recalibrate the compass if the Aircraft Status Indicator glows solid red. 

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

aircraft to a different location and try again. 

-~· .. 

. . Calibrate the compass before each fright. Launch DJI Pilot app and follow the on-screen 

instructions to calibrate the compass. 

When to Recalibrate 

1. When compass data is abnormal and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking green and yellow. 

2.When flying in a new location or in a location that is different from the most recent flight. 

3. When the mechanical or physical structure of the Phantom 3 Professional has been changed. 

4.When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. Phantom 3 Professiot'lal doss not fly in straight line, 

.::~~9:t~:.tf~,~P.~:.:~·ij~·:~4~~;h:~~q:l~f)~'·::;·>·i:.·::;.,'::"' ' .. ·· 

Auto Takeoff 

"',• '·' 

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

auto takeoff feature; 

1. Launch tha OJI Pilot a.pp, and enter ''Camera" page. 

2. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode. 

3. Complete an steps on the pre-flight checklist. 

4. Tap",i..", and confirm that conditions are safe for flight. Slide tha icon to confirm ahd takeoff. 

5. Aircraft takes off and hovers at (1.5 meters) above ground. 

& Aircraft Status Indicator blinks rapidly when it is using Vision Position System for stabilization. 

Aircrgft will automatically hover below 3 meters. It is recommended to wait until there is sufficient 

GPS lock before using the Auto Take-off feature. 
;Q 

Phantom 3 Profes&ional User Manual 

Auto-Landing 

Use autoTianding only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the 

auto-landing feature: 

i . Ensure the aircraft is in P~ mode. 

2. Check the landing area condition before U!pping ".!.'', to begin landing. 

;:$t~rt:ihg/stb~pi~iJ::th:~--:MPtoh~:---;·. · '•. ''• 

~ ' ' •' ,• ' ' ' '' ' I 

. ··: ...... :.' ' ... · "::; · .. ':. ·:··,·· 

", ~·' ' . 

.. '• ,. .. ''• .•.· 

' ' : . ,' ' .. ·: ... · .. : : .. ' .. ' .. ~ : . . . 

. . .. • ... ·. 

Starting the Motors 

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start the motors. Push both sticks to the bottom 

inner or outter corners to start the motors. Once the motors have started spinning, release both sticks 

simultaneously. 

(I:J 

~ Stopping the Motors 

There are two msthods to stop the motors. 

Method 1: When Phantom 3 Professional has landed, push the throttle downG:J, then conduct the same 

CSC that was used to start the motors, as described above®. Motors will stop immediat-ely. Release both 

sticks once motors stop. 

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

seconds. 

Method 1 Mctl1oc12 

it Do not perform CSC when aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will be stopped. 

.... . •,,•', .,· 

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.. ·:. ;:·,'.': 

•'',1 ".·.::. ::: ·. ', ., .. .. ·.···:···,'. 

,., ··:·· 

. .·:-:: ·. 

Takeoff/Landing Procedures 

I. Place the aircraft in an open, flat area with the bahery level indicators facing towards you. 

2. Turn on the remote controller and your mobile device, then the Intelligent Flight Battery. 

3. Launch the DJJ Pilot app and enter the Camera page. 

4. Wait until ths Aircraft Indicators blink green. This means the Home Point is recorded and It Is now safe 

to fly. If they flash yellow, the Home Point t1as not been recorded. 

6. Push the throttle up slowly to take off or use Auto Takeoff. 

6. Shoot photos and videos using the DJJ Pilot app. 

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

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

9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first, then the Remote Controller. 
Phantom 3 Profe~~ional User Man1.1al 

,& • When tl1e Aircraft Status Indicators blink yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe 

mode. 

• A low battery level warning is indicated by the Aircraft Status Indicators blinkir'lg red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. 

• Watch our video tutorials tor more flight information. 

Video Suggestions and Tips 

1. Go through the full priil~flight chGcklist bl<lfor~ each flight, 

2. Select the desired gimbal operation mode in the D~ll Pilot app. 

3. Only shoot video when flying in P-mode. 

4. Always fly in good weather and avoid flying in rain or heavy wind. 

5. Choose the camera settings that suit your needs. Settings include photo format and exposure compsnsation. 

6. Perform flight tasts to establish flight routes and preview scenes. 

7. Push the control sticks gently to keep the aircraft's movsmsnt stable and smooth. 
FAQ 
1 

I 

Troubleshooting {FAQ) 

What Is the difference between the Phantom 3 Profe$$lonrd and the Phantom 3 Advanced? 

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

camera. The Phantom 3 Professional is capable of shooting spectacular 4K video at up to 30 frame~s per 

second, and the Phantom 3 Advanced is capable of shooting at resolutions up to 1080p60. Both models 

shoot 12 megapixel photos. 

The other main difference is the Intelligent Flight Battery charger. The Phantom 3 Advancsd comes with a 

57-watt charging unit a11d the Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 100~watt charger, the latter of which 

allows for shorter charging times. 

Can I remove the camera and attach my own? 

No. The came(as that come with botn models are permanently attached. Attempting to remove, replace, or 

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

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

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

unit for your convenience, it is recommsnded that you only charge one item at a time. We recommend that j; 

you never charge both items using the same charger at the same time. 0 

What are the buttons on the back of my Flemote Controller tor? 

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

choose through the DJI Pilot app. Refer to the manual for more information. 

How far can I fly my Phantom 3? 

The signal transmission distance will vary depending on environmental conditions, but tM Phantom 3 

series can reach distances of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilomaters) away from the pilot 

What app should I use with my Phantom 3? 

The Phantom 3 is compatible with tha DJI Pilot app for iOS and Android, which Is already used with the DJI 

Inspire 1. The app will detect whlch aircraft Is connected and automatically adjust accordingly. 

Which mobile devlc0S are compatible with th~ app? 

The DJJ Pilot app is only compatible with devices running iOS 8.0 or later or Android v4.1 .2 or later, 

The following devices are recommended: 

iOS: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Alr, iPad Air Wi-FI +Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 WI·Fl 

+ Cellular, !Pad Air 2, iPad Air .2 Wi·Fi + Cellular, JPa.d mini 3, and !Pad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular. This app is 

optimized fo( iPhone 5s, !Phone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus 

Android: Samsung SS. Note 3, Sony Z3 E.XPEAIA, Google Nexus 7 II. Googla Nexus 9, Mi 3, Nubia Z7 mini 

Support for additional Android devices will become available as testing and development continues. 

' o ' ' ' I ' • 
Phantom 3 Professional User N;;mual 

How do f use the Olrector automatic video Eldltor? 

Ditector 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 than selact a template and a apeclfied number of 

clips, which are automatically combined to create a short film that oan be shared immediately. 

How do I change the control mod~ ot my Pha.ntom 3? 

By default, the Remote Controller is s(lt to Mode 2. This means that the right control stick controls the 

movement of the aircraft and tl1e left control stick controls the H1rottle and orientation of the aircraft. These 

controls can be changed to Mode 1 or set to a customized configuration in the DJI Pilot app. This is only 

recommended for advanced users. 

Can I use a Phantom 2 Remote Controller with the Phantom 3? 

No. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller operates on a different frequency. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller 

operates at G.8 GHz and the new Phantom 3 Remote ControiiE!r operates at 2.4 GHz. 

Can I U$& a Phantom 2 Intelligent Flight Battery with the Phantom 3? 

No. The Phantom 3 uses a newly designed Intelligent Flight Battery with greater power. The Phantom 3 has 

a. 4 cell battery with a capacity of 4480 mAh and a voltage of 15.2 V. 

My Phantom 3, does not turn off right away, Is something wrong? 

This is normal. After you attempt to power off the Intelligent Flight Battery, it may remain on for a few 

seconds as any video data is saved to the Micro SD card. This helps prevent your data from being lost or 

corrupted. 

Do I have to buy the Remote Controller separately? 

No, there is no need to buy a separate Remote Controller. Your Phantom 3 comes with a Remote Controller 

that is already linked to the aircraft. 

Does my Phllntom 3 suppon aual Remote Controllers? 

No. The included Remote Controller can be used to control both the aircraft and the gimbal tilt at the sams 

time. 

What does the "P, A, F" switch on the Remote Controller do? 

This switch, called the Flight Mode Switch, allows you to toggle diffsrent flight modes: 

P-mode, or Positioning mode, Indicates that both GPS and the Vlsion Positioning System a(a active and 

your Phantom 3 will attetnpt to stabilize using both. 

In A~mode, or Anltude mode, the aircraft dOes not use GPS or the Vision Positioning System. Only the 

barometer is used for st<'.bilization. The aircraft can still return to the Home Point as long as a sufficient GPS 

signal is available. 

F-mod$, or Function mode, activates Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) functionality. Refer to the fOC 

section in the Appendix of the User Manual. 

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

modes. 
Phantom 3 Prof¢$:Jional U~er Manual 

What Is the Phantom 3 flight time? 

Fllght times will vary depending on environmental conditions and usage patterns, but the Intelligent Flight 

Battery is designed to provide up to 23 mlnutes of uninterrupted flight time when fully charged. 

How can I restore a video 111& If the power Is turned off during recordlnQ? 

Do not remove the Micro-so card from the camera. If It has been removed. place it back in the camera. 

Turn the Phantom 3 on and wait approximately 30 seconds as the video file Is restored. 

How c::a.n I ensure th~t my pictures and videos will be synchronizad to my lOS album? 

You may need to adjust the settings of your mobile device. Open the Settings menu, select the Privacy 

tab, select ths Photos tab, and then toggle the switch next to the OJI Pilot app icon. If the Pilot app has not 

been granted access to your albums, the photos and videos cannot be synchronized. 

Wha.t should I dO to land my Phantom 3 smoothly as possible? 

Hover the aircraft over a flat, level surface. Slowly pull the throttle stick down until the aircraft touct1es ths 

ground. 

Why Is the dlschargl!l time of the batt~ not zero, evan though 1 have never used It? 

Every battery is tested prior to being packaged and shipped. This affects the dischar'ge time of a new 

battery and is the reason that the discharge tima Is not zero. The battery is safe to use. 

Ca.n the mobile device hold~r be used on the Phantom 2 series Remote Controller? 

No, it cannot. 

How to safely operat& the aircraft whan encountering compass errot? 

Compass error ma.y occur when the alrcraft is flying close to the $trong electric magnetic sources (e.g. 

power transmission lines). Aircraft Status Indicators blink red and yellow rapidly when compass error 

occurs and DJI Pilot app will display the one of the following messages: 

• Compass error, calibration required 

This warning message indicates the aircraft receives abnormal compass readings. It Is powsr off the 

aircraft and re~callbrate the compass at the different location and resume the flight. 

• Compass error, exit P-GPS Mode 

This warning message indicates that the aircraft Is drifting severaly. Bring the aircraft to a higher altitude 

to gain enough GPS locks when this warning massage is prompted. The flight controller will automatically 

adjust the orientation of the aircraft in the midair to mitigate the drifts. Aircraft will switch back to P~GPS 

mode wt1en the adjustment is done. 
Appendix 

--··· ·--·---..... , __ ,,. ··-····-.,._,,, .. . . ..... ...,..___ .......... ,..... . ...... ,. '··-····· .... " 
Appendix 

i~J?~?.~t#*i99~": .• :;;:?:}~;·_::•· 

Ai~craft 

Weight (Banery & 

Propellers Included) 

Max. Asoent Speed 

Max. Descent Speed 

Max. Speed 

Max. Flight Altitude 

Max. Flight Time 

Operating Temperature 

GPS Mode 

Gimbal· 

Controllable Range 

Vision Positioning 

Velocity Range 

Altitude Range 

Operating Range 

Operating Environment 

Camera · 

Sensor 

Lens 

ISO Range 

Electronic Shutter Speed 

Image Max. Size 

1280g 

5 m/s 

3 m/s 

16 m/s (A Til mode, no wind) 

6000m 

Approximately 23 minutes: 

O"C to40°C 

GPS/GLONASS 

Pitch: - goo to + 30° 

< 8 m/s (2 m above ground) 

30 cm-300 em 

30 cm-300 em 

Brightly lit (lux> iS) patterned surfaces 

Sony EXMOR 1/2.3" t.ffective pixels:12.4 M (total pixels: 12.76 M) 

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

100-3200(video) 10D-1600(photo) 

8$-1/80008 

4000x3000 

Single shoot 

Burst shooting: 3/5(7 frames 

Still Photography Modes Auto Exposure Bracketing (AE8): 3/5 

Supported SD Card Types 

Video Recording Modes 

MID<. 9itrate Of Video 

Storags 

Supported File Formats 

Operating Temperature 

Range 

bracketed frames at 0. 7EV Bias 

Time-lapse 

Micro SD 

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

UHD: 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30 

FHD: 1 920xi 080p 24/25/30/48/50/60 

HD: 1280x720p 24/2.5/30/48/50/60 

60 Mbps 

FAT32/exFAT 

Photo: JPEG, DNG 

Video: MP4/MOV (MPEG·4 AVC/H.264) 

O"C to 40"C 
> "0 

"tl 

(!) 

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0-

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Phantom 3 Prof~nional User Manual 

t:!emote Controller 

Operating Frequency 

Transmitting Distance 

Video Output Port 

Operating Temperature Range 

Battery 

Mobile Device Holder 

Transmitter Power(EIRP) 

Working Voltage 

Charger 

2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz 

2000 m (Outdoor And Unobstructed) 

USB 

6000 mAh UPo 28 

Tablets and smartphones 

FCC: 20 dbm; CE:16 dbm 

1.2 A @7.4 V 

Voltage 17.4 V 

Rated ?ower 1 00 W 

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

Capacity 4480 mAh 

Voltage 15.2V 

Battery Type LiPo 48 

Energy 68Wh 

Net Weight 365 g 

Operating Tatnpt:lrature ~10"0- 4CPC 

Max. Chargil'\g Power 100W 

Nonnal 

·:~:Ri<d!;::,'f'i ...... Red Green and Yellow Flash •' ,.. . ... ' .~\ . ~ 

Alternatively Turning on and Self-Checking 

·\($.:<1.r ...... Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Aircraft Warming Up 

:fJ):. · · · · · · Green Flashes Slowly 

:i~X2 ······Green Flashes Twice 

i?;: · · · · ··Yellow Flashes Slowly '"7"· 

Wamirig 

If/"'"' Fast Yellow Flashing 

·iry\ ..•.. ·Slow Red Flashing 

·i~/· · · · · · · Fast Red Flashing 

:(~\ ······Red Flashing Alternatively 

::.:~'·~Solid Red 

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

Safe to Fly (P-.rrxxle with Vision Positioning but lllli1hout GPS) 

Safe to Fly (Ammode but No GPS and Vision Positioning) 

Remote Controller Signal Lost 

Low Sattery Warning 

Critical Battery Warning 

IMU Error 

Critical Error 

:;~; .. :.:f! · · · · · · R$d and Yellow Flash Alternatively Compass Calibration Required 
Phantom 3 Profess 1oM I User Manual 

·~·1···' t· .... :.,,,:,., .. ::. · : ... ,: .. ~·tL'.t;.;·., •.. · .:· .,::·.:·.>/:. ·(:: ,,:-<6/:: ;.;· ·.'·.<.:·~·.·,;-(·' ;o·· ·.A\:·::~:-:::.: ::·,;;·: · · 

,:·.J:1 .. ~ ..... ,.9E111. ·::~fl.eA~a~Of.l.v~:mtr~ .:.J .:.81 >.:\.'.: .. ::::.:'.::.::'·:, , •, •' ••'''I'• o,,,'' '' :•1''' ,•• , '• ,, • • '••/,',•, 1'' 1 , , ' • •,',, 

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

modes for IOC that can be s!!llected in the OJI Pilot app. IOC only works when the aircraft is in F-mode, 

therefore the user must toggle the flight mode switch to activate IOC. Refer to the table below: 

Course Lock (CL) 

Home Lock (HLY 

Point of Interest (POl? 

The nose direction, at the time that CL is set, will femain ths forward direction 

regardless of how the orientation and position of the aircraft changes. This will 

remain flxsd until you reset it or exit CL mode. 

Reoord a Home Point (HP) and enter HL mode. The forward and backward 

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

Pont regardless of how the orientation and position of the aircraft oha.nges. 

Point ot Interest. Record a point of interest (PO!). The aircraft can then circle 

around the POl and the nose will always points toward the POl. 

~f) "Home Lock and Point of Interest feature are coming soon. 

ICC Requirements 

IOC is only available under the following conditions: 

ModeslOC GPS enabled· GPS courits · Fiight Distance Limits· 

Course Lock No None None 

Home lock Yes ~oil . Aircraft e .,1Qm l Home Point 

POl Yes $\.,,, Aircraft ~ ~llHiCQm , Point of Interest 

Using IOC 

Toggle the Flight Mode Switch F"mode and follow the instructions prompted on the OJI Pilot app to select 

the desired IOC mode_ 

~ 

"tJ 

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:;I 

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:;;:-
Ph:tntom 3 PrQfesJ:>ional U.ser Manual 

J;:6p,.¢o:t1lpiiito'c~. .:· ... :·.;:·: .. •·· ·.· ... 

·· ... : ......... ',', :",':' . .... '-.: .... ,,. .· ............. . 

. · . .::. ,,, ' ·:.: ·~ ..... · ..:·· .... •, .: · ..... . ..: ........... •'\\; 

FCC Compliance 

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

( 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 

(2) This device must ;;J.ccept any interference received, including interference that rnay cause undesired 

operation. 

Changes or modifications not expressly roved by the party responsible for compliance could void the 

user's authority to operata the equipment 

Compliance Information 

FCC Warning Message 

Any Changes or modifications not expressly roved by the party responsible for compliance could void the 

user's authority to operate the equipment. 

lhis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

(1) Thts device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 

received, including intflrference that rnay cause undesired operation. 

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: 

!his equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limlts set forth for an uncontrolled Mvironment. 

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator& 

your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating !n conjunction with any other antenna or 

transmitter. 

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, 

pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against 

harmful interference in a. residential Installation_ This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio 

frequency energy and. if not installed and used in accordance with the Instructions, may cause harmful 

interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in 

a particular installation, If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, 

which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct 

the interferenc8 by one or more of the following measures: 

~r=teorfent or relocate the receiving antenna. 

-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver 

-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. 

--Consult the dealar or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 

IC RSS warning 

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard (s). Operation is subject to the 

following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2} this device must accept any 

lnterference,including interference that may oause undesired operation of the device. 

Ls present arei! est conforme aux CNR d'lndustrle Canada Hcables aux areils radio exempts de licence. 

L'exploitation est autorisee aux deux condltlons suivantes: 

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

(2} l'utilisateur de l'areil doit accepter tout broulllage radio~lectrique subi, m~rne si te brouillage est 

56 !•:,' ··-.•,: .. ·• 1• .\:: i·; ::;'·.:),, r.; .. :::.=: ... ~::~,.·.: 
Ph(lntom 3 Professional User Ham.l<~f 

susceptible d*en compromettre Ia fonotionnement 

lC Radiation Exposure Statement: 

This equipment complies with IC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. 

This transmitter must not be co~tocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. 

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between tt1e radiator& 

your body. 

Any Changes or modifications not expressly roved by the party rasponsible for compliance could void the 

user's authority to operate the equipment. 

KCC Warning Message 

"ml~~1:::!1iii~H:; {fl~ ~ ~3I~~'.::J J~~iiol £.!.£,!;;!~ '2J~Ef~.ill- ~~.e! k]t:liAt; tt >? 'a1ii'L.IC~ ." 

''Siitef J!f--t:Hiil~h~ -@-§ 8 ~n~~t:J '~~~ol ~-~~ 

NCC Warning Message 

1ffil.t.J~ltiBz~!o:N~Jliftt;jfl~;~ 

m+ = fr~Hi!i!?!!~~m'-a-mz i~m~t-t~"!~, ~ ~~t-t:c:L ~ '2EI, fli~~1tmi'"~::r::i~tl§ IH~JQ$ ~ 1m 

*.rJJ-¥~S::I!ms:~at.<:~&mn~" 

m+IZY~~ff£lJJ•t-t~!lt~z~m:fr;wwm:Jilit~~&~tl~5!i!15; ~~~fl"=Fiii~~B~, JJii&§1lAA 

-T~B~n1·1!Ull*itfffl ~ jr,J:ij[-§~til~, t~fiXift-{g)~:mrEf'F~z•~uf! o 1EfJJJ¥t-:t~~·w~~R?§.¥!-§;* 

JBlf~~I~, M~&H~ffl~jm~iJ~~~-Z.~IIc 

)> 

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CD 

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X 
The content is subject to change. 

Download the latest version from 

http://www.dji.com/phantom3 

If you nave any quesuons about thl~ aoournent, pi~~S-{1 oontact DJI by 

sending a masaage to Ooc:Suppert@djl.com. 

@>2015 PJL All Rights Reserved. 

• . • 
PH NTOM3 

!rR-oF.EssioN'AD !'Ao-\/1.\NcED"j '---.. ·-~- '---·~-"--·---·-

SAFETY GUI El!NES 

AND ISCLAIMER 

r··-··· .. ~·-·-'""\ 

1 v-1.0; 2015.4 '----~ .. -· 
NOTICE 

AU instructions and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of SZ DJl 

TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. For up-to-date product information, visit http:/fwww.dji.com and click on the 

Phantom 3 product page. 

Glossary 

The following terms are used througt1out the product literature to indicate various levels of potential harm 

when operating this product 

1 NOTICS J NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property 

damage AND a little or no posslbiHty of injury. 

,..,rc""'XO""fi=(IN""l CAUTION; Procedures, which if not properly followed, creats the probability of physical property 

damage AND a possibility of serious injury. 

'""lfS.-:::WAR=N=IN=Gt WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly iollowed, create the probability of property damage, 

collateral damage, and serious Injury OR create a high probability of supetficial injury. 

& WARNING j Raad the ENTIRE user manual to become familiar with the 1$Atu~ of 

this product befor~ operating. FaUur~ to Of:terat~ the product correctly 

can result In damage to the produc::t or personal property and cause serious Injury. 

This I& a sophisticated produot. It must be operated with caution and common sense and 

requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to O!)'ml.te this product In a safe and responatble 

manner could result in Injury or damage to the product or other property. This product Is not 

inkmded for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not use with Incompatible 

components or alter this product In any way outside of the documents provided by SZ DJI 

TECHNOI.-OOY CO., I.. TO. These Safety Guidelines contaln Instructions for safety, operation and 

malnteoance. H I$ e!l&entlal to read and follow all of the Instructions and wamlngs In the ll$el' 

manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate the product correctly and avoid 

damage or serious Injury. 

Age Recommendittiotl: Not fot< ohlldran under the age of 18. Thi$1$ not a tf)y, 

Pre-flight Checklist 

1) Ensure that you are using only genuine parts and that all parts are in mint condition. 

2) Ensure the remote controller, Intelligent Flight Battery, and mobile device are fully charged. 

3) Ensure that there is no foreign object stuck to the camera lens, the micro-SD card has been Inserted into 

the camera. and the gimbal can mtate freely before powering it on. 

4} Ensure the propellers are securely mounted onto the motors, and the motor$ can start artd function normally. 

5) Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the compass. 

6) Ensure the DJI Pilot app and aircraft's firmware have been upgraded to the latest version. 

7) Ensure the your flight area is outside the No·Fly Zones and flight conditions are suitable for flying the 

aircraft. 

8) Be sure that you are NOT flying under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may Impair 

your cognitive abilities. 

9) Be familiar with the selected flight mode and understand all safety functions and warnings. 

10} Be sure to observe all local regulations, obtain appropriate authorizations, and understand the fisk$. 

REMEMBER: It is solely your respohsibilit:y to comply with all flight regulations. 
Contents 

NOTICE 

GloSSary 

Pre-flight Checkllat 

Disclaimer and Warning 

FCC CQmpllnnce and Ad"lsory 

IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement 

FCC Class B Information 

B~ore You Begin 

Individual Parts 

Regarding Genuine and Functional Parts 

Remote Controller 

Camera 

Gimbal 

Compass 

Propulsion Systems 

DJI PilotApp 

Firmware 

Product Care 

Storage and Transportation 

Maintenance and Upkeep 

Flight Condition Aeq~lr~ments 

Weather Conditions and Surrounding Environment 

; 

3 

3 

3 

3 

5 

5 

5 

5 

6 

6 

6 

7 

8 

8 

10 

10 

10 

11 

11 

interference with Flight Controller, Communications, a.nd Positioning Systems 11 

Operating the Aircraft Responsibly 11 

Flight Modes~ Functions and Warnings 13 

Flight Modes 13 

Failsafe and Return to Home 

Low Battery 

Vision Positioning System 

Compliance with Regulations & No-Fly Zones 

Regulations 

No-Fly Zones 

13 

14 

14 

15 

15 

16 
Disclaimer and Warning 

This product Is NOT a toy and is not suitable for children under the age of 18. Pleass note that the Phantom 

3 I$ not a children's product. Adults should keep the Phantorn 3 out of the reach children and exercise 

caution when operating this aircraft In the presence of childre~. 

This product is a flying camera that offers easy flight when in good working order as set forth below. Visit 

http://WINW.djLcom for the most current instructions and warnings and http://l<nowbsforeyoufly.org/ for more 

information about flight safety and compliance. 

The information in this document affects your safety and your legal rights and responsibt\ities. Read 

this entire document carefully to ensure proper configuration before use. Failure to read and follow the 

instructions and warnings in this document may result in product loss, serious Injury to you, or damage to 

your aircraft. 

By using thia product, you hereby signify that you have read this disclaimer care1utly and that you 

understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions herein. You agree that you are solely 

responsible for your own conduct while using thiS product, and for any consequences thereof. Y()u agree 

to use this product only for purposes that are proper and In accordance with all applicable laws, rule$, and 

regulations, including international and domestic airspace regulations, and an terms, precautions, practices, 

policies and guidelines DJI has made and may make available. You further understand and agree that your 

data including, but not limited to, flight telemetry data and operation records could be uploaded to and 

maintained on a DJI-designated server under certain circumstances. 

DJI accepts no liability for damage, Injury or any legal responsibility incurred directly or Indirectly from the 

use of this prodt.Jct. The user ~hall observe safe and lawful practices including, but not limited to, those set 

forth in these Safety Guidelines. 

FCC Compliance and Advisory 

This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) 

this device may not cause harmful intetierence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received. 

including interference that may cause undesired operation. 

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void 

the user's authority to operate the equipment. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement 

This equipment complies vv\th FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This 

equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 em between the radiator and 

your body, This transmitter must not be co-located or operate In conjunction with any other antenna or 

transmitter. 

FCC Class B Information 

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device. pursuant 

to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection agalnst harmful 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency 

energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference 

to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that Interference will not occur in a particular 

location. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be 

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the lnterfersnce by 

one or more of the following measures: 

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna; 

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver; 

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected; 

• Consu~ the dealer or an experienced radio/N technician for help: 

DJI hereby declares that this product Is In compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant 

provisions of Directive 1995/5/EC. 

DJI_ re:;erves the right to upd~te tllis, disclaimer a~d the Safety Guidelines. Please visit www.dji.com and check your email 

p::modically f?r the latest ~ersiOn. This diSclaimer 1s made in various language ver~ions; in the event of divergenc!ll among 

different versions, the English version shall prevail. 
Before You Begin 

The following documents he.va been produced to help you safely operate arid make full use of your 

Phantom 3: 

In the Box 

Phanl.om 3 Professionei.l/ Advanced Safety Guidelines 

Phantom 3 Professional I Advanced lntell!geht Flight Battery Safety Guidelines 

Ph~ntam 3 Professional/ Advanced Quick Sta.tt Guide 

Phantom 3 Proff;Jssional/ Advanced User Manual 

Check all of the included parts listed in the Phantom 3/n the Box document and read the Phantom 3 Safety 

Guidelines before flight. Th~n prepare for your first flight by using the Phantom 3 Quiok Stt:lrt Guide and 

watching all of the tutorial videos on DJI's official website (http://www.djl.com). If you 11ave questions, refer 

to ths Phantom 3 User Manual in the DJI Pilot app or on DJI's official website for more comprehensive 

information. Make sure you fully understand the functionality of each Individual part, the flight condition 

requirements, the key contingency warning funotions/systems, and all government regulations befme each 

flight. If you have any questions or problems during the assembly, maintenance or use of this product, 

please c'ontact DJI or a DJI authorized dealer. 

Individual Parts 

Regarding Genuine ·and Functional Parts 

(&WARNING) 

To avoid component malfuncUon, serious InJury, and property darnage, observe the following rules: 

1) Use only genuine DJI parts or parts certified by DJI. Unauthorized parta or parts from non~DJI 

cerUfled manufacturers may cause system maHunctlons and compromise safety. 

2) ~nsure there are no foreign obJects (such as water, oil, soli, sand, etc.) Inside of the aircraft or Its 

components. 

3) Ensure the aircraft 1.1nd It$ components -InCluding but not limited to the remote controllarl camera, 

gtmb.al, compau, propuiQion system, and battery- are aU In good working order. damage-free, 

and functioning well. Refer to the remaining sactlons In this document tor more details on how to 

ensure the func:rtlonaUty ¢ 1hese components, 

.. 

Remote Controller 

( NOTICE 

1) l::.nsure the remote controller ia fully charged before each flight. 

2) If the remote controller is powered on and has NOT beel"l used for 5 minutes, it will sound an alert. After 10 

minutes. It will automatically power off. Move the sticks or perform some oth!;lr action to cancel the algrt. 

3) Adjust the clamp of the mobile davica holder to allow a firm grip on your moblle device. 

4) Ensure the mobile device holder ts firmly In place and does not slip. 

5) Ensure the antennas of tha remota controller are unfolded and adjusted to the proper position to l'!!chteve 

optimal transmission quality. 

6) Repair or replace the remote controller if damaged. A damaged remots controller antenna will greatly 
decrease performance. 

7) Unking Is required if you wish to replacs your remote controller or receiver or add a new remote controller. 

Refer to the User Manual for details. 

Camera 

[CAUTION) 

To avoid possible serious injury and property damage, observe the following rule: 

1) Do NOT block any ventilation holes on the carnera as the heat generated may hurt you and damage the 

device. 

( NOTICE ) 

1) Check camera settings before use to make sure you can adjust them to fit your needs. 

2) Test the camera by shooting a few test images and check that it is operating correctly before shooting 

important pictures or videos. 

3) Do NOT remove the micro·SD card from the camera when it is powered on. 

4) Photos or v!deoe cannot be transmittsd or copied from the camera if the Intelligent Flight Sa.ttery is 

powered off. 

5) Be sure to power off the Intelligent Flight Battery correctly, otherwise your camera parameters will NOT 

be saved and any recorded videos may be damaged. NOTE: Regardless of the reason, DJI will not be 

responsible for any failure of an image or video to be recorded or having been recorded in a way that is 

not machine readab!a. 

Gimbal 

[ NOTICE] 

1) Precision elements in the gimbal may be damaged in a collision or impact, which may cause the gimbal 

to function abnormally. 

2) Do NOT apply external force to the gimbal after the girobal is powered on. 

S) Do NOT add any payloads to the gimbal, as thi$ may cause the gimbal to function abnormally or even 

lead to motor damage. 

4) Remove the gimbal clamp before powering on the gimbal. Re-install the gimbal clamp to secure the 

gimbal's position If you are going to store the aircraft for an extended period, 

Compass 

(CAUTION) 

To avoid possible serious injury and property damage, obsetve the following rule: 

1) Land immediately when severe drifting occurs ill flight. i.e., the aircraft does NOT fly in straight lines. 

[ NOTICE_] 

1) Ensure the compass is calibrated before every flight. Failure to calibrate may lead to poor flight 

performance or a crash. 

2} Do NOT attempt to calibrate your compass Where there i$ a chance of strong magnetic interference. 
This lncludes areas where there are masslve metal objects, parking structures, steel reinforcements 

underground, or under bridges. 

3) Oo NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you durlng calibration. such as keys or mobile phones. 

4} The compass should always be calibrated when moving from indoor spaces to outdoor spaces. 

5} If the rear LEOs show a solid red light, compass calibration has tailed. PleaBe recalibrate. 

6) After successful calibration, the compass ma.y b(lcome abnormal whan you place the E!lrcraft on the 

ground. This may be because ot underground magnetic interference. Move the aircraft to another location 

and try again. 

7) When to rscalibrats 

a) When compass data is abnormal, and the Aircraft Status Indicator Is blinking red and yellow. 

b) When flying in a nsw location, or a. loca,tion that is different from your last flight. 

c) When the mechanical structure of the aircraft has changed, i.e. new mounting position of the compass. 

d) Whsn severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the aircraft does NOT fly in straight lines. 

Propulsion Systems 

[&WARNING) 

To avoid serious injury to yourself or other$, which may be caused by the r~ing propellers 

and motors, observe the following rules: 

Propellers 

1) Do NOT use aged, chlpped1 or broken propeller's. 

2) Always power off the aircraft before touching the propellli!I'G, 

3) Be awtne of th& 9harp edges of the propellers when mounting or removing the propellers:, Wear 

gloves or take other protective measures when touching the propellers. 

4} Whenever necessary, use tools (e.g., wrench, &crewdrlver, pliers, etc.) to remove or Install the 

prQpellers. 

5) Ensure the propellers are securely mounted to prev~nt th~rn from falling off the mob>rs. 

6) Do NOT turn on the motors when propellers are mounted and there are other people or animals In 

the Immediate vicinity. 

Motot'$ 

1) Ensure the motors are securely mounted and rotating smoothly. 

2) Do NOT attempt to modify the structure of the motors. 

3) Do NOT touch or I~ your h<~~nd$ or body come In contact wlth the motors after flight ~a they may 

be hot. 

(CAUTIQ]] 

To avoid possible serious injury and property damage, observe the following rules: 

1) Do NOT block any of the ventUation holes on the motors. 

2) Do NOT block any of the ventilation holes on the frame arm of the aircraft. 

[Noriq!= J 

Motors 

1) Keep the motors free of dust. 

2) If a motor Is stuck and unable to rotate freely, execute the CSC (Combination Stick Command) to stop the 

motors immediately. 
Electronic Speed Controllers 

1) Ensure the ESCs sound a normal tune when powered on. 

DJI Pliot App· 

( }!QTICE ) 

1) Be sure to fully charge your tablet or mobile device before launching the DJI Pilot app. A tablet is 

recommended for a better user experience. 

2) If you are using a phone a.s your mobile display device, be sure to continue flying safely when ths phone 

receives an incoming call. Do NOT accept phone calls during flight. 

3) Read all prompted safety tips, warning messages, and disclaimers carefully. Be familiar with the related 

regulation~ ln your area. You ar'<:l :>ololy reGpon:sibla for being ~;~w~re of all relevant regulations and flying in 

a way that Is compliant. 

a) Read and understand the warning messages before using the Auto-take off and Auto-landing faatures. 

b) Read and understand the warning messages before re-setting your Home Point. 

c) Read and understand the warning message and disclaimer before setting the altitude beyond the 

default limit. 

d) Read and understand the warning messages and disclaimer before switching between flight modes. 

4) Land your aircraft immediately if there is an alert shown on the app. 

5) Examine and check all warning messages on the checklist displayed in tha app prior to each flight. 

6) Use tha in-app simulator to practice your flight sl~llls if you have never operated the aircraft or If you do not 

have sufficient sxparience to be comfortable operating the aircraft. 

7) Beginner Mode is enabled by default when you launch the DJI Pilot app for the first time. The aircraft's 

altitude and flight distance is restricted when flying in Beginner Mode. We recommend you fly in Beginner 

Mode to peliect your flight skills. Operate the actual aircraft only after you are confident that you have 

mastered adequate flight skills. 

S) Cache the map data of the area where you intend to fly the aircraft by connecting to the Internet before 

each flight. 

Firmware 

To avoid serious injury to children and animals, observe the following rule; 

1) Keep children ~nd animals at a safe distance during any firmware upgrade, system 

caUbratlon, and patameter setting procedures. 

( NOTI¢_E ) 

1) For safety, always update the iirmware to the latest version when an upgrade notification Is showh in the 

OJI Pilot app. 

2) Firmware upgrade notifications will prompt you to proceed with an update immediately or to update 

the firmware within three days. If you choose to ignore the current firmware update, you are rf:lquired 

to accept the promptsd clisclaimer. You further undaretand and agree that the data includlng but not 

limited to flight telemetry data and user selection records may be uploaded to and maintained on a DJI~ 

designated server. 
3) Be sure to download the firmware package file from the official OJI webs~a. Verity the firmware package 

file's integrity before upgrading. 

4) Be aure to update the remote controller's firmware to the latest version after you update the aircraft's 

flrmware. 

5) The remote controller may become unlinked from the aircraft after updating. Re-llnk the remote controller 

and aircraft 

6) Be sure to check all connections and remove the propellers from the motors before performing the 

firmware update. 

7) Ensure there is only one firmware package file stored on yOur SD card. 

8) Only storage devices that are formatted for FAT32 and exFAT file systems a.re supported for aircraft and 

rarnote COfltroller firmware updates. 

9) Delete any automatically generated .txt files on the SO card when updating multiple remote controllers. 
Product Care 

Storage an~ Transportation 

~WAR~.ING) 

To avoid seriOu$lnjury to children and animals, obsenre the following rule; 

1) Small parts, such as cables and straps, ara ctangsous If swallowed. Keep all parts out of reach of 

children and animal~. 

( NOT/c~:J 

1) Store the Intelligent Right Battery and remote controller in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight 

to ensure the built-in UPo battery does NOT overheat. Recommended storage temperature: between 

22°C and 2W'C for storage periods of more than three months. Never store in environments outside the 

temperature;~ range of -20°C to 45°C. 

2) Do NOT allow the camera to come into contact with, or become immersed in, water or other liquids. If it 

gets wet, wipe dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Turning on an aircraft that has fallen into water may cause 

permanent component damage. Do NOT use ~ubstances containing alcohol, benzene, thinners or other 

flammable substances to clean or maintain the camera. Do NOT store the camera in humid or dusty 

areas. 

3) Do NOT conne!Ct this product to any USB interface that is older than version 2.0. Do NOT connect this 

product to any ''powar USB" or similar devices. 

Maintenance and Upkeep 

( NOTICE ) 

1) Check every part of the aircraft after MY crash or violent impact. If you have any problems or questions, 

please contact a DJI authorized dealer. 

2) Regularly check the Battery Level Indicators to see the current batterY level and overall battery life. When 

the battery life reaches 0%, it can no longar be used. 
Flight Condition Requirements 

Weather Conditions and Surrounding Environment: 

(& WARN~~G) 

The aircraft Is de!!!lgned to operate In good to moderate weather conditions. To avoid collision, serious 

Injury and property damage, obServe the following rules: 

1) tJo NOT use the aircraft In severe weather conditions. ThMG Include wind speeds exceeding 10 mls, 

snow, rain, smog, heavy wind, hall, lightning~ tornadoes or hurrlcarl$, 

2) Keep the alrCii!.ft ~ least 10 meters (30 feet) tfNay from obsta.cJes, people, animals, buildings~ public 

lnfr~lltruoture, trees, and bodies of water when In flight. Stay even further away from the above 

objects as your attitude lncraaaas. 

3) Be EXTRA c;autlous when operating the alroraft Indoors. 

( NOTte~:] 

1) Aircraft and battery performance ia subject to environmental factors such as air density and temperature. 

a) Se very careful when flying 20,000 fset (6,000 meters) or more above sea level as battety and aircraft 

performance may be reduced. 

2) Do NOT use the aircraft near accidents, fire, explosions, floods, tsunamis, avalanches. landslides, 

earthquakes, dust, or aandstorms. 

Interference with Flight Controller, Communications, and Positioning Systems 

[NOTICE ) 

1) Fly in open areas. Tall buildings or steel structures may affect the accuracy of the on~board compass and 

block the GPS signaL 

2) Avoid interference between the remote controller and oth111r wireless equipment Make sure to turn off the 

Wi·F1 on your mobile device. 

3) Do NOT fly near areas with magnetic or radio interference. These include but are NOT lim~ed to: high 

voltage lines, large scale power transmission stations or mobile base stations and broadcasting towers. 

Failing to do so may compromise the transmission quality of this product or cause remote controller and 

video transmission errors which may affect flight orientation and location accuracy. The aircraft may 

behave abnormally or go out of control in areas with too much interference. 

Operating the Aircraft Responsibly 

(4. ~ARNI'i§) 

To avoid serious fnjury and property damage, observe the following rum: 

1) Make sure you are NOT drunk, taking druga, under the Influence of an(lsthesla, or autferlng from 

dl22:lness~ fatigue, nausea or any other conditions, whether physical or mental, that could Impair 

your ability to operate the aircraft safely. 

2) Do NOT perform the Combination Stick Commanda whan alrcfaft lo In midair, otherwise 1tle tnotors 

will .atop. 
3) upon landing, power off the aircraft fir~ th&h switch off tha remote cormoller. 

4) Do NOT drop, launch, tire or otherwise project any dangerous payloads on or at any buildings, 

persons or animals, or Which could cause personal InJury or property damage. 

( NOTICE ) 

I) Make sure you have been sufficiently trained and are fully aware of any contingency plans before 

accidents happen. 

2) Make sure you have a flight plan and never fly the aircraft recklessly. 

3) Respect the privacy of others when using tha camera. Make sure you comply with local privacy laws, 

regulations, :iind moral standards. 

4) Do NOT use this product for any reason other than general personal use. Do NOT use it for any illegal or 

inappropriate purpose (such as spyipg, military operations, or unauthorized investigations). 

5) Do NOT use this product to defame, abuse, harass, $talk, threaten or otheNVise violate the legal rights (such 

as the right of privacy and publicity) of others. 

6) Do NOT trespass into prlvate property of others. 
Flight Modes, Functions and Warnings 

Flight Modes 

To avoid &erlous Injury and properly damage, observe the following rule: 

1) Do NOT switch from P mode to either A mode or F mode unless you are sufficiently familiar with 

the aircraft's behavior tot each flight mode, slnca dlsttbllng GPS rnay resuH In baing unable to land 

tha aircraft safely. 

P mode Is preferred tor most flying scenarios. Users can switch to A mode where and when P mode is 

unavailable. Be aware that some features are NOT available for A mode, and therefore be EXTRA cautious 

when flying in A modei) P mode {Positioning): P mode works best when the GPS signal is strong. There are three different states 

of P mode, which will be automatically $elected by the Phantom 3 depending on GPS signal strength and 

VIsion Positioning sensors: 

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

b) P-OPTI: If GPS is NOT available. the aircraft will use the Vision Posit!oning System to hover accurately, 

Note that the Vision Positioning System may NOT work properly when the Phantom 3 is flying over 

water, over surfacea without a. clear pattern, or in a low light environment. 

c) P-ATTI: When neither GPS nor Vision Positioning ls available, the aircraft is using only its barometer for 

positioning, so only altitude is controlled. 

2) A mode (Attitude): The GPS and Vision Positioning System are NOr used for positioning. The aircraft only 

uses its barometer to maintain altitude. If it is still receiving a GPS signal, the aircraft can automatically 

return home if the Remote Controller signal is lost and if the Home Point has been recorded successfully. 

3) F rnoda (Function}; Intelligent Orientation Control (ICC) Is activated in this mode. Ensure you are familiar 

with 100 functions before use. 

If you intend to switch to modes that disable GPS as1:listance (e.g., A mode), you are required to accept the 

prompted disclaimer to enable this ftmctlon. If this function is enabled, you further understand and agree 

that data including but not limited to flight telemetry data and function records could be uploaded to and 

maintained on a OJI designated server. 

Failsafe ·and Return to Home 

( NOTICg] 

1) The Return to Hams feature will NOT work If the GPS signal is insufficient or if GPS is not active. 

2) Press the RTH (Return to Home) Button on the remote controller to bring the aircraft back to the Home 

Point instead of turning off the remote controller. 

3) Tall buildings may adversely affect the Failsafe function. Please adjust the aircre:ft location, altitude and 

speed while returning home to avoid obstacles. 

4) Mak~ sure to always fly the aircraft within the transmission range of the remote controller. 

5) When updating the Home Point, do NOT block the GPS signal of the remote controller and ensure the new 
Home Point is correct on the live map. 

6) Only use the Failsafe and Return to Home functions in case of emergency, as they may be affected by the 

weather, the environment or any nearby magnetic fields. 

7) The aircraft cannot avoid obstacles during the Failsafe RTH; therefore it is important to set an appropriate 

J=ailsafe altitude before each flight. 

8) When flying indoors, the aircraft cannot perform precision hovering when flying above the surfaces that do 

not have a clear pauern. Refer to the ''VIsion Positioning System" section for complete Indoor flying criteria. 

Low Battery 

( NOTICE ] 

1) When the Critical Battery Level Warning activates and the aircraft is descending automatically, you may 

push the throttle up to maintain the ~;~iroraft's altitude and navigate it to a more appropriate location for 

landing. 

2) When battery warnings are triggered. promptly bring the aircraft back to the Home Point or land to avoid 

losing powE!r du(ing flight and causing damage 1o the aircraft, property, animals, and people. 

Vision .Positioning System 

( NOTICI{.) 

1) The Vision Positioning System cannot work properly over surte.ces that do NOT have pattern variations. 

Tha affective altitude for the Vision Positioning System to function correctly is less than 2.5 meters above 

ground level (AGL). 

2) The Vision Positioning System may NOT function properly when the aircraft is flying over water. 

3) Ke$p your pets away from the aircraft when the VIsion Positioning System is activated, as the sonar 

sensors emit a high frequency sound that is only audible to some pets. 

4) Note that the Vision Positioning System may NOT function properly when the aircraft is flying too faSt or too 

low. 

5) Operate the aircraft cautiously when in any of the following situations: 

a) Flying over monochrome surfaces (e.g., pure black, pure white, pure red, pure gr~en). 

b) Flying over highly reflective surfaces; 

c) Flying at high speeds (over 8m/s at 2 meters or ov~r 4rn/s at i rneter); 

d) Flying over water or transparent surfaces; 

e) Flying over moving surfaces or objects: 

f) Flying in an area where the lighting changes frequently or drastically; 

g) Flying over extremely dark (lux< 10) or bright (lux> 10,000) surfaces; 

h) Flying over surfaces that can absorb sound waves (e.g., thick carpet). 

i ) Flying over surfaces without clear patterns or texture; 

j) Flying over Sl.lrfaces wlth identical repeating patterns or textures (e.g, tiles with same design); 

k) Flying over inclined surfaces that will deflect sound waves away from tht; airoraft 

6) In the event or loss of the remote controller's signal, the aircraft will hover tor 8 seconds and then awto-land 

if it is in ··p•• mode. 
Compliance with Regulations & No-Fly Zones 

Regulations 

(&WARNING) 

To avoid non-compliant behavior, serious Injury and property d8mage, observe the following rules: 

1) Do NOT operate In the 'lllclnlty of m~nned aircraft, regardless of altitude. (Land Immediately If 

necessary) 

2) Do NOT fly the aircraft In densely popula~ areal!, Including cltiGe, sporting evente! exhlbltlon$, 

performances, etc, 

3) Do NOT fly the aircraft above the authorized a.IUtude. Remain well clear of and do NOT Interfere 

with manned aln::ratt operations. ae aware of and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times. 

(CAUTION) 

To avoid non-compliant behavior, serious injury and property damag~, observe the following rules: 

1) Do NOT fly the aircraft within, near, or otherwise inside no·fly zones specified by local laws and 

regulations. The no-fly ~one li$t inclwdes: airports, borders betvveen two sovereign countries or regions, 

major cities, etc., and is continuously updated. 

2) Do NOT fly the aircraft above tile authorized altitude 

3) ALWAYS keep your aircraft within visual line of sight (VLOS), and use an observer to assist if needed. 

4) NEVER use tha aircraft to carry illegal or dangerous goods/payloads. 

( NOTIG~::::J 

1) Make sure you understand the natureltype of your flight operation (such as for recreation, for public use1 or for 

commercial use) and have obtained corresponding approval and clearance from the related government 

agencies before flight. Consultwith your local regulators for comprehensive definitions and spacific 

requirements. For users operating their aircraft in the United States, please first visit http://www. 

knowbeforeyoLifly.org/ and take action appropriate to your circumstances. 

2) Plaasi\1 note that remote controlled aircratt may be banned from conducting commercial activities in 

cartain countries and regions. 

3) Do NOT fly around sensitive Infrastructure or property such as power stations. water treatment facilities, 

correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, military zones, etc. 

4) Respect the privacy of others when using the camera. Oo NOT conduct survelllance operations such 

as image capture or video recording on any person, entity, evsnt, performance, exhibition, and prop@rty 

without authorization or where there is an expectation of privacy, even if the image or vldoo is captured tor 

personal usa. 

5) P!ea.se be advised the.t jn oertaln areas, the recording of images and videos from events, performances, 

exhibitions, or commsrcial properties by means of a camera may contravene copyright or other legal 

rights. even if the image or video was shot for personal use. In addition, aircraft are banned from 

conducting commercial activities In certain countriE;!s and regions. Check and follow all local laws and 

ordinances before flying as those rules may differ from those stated here. 
( i/OTI¢~ ) 

OJI always strssses safety during ftlght. and has therefore developed various aids to help users comply with 

local rules and regulations while flying. We strongly recommend that you llpdate the firmware to the latest 

version to e11sure the the following features are fully updated: 

No-Fly Zones 

1) No-Fly Zones include but are not limited to major airports around world, borders between two sovereign 

countries or regiona, major cities/region$, etc. 

2) The complete list of No-Hy Zones is listed on the official DJI website at http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly and is 

subject to periodic updates in line with the letest regulatory requirements without prior notice. 

3) Some No-Fly Zones are comprised of several zones. Each zone features olroles ot various sizes. The 

aircraft will NOT be able to take off in the Inner most zone of the No-Fly Zone, and will de~cenc.i to the 

specified altitude when it approaches the edge of the inner most zone. Ground station functionality is 

disabled when the aircraft is within a No--Fly Zone .. 

4) Users are NOT able to set up waypolnts within No-Fly Zones. 

AHitude Limit 

1) Fly NO higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level and stay away from any surrounding 

obstacles .. 

If you intend to fly above the default altitude limit, you are required to accept th~;: prompted disclaimer to 

enable the new altitude limit. lf a new altitude limit is set, you further understand and agree that data including 

but not limited to flight telemetry data and altitude limit changes could be uploaded to and maintained on a 

DJI-.designated server. 
This content I$ subject to change. 

Download the latest version from 

www.dJI.com/support 

If you have any ql.lest!OI'JS atloullhie, document, pleas0 contact DJI by 

51!lnding a message to DoOSupport@djl.com. 

@ 2015 DJL All Rights Res$rved.