April 21, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

FLIGHT GUARDIAN, LLC’S PETITION FOR EXEMPTION TO 

OPERATE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO 

SECTION 333 OF THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 

Proposed Use: Closed-Set Filming In The Motion Picture 

And Televisions Industries 

Proposed Aircraft: DJI Phantom 2 

Petitioner’s Name 

and Address:

FLIGHT GUARDIAN, LLC 

Attention: David Paul Hilton 

3535 Peachtree Road 

Suite 520-425 

Atlanta, Georgia 30326 

Phone: 404.229.3043 

Email: david.hilton@flightguardian.com 

 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 2 

I. Summary. 

Pursuant to Section 333(a) through (c) (“Section 333”) of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012 ("Reform Act")1 and the Federal Aviation Administrations’ (“FAA”) 

general exemption authority under 49 U.S.C. §44701(f), Flight Guardian, LLC (“Petitioner”) 

petitions for exemption from 14 Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) sections: 61.113(a) & 

(b), 61.133(a), 91.7(a), 91.9 (b)(2), 91.103(b)(1), 91.119 (c), 91.121, 91.151, 91.203(a) & (b), 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), 91.417(a) & (b). The proposed exemptions, if granted, 

would allow Petitioner to operate small unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS") weighing 55 

pounds or less for the purpose of closed-set filming of motion pictures, music videos, web 

videos, corporate videos, television programs and commercials, and still photography. 

Additionally the collection of agriculture and conservation supporting scientific data in FAA 

approved COE’s. 

Based on the small size of Petitioner’s UAS, the qualifications and experience of 

Petitioner’s UAS operators, and the restricted, sterile environment within which Petitioner 

will operate, the requested exemptions fall squarely within the zone of safety envisioned by 

Congress and set forth in Section 333. Additionally, the enhanced safety achieved by 

replacing significantly larger manned aircraft carrying crew and flammable fuel with small 

UAS carrying no passengers or crew and operated under the specific guidelines and 

procedures proposed by Petitioner gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS 

operations enabled by this petition are in the public interest. Moreover, the requested 

exemptions are similar in all material aspects to the requests for which exemptions have 

been previously granted, e.g., Exemption Nos. 11289, 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213. 

Thus, the requested exemptions should be granted. 

II. Identity of Petitioner. 

Flight Guardian is a Georgia limited liability company presently managed by a 

seasoned business owner familiar with federally regulated operations, a veteran lawenforcement professional experienced in the process for obtaining emergency COAs, and a 

commercial pilot. 

III. Statutory Authority for Exemptions. 

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) possesses both 

general and specific authority to grant the requested exemption. 

First, the FAA Administrator may exempt an operator from FAA safety regulations 

and minimum standards when the Administrator concludes that the exemption is in the 

public interest. See 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(f), 40113, 44701(±) (permitting exemptions from§§ 

44701(a), (b) and§§ 44702-44716, et seq.). A party requesting an exemption must explain 

 

1 Pub. L. 112-95 (2012), 126 Stat. 11 (2012). 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 3 

why the exemption: (1) would benefit the public as a whole, and (2) would not adversely 

affect safety (or how it would provide a level of safety at least equal to the existing rules). 

See 14 C.F.R. § 11.81 (petitions for exemption). 

Second, Section 333 of the Reform Act specifically authorizes the FAA Administrator 

to grant exemptions for operation of UAS. Indeed, the Reform Act directs the Administrator 

to (1) undertake formal rulemaking to speed up the integration of UAS into the national 

airspace (“NAS”) but in the meanwhile, (2) to permit unmanned aircraft systems to operate 

in the NAS if doing is in the public interest, does not pose a threat to national security, and 

does not create a hazard to users of the NAS, taking into consideration the following: 

 The UAS's size, weight, speed, and operational capability; 

 How close the UAS would operate to airports and populated areas; 

 That the operator would keep the UAS in his direct, visual line of sight. 

Thus, the FAA has full authority to grant the requested exemptions. 

IV. Specific Regulations for Which an Exemption is Sought. 

Petitioner requests exemptions from the following regulations: 

Section 61.113 prescribes that “no person who holds a private pilot certificate may 

act as a pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for 

compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in 

command of an aircraft,” (see Section 61.113(a)), and that “a private pilot may, for 

compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any 

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

and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire,” (see 

Section 61.113(b)). 

Section 61.133(a) sets forth privileges for persons holding commercial pilot 

certificates, including a provision impliedly limiting to persons holding a commercial pilot 

certificate the ability to act as pilot in command of an aircraft “[f]or compensation or hire.” 

Section 91.103(b)(1) prescribes, in pertinent part, that each pilot in command shall, 

before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that 

flight, to include, “For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended October 1, 2014 

use, and the following takeoff and landing distance information:... For civil aircraft for 

which an approved Airplane or 5 Rotorcraft Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing 

distance data is required, the takeoff and landing distance data contained therein.” 

Section 91.119(c) prescribes that, except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no 

person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes: “Over other than congested 

areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 4 

populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any 

person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.” 

Section 91.121 requires, in pertinent part, each person operating an aircraft to 

maintain cruising altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set “to the elevation of the 

departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.” 

Section 91.151(a) prescribes that no person may begin a 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 that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) at night, to fly after that for at 

least 45 minutes. 

Section 91.203 prohibits, in subpart (a), any person from operating a civil aircraft 

unless it has within it (1) an appropriate and current airworthiness certificate; and (2) an 

effective U.S. registration certificate issued to its owner or, for operation within the United 

States, the second copy of the Aircraft Registration Application as provided for in October 1, 

§ 47.31(c). Section 91.203 prescribes, in subpart (b), that no person may operate a civil 

aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate or a special flight authorization issued under 

§91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or 

crew. 

Section 91.405(a) requires, in pertinent part, that an aircraft operator or owner 

shall have the aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of the same part and shall, 

between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of the same section, have 

discrepancies repaired as prescribed in Part 43 of the chapter. 

Section 91.407(a)(1) prohibits, in pertinent part, any person from operating an 

aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, or 

alteration unless it has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under § 

43.7 of the same chapter. 

Section 91.409(a)(2) prescribes, in pertinent part, that no person may operate an 

aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had an inspection for the 

issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter. 

Sections 91.417(a) and (b) prescribe, in pertinent part, that- 

(a) Each registered owner or operator shall keep the following records 

for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section: 

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alteration and 

records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved 

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

each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must 

include- 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 5 

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

work performed; and 

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

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

aircraft for 

return to service. 

(2) Records containing the following information: 

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

and each rotor. 

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

propeller, rotor, and appliance. 

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

which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis. 

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

the last inspection required by the inspection program under which 

the aircraft and its appliances are maintained. 

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

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

or safety directive number and revisions date. If the AD or safety 

directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the next 

action is required. 

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

major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, 

rotors, propellers, and appliances. 

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

prescribed: 

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

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

is performed. 

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

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

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of 

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

approved for return to service. 

V. Petitioner’s Proposed Operations Satisfy Section 333. 

A. Unmanned Aircraft System 

The UAS to be operated under this request are less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, will be 

operated at a speed of no more than 87 knots (See, e.g., Exemption No. 11289 (Bird’s Eye 

Solutions), p. 3, Condition (“C.”) 3), carry neither a pilot nor passenger, carry no explosive 

materials or flammable liquids, and operate exclusively within a secured area. Petitioner’s 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 6 

UAS use a radio frequency spectrum for operation and control that complies with Federal 

Communications Commission (“FCC”) requirements, and Petitioner has integrated safety 

features into the UAS, as described in the Film and Motion Picture Flight Operations 

Manual (“FMPFOM”) and Appendix A. Petitioner is tendering the FMPFOM under 

separate cover as a Confidential document as defined in 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b). The entire 

FMPFOM contains confidential commercial and proprietary information that the Petitioner 

has not and shall not share. The operating conditions and procedures contained in the 

Operations Manual are not available to the public and are protected from release under the 

Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552 et seq., and any other requirements established 

by the FAA pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act. 

Petitioner’s UAS are equipped with redundant safety mechanisms allowing them to 

operate safely after experiencing certain in-flight failures. If a lost-link event occurs, 

including the loss of ground communications and/or the loss of a GPS signal, Petitioner’s 

UAS have the ability to perform a pre-coordinated, predictable, automated flight maneuver 

and return to a predetermined location within a designated security perimeter for landing. 

The UAS further have the ability to abort a flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or 

emergencies. All flights will be terminated after a maximum of 30 minutes or with 25% 

remaining battery power, whichever occurs first. Thus, good cause exists for granting 

Petitioner’s requested relief from 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a) (setting forth fuel requirements for 

flight in VFR conditions). 

Petitioner’s UAS will be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 

14 C.F.R. Part 47, and have identification (N-Number) markings in accordance with 14 

C.F.R. Part 45, Subpart C. Markings will be as large as practicable. 

Regarding Petitioner’s requested relief from 14 C.F.R. § 91.121 (Altimeter Settings), 

Petitioner seeks such relief because Petitioner will not have a typical barometric altimeter 

onboard the UAS. Instead, altitude information will be provided to the UAS PIC via a 

digitally encoded telemetric data feed, which downlinks from the aircraft to a ground-based 

on-screen display. The altitude information will be generated by equipment installed 

onboard the UAS, using GPS triangulation, digitally encoded barometric altimeter, radio 

altimeter, or any combination thereof. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point 

will be established and confirmed for accuracy by the UAS PIC. Thus, good cause exists for 

granting the requested relief from 14 C.F.R. § 91.121. 

Given the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the aircraft 

to be utilized by the applicant, an exemption from 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H 

(Airworthiness Certificates), subject to certain conditions and limitations, is warranted (if 

necessary) and meets the requirements for an equivalent level of safety under 14 C.F.R. 

Part 11 and Section 333. The UAS operated without an airworthiness certificate in the 

restricted environment and under the conditions and limitations proposed by Petitioner will 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 7 

be at least as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) operating 

with an airworthiness certificate issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and not 

subject to the proposed limitations and conditions. 

Petitioner will strictly comply with safety and maintenance procedures included in 

all applicable UAS manufacturer’s instructions and operating manuals. To the extent such 

information is not included in the guidelines developed by the manufacturers, Petitioners 

will develop and document maintenance, overhaul, replacement, and inspection 

requirements, procedures to document and maintain maintenance records with regard to 

Petitioner’s UAS, and UAS technician qualification criteria. Petitioner’s operations 

manuals will include maintenance requirements for Petitioner’s UAS, including “oncondition” maintenance and modifications. In light of these mitigating factors, exemptions 

from 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b) are 

warranted. 

B. UAS Pilot in Command 

Petitioner’s UAS pilot in command (PIC) shall hold a recreational or sport pilot 

certificate, and valid driver’s license to satisfy the medical requirement. According to the 

FAA, “the FAA considers the overriding safety factor for the limited operations proposed by 

the petitioner to be the airmanship skills acquired through UAS-specific flight cycles, flight 

time, and specific make and model experience, culminating in verification through testing.” 

See Exemption No. 11062, Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0352, at p. 18. With those 

factors in mind, Petitioner’s UAS PIC shall be required to meet several conditions and 

limitations as outlined in the FMPFOM, including the following: 

 The UAS PIC will have accumulated and logged a minimum of 200 flight cycles 

and 25 hours of total time as a UAS pilot and at least 10 hours logged as a UAS 

pilot with a similar UAS type (single blade or multirotor). 

 The UAS PIC will have accumulated and logged a minimum of five hours of 

flight time with the specific make and model of the UAS to be utilized for 

operations under the exemption and three take-offs and landings in the 

preceding 90 days. 

 The UAS PIC will have successfully completed the qualification process as 

specified in the operations manuals, to include a knowledge and skill test. 

Regarding Petitioner’s requested relief from 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a), it is Petitioner’s 

understanding that Petitioner’s UAS will not require an airworthiness certificate in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and that exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a) 

is therefore unnecessary. To the extent such an exemption is deemed necessary, Petitioner 

asserts that it should be granted in light of the safety procedures proposed herein. In 

accordance with the pertinent part of 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(b), the operator in command of 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 8 

Petitioner’s UAS shall be responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in a safe 

condition for flight. Petitioner’s manuals for maintenance and operations shall include 

safety checklists to be used by the operator in command prior to each flight. 

Regarding Petitioner’s requested relief from 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(b)(2) (Civil aircraft 

flight manual, marking, and placard requirements and § 91.203(a) and (b), (Civil aircraft: 

certifications required), it is Petitioner’s understanding that relief from these regulations is 

no longer necessary in light of the FAA Memorandum “Interpretation regarding whether 

certain required documents may be kept at an unmanned aircraft’s control station,” dated 

August 8, 2014. To the extent the FAA deems an exemption from this section necessary for 

Petitioner’s proposed operations, such exemption should be granted in light of the 

mitigating fact that Petitioner will maintain the documents required under 14 C.F.R. §§ 

91.9 and 91.203 at the UAS ground control station during flights. Additionally, 100% of 

Petitioner’s operations will utilize a visual observer (“VO”). The VO may be used to satisfy 

the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and 

the PIC will be able to communicate verbally at all times during operational flights. 

Regarding Petitioner’s requested relief from 14 C.F.R. § 91.103(b)(1), Petitioner will 

comply with the other applicable procedures and requirements stated in § 91.103(a) and (b). 

Specifically, the PIC will take all actions including reviewing weather, flight battery 

requirements, aircraft performance data, and landing and takeoff distances before 

initiation of a flight. The PIC will also account for all relevant site-specific conditions in 

their preflight procedures. Risks presented by sun glare will be mitigated by the PIC’s and 

VO’s ability to see other air traffic and initiate a return-to-home sequence if needed. 

C. Operating Parameters of Petitioner’s UAS 

Petitioner’s UAS operations will be conducted within a sterile environment of closedset filming. In this controlled environment, Petitioner’s operations will remain within 

VLOS of the PIC and VO, below 400 feet AGL, and at speeds below 87 knots. See 

Exemption No. 11289, p. 3, C. 3, 4) Only participating persons will be permitted within the 

operating area. Consistent with the relief typically provided to manned operations under 

FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 8, Section 1, Petitioner requests relief from 14 C.F.R. 

§ 91.119(c) with respect to those participating persons, vehicles, and structures directly 

involved in the performance of the actual filming. Regarding distance from participating 

persons, the operations manuals set forth safety factors for authorized and consenting 

production personnel. Because those procedures are specific to participating persons, no 

further FSDO or aviation safety inspector approval is necessary for reductions to the 

distances specified in Petitioner’s manuals. 

Regarding the distance from nonparticipating persons, Petitioner will ensure that no 

persons are allowed within 500 feet of the operating area except those consenting to be 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 9 

involved and necessary for the filming production, with the possibility of reducing this 

distance to no less than 200 feet if it would not adversely affect safety and the 

Administrator has approved it. This is consistent with FAA Order 8900.1, V3, C8, S1. 

Petitioner will not conduct UAS operations within 5 nautical miles of the geographic 

center of a non-towered airport unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained and the operation is conducted in accordance with a Notice to 

Airmen (“NOTAM”). Additionally, Petitioner will not operate in Class B, C, or D 13 airspace 

without written approval from the FAA. Nor will Petitioner operate the UAS 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. 

Petitioner’s UAS will remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned 

operations and activities at all times (including, but not limited to, ultralight vehicles, 

parachute activities, parasailing activities, and hangliders). 

Although Petitioner seeks to comply with the waiver process as described in FAA 

Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 8, Section 1 (Issue a Certificate of Waiver for Motion 

Picture and Television Filming), the current section of Order 8900.1 has specific processes 

that preclude a jurisdictional FAA FSDO from issuing the required Certificate of Waiver, 

because the section did not originally provide for UAS operations. Thus, Petitioner seeks 

exemption from the applicable regulations normally waived during that process. Petitioner 

proposes that the FAA include the required notifications and coordination with 

jurisdictional FSDOs through the conditions and limitations accompanying the requested 

exemption, and that the exemption sought herein will take the place of the Certificate of 

Waiver normally issued by a jurisdictional FSDO under 8900.1. Under this rubric, 

Petitioner will notify every FSDO with jurisdiction over the area that Petitioner plans to 

operate, just as with manned filming operations, and those FSDOs will have the ability to 

coordinate further conditions and limitations with the UAS Integration Office to address 

any local concerns. 

Petitioner will obtain an Air Traffic Organization (“ATO”) issued Certificate of 

Waiver or Authorization (“COA”) prior to conducting any operations under this grant of 

exemption. In fulfilling its requirements under the COA, Petitioner will be required to 

request a NOTAM not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to 

the operation. 

D. The Requested Exemption Promotes the Public Interest 

The enhanced safety achieved by replacing significantly larger manned aircraft 

carrying crew and flammable fuel with small UAS carrying no passengers or crew and 

operated under the specific guidelines and procedures proposed by Petitioner gives the FAA 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 10 

good cause to find that the UAS operations enabled by the instant Petition are in the public 

interest. Moreover, as the FAA has already recognized, “UAS provide an additional tool for 

the filmmaking industry, Agriculture and Conservation adding a greater degree of 

flexibility, which supplements the current capabilities offered by manned aircraft.” See 

Exemption No. 11062, Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0352, at p. 22. 

VI. Privacy 

All flights will occur over private or controlled access property with the 

property owner’s prior consent and knowledge. Filming will be of people who have 

also consented to being filmed or otherwise have agreed to be in the area where 

filming will take place. 

VII. Conclusion 

For the reasons explained above, the regulatory exemptions requests should be 

granted, and Petitioner should be permitted to conduct small UAS operations for the 

purpose of closed-set filming using the DJI Phantom 2 UAS. 

Respectfully submitted, 

FLIGHT GUARDIAN, LLC 

/s/ David Paul Hilton 

David Paul Hilton 

Manger 
Petition of Flight Guardian, LLC Page 11 

Appendix A – Flight Manual 

Flight Restrictions 

(1) No flight will be made with a UA Gross weight exceeding 55 pounds; 

(2) All operations must occur in FAA approved airspace at no more than 400' AGL, at an airspeed of 

no more than 87 knots and no further than 3/4 NM from the PIC; 

(3) All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO and PIC must be able to communicate 

verbally at all times during a flight operation; 

(4) Operations will be restricted to flights over private property with the permission of the property 

owner; 

(5) The PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51 (b), a 

minimum of 100 flight cycles and 25 hours of total time as a UA rotorcraft pilot and at least ten 

hours logged as a UA pilot with a similar UA type; 

(6) All required permits will be obtained from state and local government prior to operation; 

(7) The UA will not be operated over densely populated areas; 

(8) The UA will not be operated at air shows; 

(9) The UA will not be operated over any open-air assembly of people; 

(10) The UA will not be operated over heavily trafficked roads; 

(11) The UA will not be operated within 5 NM of an airport or heliport without written permission 

Airport Manager. 

(12) Operations will be restricted to day only and weather conditions equivalent to VFR; 

(13) The PIC will brief the VO and property owner about the operation and risk before the first flight at 

each new location; 

(14) No flight may be made without a successful Pre-Flight Inspection by the PIC before each operation 

to ascertain that the UA is in a condition safe for flight. 

Pic Should Verify The Following Items Before Starting The Pre-Flight Process 

(1) Verify COA Approved 

(2) Verify NOTAM Filed (if applicable) 

(3) Verify FSDO coordination completed 

(4) Verify closest Unicom/Tower Frequency for Monitoring. 

Pre-Flight Checklist 

(1) Check UA battery health (press self check button) verify 4 green bars illuminate 

(2) Check all wiring connections are tight; 

(3) Check all propellers are undamaged and no cracks exist in any structural members of the UA; 

(5) Turn on radio controller, move all control switches to forward or UP position and throttle control 

stick neutral position; 

(6) Turn On UA power 

(7) Await Aft Lights to flash green 

(8) Turn on transmitter and camera. 

Pre-Takeoff Checklist 

(1) Confirm Green Lights on aircraft 

(2) Confirm Observer is ready 

(3) Confirm area cleared of all non-essential personnel 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.1 | 

PHANTOM 2 User Manual V1.1 

For PHANTOM 2 Main Controller Firmware version V3.02

& PHANTOM 2 Assistant version V3.0

& PHANTOM RC Assistant version V1.1

April 30, 2014 Revision

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

fully use and understand the product.

It is advised that you regularly check the PHANTOM 2’s product page at www.dji.com which is updated on a 

regular basis. This will provide services such as product information, technical updates and manual corrections. Due 

to any unforeseen changes or product upgrades, the information contained within this manual is subject to change 

without notice.

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

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

righted by DJI with all rights reserved.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your product, please contact your dealer or DJI Customer Service.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 2 |

Content 

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

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

REQUIRED ITEMS............................................................................................................4

SYMBOL LEGEND ............................................................................................................4

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

1.1 BUILT-IN FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................5

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

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

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

1.3 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................10

1.4 NOTES FOR PHANTOM 2 USING WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS ................................................11

2 PROPELLERS...............................................................................................................12

2.1 ASSEMBLY.....................................................................................................................12

2.2 DISASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................12

2.3 NOTES .........................................................................................................................12

3 REMOTE CONTROLLER...............................................................................................13

3.1 POWER ON THE REMOTE CONTROLLER ...............................................................................13

3.2 REMOTE CONTROLLER POWER LED INDICATOR STATUS ..........................................................13

3.3 ANTENNA ORIENTATION ..................................................................................................14

3.4 REMOTE CONTROLLER OPERATION ....................................................................................14

3.5 LINKING THE REMOTE CONTROLLER& BUILT-IN RECEIVER ........................................................16

4 INTELLIGENT BATTERY ...............................................................................................17

4.1 CHARGING PROCEDURES..................................................................................................17

4.2 INSTALL THE BATTERY ......................................................................................................18

4.3 BATTERY USAGE.............................................................................................................18

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR...................................................................19

4.5 CORRECT BATTERY USAGE NOTES ......................................................................................20

5 CALIBRATING THE COMPASS......................................................................................21

5.1 CALIBRATION WARNINGS .................................................................................................21
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

5.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES ..............................................................................................21

5.3 WHEN RECALIBRATION IS REQUIRED ..................................................................................21

6 FLIGHT .......................................................................................................................22

6.1 FLYING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................22

6.2 STARTING THE MOTORS...................................................................................................22

6.3 TAKEOFF/LANDING PROCEDURES.......................................................................................22

6.4 FAILSAFE FUNCTION........................................................................................................23

6.5 LOW BATTERY CAPACITY WARNING FUNCTION.....................................................................24

6.6 FLIGHT LIMITS FUNCTION.................................................................................................25

Max Height & Radius Limits.........................................................................................25

6.7 FLIGHT LIMITS OF SPECIAL AREAS ......................................................................................26

6.8 CONDITIONS OF FLIGHT LIMITS .........................................................................................27

Disclaimer.....................................................................................................................28

7 ASSISTANT SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION....................................29

7.1 INSTALLING DRIVER AND PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT SOFTWARE ...............................................29

7.2 USING THE PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT SOFTWARE ON A PC.....................................................30

7.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE OF PHANTOM 2 .............................................................................31

7.4 PHANTOM RC ASSISTANT SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION............................................................32

8 APPENDIX..................................................................................................................33

8.1 SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................33

8.2 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................33

 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

In the Box 

PHANTOM 2 2.4GHz Remote Controller Propeller Pair

Intelligent Battery Charger Plug Set

Screwdriver Assistant Wrench Cables

Micro-USB Cable Screws Accessories Box

 

Required Items

AA Battery X4

Symbol Legend

Forbidden(Important) Caution Tip Reference
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

1. PHANTOM 2 Aircraft

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[10]

[11]

[9]

Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2

[1]Propeller [2]Motor [3]Front Side [4]Front LEDs [5]Micro-USB Port [6]Landing Gear [7]Receiver 

Antenna [8]CAN-Bus Connector [9]LED Flight Indicators [10]DJI Intelligent Battery [11]Compass

1.1 Built-in Flight Control System Instructions

The built-in flight control system is used to control the entire aircraft’s functions in flight such as Pitch (forwards 

and backwards), Roll (left and right), Elevator (up and down) and Yaw (turn left or right). The flight controller 

contains the MC (Main Controller), IMU, GPS, compass, receiver.

The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) has a built-in inertial sensor and a barometric altimeter that measures both 

attitude and altitude. The compass reads geomagnetic information which assists the GPS (Global Position System) 

to accurately calculate the aircrafts position and height in order to lock the aircraft in a stable hover. The receiver is 

used to communicate with the remote controller and the MC acts as the brains of the complete flight control 

system connecting and controlling all the modules together.

The PHANTOM 2 can be configured in the Assistant Software, by choosing Naza-M mode or Phantom

2 mode. This manual is for Phantom 2 mode. Please refer to the Naza-M V2 Quick Start Manual for 

more information.

1.2 Connections with Other DJI Products

PHANTOM 2 is compatible with other DJI products, including ZENMUSE H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal,iOSD mini,

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

Compass Gimbal Mounting Position Mount the H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal using 4 screws.

CAN-Bus Connector

Video Cable To the iOSD module or wireless video transmission module. 8-Pin Cable To the G8 port on the H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal.

5-Pin Cable To the compass.

Figure 1-3
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Important Notes of Using with Other DJI Products 

(1) The video cable can provide power for the wireless video transmission module with a battery voltage 

(11.1V~12.6V) and a maximum current 2A.

(2) Make sure the working current of the wireless video transmission module you connect can work with an 

operational voltage between 11.1V~12.6V and the total working current of the iOSD and wireless video 

transmission module is under 2A, as an overcurrent will damage the central board’s components. If the 

total current exceeds 2A, please be sure to provide power supplied from a separate power source for the 

wireless video transmission module.

(3) PHANTOM 2 uses a 2.4GHz RC system. To avoid communication interference, it’s not recommended to 

use other 2.4GHz devices (including 2.4G wifi or 2.4G wireless video transmission module) except the 

2.4G Bluetooth and 2.4G Datalink.

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

compass during installation and connection to avoid interference.

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

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

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

Version 1 Gimbal Mounting Position

Version 2 Gimbal Mounting Position

Figure 1-4

(6) When using the H3-3D gimbal, please connect the 8-Pin cable of PHANTOM 2 to the G8 port of H3-3D 

shown below.

Figure 1-5
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Connections with Other DJI Products 

(1) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal and wireless video transmission module, the figure below uses 

H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

VIDEO VIDEO GND

Batt+ Wireless Batt- video transmission module Transmitter

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) VIDEO GND VBat+

VIDEO

GND

Figure 1-6

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

below uses H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass CAN-Bus Connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND VIDEO GND VIDEO

Batt+ Batt- VIDEO

DJI

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) Wireless video transmission module Transmitter

Figure 1-7
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

(3) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD mini and DJI specified wireless video transmission module 

AVL58, the figure below uses H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

DJI

DJI specified wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter

CAN-Bus connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND

VIDEO Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)

 

Figure 1-8

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

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

 

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

below uses H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

VBat+ GND

VIDEO

DJI

VIDEO GND Wireless video transmission module Transmitter specified by DJI(AVL58) OR Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter

CAN-Bus Connector Compass

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Figure 1-9

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

iOSD Mark II Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter VIDEO GND VIDEO

BATT- Batt- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART AV-OUT AV-GND

Batt- Batt+ Batt+

Wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter specified by DJI iOSD Mark II

AV-OUT AV-GND

BATT- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART

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

transmission module AVL58.

 

(5) Using the iPad Ground Station 

iPad Ground Station iPad Ground Station

+ -

3S-6S Battery 3S-6S Battery

Air End Ground End

Figure 1-10

Connect the Air End of 2.4G Bluetooth Datalink to a spared CAN-Bus port of iOSD if an iOSD is used.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

(6) Using the PC Ground Station 

Air End Ground End

PC Ground Station

Figure 1-11

1.3 LED Flight Indicators Description

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

up. 

LED flight indicators

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Controller Signal Lost

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

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

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

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

errors.

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

have spooled up.

The front LEDs

1.4 Notes for PHANTOM 2 using with other DJI products

Before using PHANTOM 2 with other DJI products, users should connecting the products correctly and upgrade 

the firmware as requirements below .

Items to upgrade Firmware versions required 

Assistant Software for 

upgrading 

Assistant Software 

version 

P330CB (built-in 

central board)

V1.0.1.19 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

Zenmuse H3-2D CMU V1.0,IMU V1.6 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

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

iOSD mini V1.06 or above iOSD V4.0 or above

*The iOSD Assistant Software is applied to both iOSD Mark II and iOSD mini.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

2 Propellers 

PHANTOM 2 uses the original 9-inch propellers which are classified by the color of each central nut. Damaged 

propellers should be replaced by purchasing new ones if necessary.

Propellers Grey Nut (9443) Black Nut (9443 R)

Diagram

Assembly Location

Attach to the motor thread that does 

not have a black dot.

Attach to the motor thread that has a

black dot.

Fastening/Un-fastening 

Instructions

Lock: Tighten the propeller in this direction.

Unlock: Remove the propeller in this direction.

2.1 Assembly 

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

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

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

fastening instructions.

 

Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure2-3

2.2 Disassembly 

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

propeller according to the un-fastening instructions.

2.3 Notes

1. Propellers are self tightening during flight. DO NOT use any thread locker on the threads.

2. Make sure to match the propeller nut colors with the corresponding motors.

3. It is advised to wear protective gloves during propeller assembly and removal.

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

5. Check that all propellers are in good condition before flight. DO NOT use any ageing, chipped, or broken 

propellers.

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

7. ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

3 Remote Controller

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

Mode 2 on delivery.

[1]

[2]

[4] [3]

[8]

[9]

J2

J1

J3

J4 [6]

[7]

[5] [12] [10]

[11]

[13]

Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 

[1]Antenna [2]Carrying Handle [3]3-Position Switch S1 [4]3-Position Switch S2 [5]Joystick1(J1;J2)

[6]Joystick2(J3;J4) [7]Neck Strap Attachment [8]Power Switch [9]Power Indicator [10]Battery Compartment

[11]Micro-USB Port [12]Slide Lever [13]Potentiometer

3.1 Power on the Remote Controller

1. Install the four AA Batteries (not included) into the battery compartment on the back of 

the remote controller according to the negative and positive poles.

2. Set the S1 and S2 switches to the upper most position and all sticks are at mid-point

before switching on the power switch.

3. Push the power switch to the right to power on the remote controller. If the power LED 

indicator is solid on, the remote controller is functioning normally.

(1) Please make sure the batteries have enough capacity before use. If the low voltage warning 

alert sounds (refer to the <Remote Controller Power Indicator Status Information>), please 

replace batteries as soon as possible.

(2) Using the correct type of battery will prevent risk of damage or malfunction.

(3) For long term storage, be sure to remove the batteries from the remote controller.

3.2 Remote controller Power LED Indicator Status 

Power LED Indicator Sound Remote Controller Status 

 None Normal 

 B-B-B...... Low voltage (at 4V-4.3V). Replace the batteries immediately

 B--B--B...... 

Alert will sound after 15 minutes of inactivity. It will stop once you start 

using the remote controller. 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

The remote controller will power off automatically when battery voltage drops below 4V. Land and 

change batteries as soon as possible when the low voltage alert occurs to avoid loss of control during 

flight.

3.3 Antenna Orientation

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

during flight.

Figure 3-3

3.4 Remote Controller Operation

The operations of remote controller are based on mode 2 stick configuration.

Definitions 

The ‘stick neutral’ positions and ‘stick released’ mean the control sticks of the remote controller are placed at

the central position. 

To ‘move the stick’ means that the stick of remote controller is pushed away from the central position.

Slide Lever is used for the pitch control of the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal. 

Remote 

Controller 

(Mode 2)

Aircraft 

( nose direction)

Operation details 

The throttle stick controls the aircraft elevation. 

Push the stick up and the aircraft will rise.

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will descend.

The aircraft will automatically hover and hold its 

altitude if the sticks are centered. 

Pushing the throttle stick above the centered 

(neutral) position will result in the aircraft taking 

off. We suggest that you push the throttle stick

slowly to prevent the aircraft from sudden and 

unexpected ascent.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

The yaw stick controls the aircraft rudder.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will rotate 

counter clock-wise. 

Push the stick right and the aircraft will rotate 

clock-wise. If the stick is centered, the aircraft 

will always fly in the same direction.

The command stick controls the rotating angular 

velocity of the aircraft. Increasing movement of 

the command stick results in faster aircraft 

rotation velocity. 

The pitch stick controls the aircraft’s front & 

back tilt.

Push the stick up and the aircraft will tilt and fly 

forward. 

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will tilt and 

fly backward. The aircraft will keep level and 

straight if the stick is centered. 

Increasing movement of the command stick will 

result in a larger tilt angle (maximum is 35 ̊) and 

faster flight velocity. 

The roll stick controls the aircraft left & right tilt.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will tilt and fly

left. Push the stick right and the aircraft will tilt

and fly right. The aircraft will keep level and 

straight if the stick is centered. 

Increasing movement of the command stick will 

result in a larger tilt angle (maximum is 35 ̊) and 

faster flight velocity. 

 

Position-1 Position-2 Position-3

S1 is for compass calibration. Toggle the S1

switch from position-1 to position-3 and back to 

position-1, 5 times or more to enter into compass 

calibration mode.

Users can configure position 3(bottom position) 

of the S1 switch to trigger the Failsafe in the 

Assistant Software.

 

OFF Course Lock Home point Lock

S2 is the IOC mode switch. IOC (Intelligent 

Orientation Control) function can be enabled in 

the Assistant Software when in Naza-M mode. 

Only use the IOC function after you are familiar 

with flying. 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Slide Lever controls the pitch of the H3-2D and 

H3-3D gimbal. The position of slide lever 

determines the pitch angle relative to the 

horizontal level.

Slide the lever left to make the gimbal pitch 

down up to a -90° position. 

Slide the lever right to pitch up to +0° position

resulting in gimbal being at a horizontally level 

orientation.

(1) For ‘Ready to Fly’ the aircraft will hover when all sticks are released.

(2) For ‘Ready to Fly (non-GPS)’ the aircraft will only keep the altitude when all sticks are released.

3.5 Linking the remote controller& built-in receiver

PHANTOM 2 has a built-in receiver, the link button and indicator located on the bottom of the aircraft as illustrated 

in the Figure 3-4.

The link between the remote controller and aircraft is already established for you so you can initially skip this 

procedure. If you ever replace the remote controller, re-establishing the link is required.

Link button & Link indicator

Figure 3-4

Linking procedures 

1. Power on the PHANTOM 2.

2. Turn on the remote controller and place it 0.5m~1m away from the aircraft.

3. Push the link button with a thin object and hold it until the Link indicator blinks red, then release it.

4. When the Link indicator turns solid green, the link between the remote controller and the built-in receiver 

has been successfully established.

Link Indicator Status 

 The remote controller is linked with the receiver successfully.

 

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

on the remote controller. 

 

The receiver is ready for linking. 

 There is 2.4GHz signal around but the remote controller is not linked with the receiver, 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

please carry out the linking procedures. 

4 Intelligent Battery

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

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

 

Intelligent Battery Charger 

DJI Intelligent Battery Functions 

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

(2) Capacity Display Display the current battery level.

(3) Communicating 

The main controller communicates with the battery via communication ports 

for battery voltage, capacity, current and other information.

(4) Overcharging Protection 

Charging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 12.8V to 

prevent overcharging damage.

(5) Over Discharging

Protection 

Discharging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 8.4V to 

prevent over discharging damage.

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

(7) Sleep Protection

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

power. The static current is 10nA in sleep mode when the battery is 

powered on without connecting to other devices.

(8) Charging Temperature 

Detection

The battery will charge only when its temperature is within 0°C~55°C. If the 

battery temperature is out of this range, the battery will stop charging.

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

Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage.

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

responsibility for operation of any charger from a third party.

4.1 Charging Procedures

1. Connect the charger to a wall socket (Use the plug set if necessary).

2. Connect the battery to the charger. If the current capacity of the battery is over 75%, you should power on 

the battery to begin charging.

3. The Battery Level indicators display current capacity level as the battery charges. Please refer to battery 

level indicator description for details.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

4. The battery is fully charged when the Battery Level indicator lights are off. Please disconnect the charger 

and battery when the charging is completed.

Wall Socket

4.2 Install the Battery

Push the battery into the battery compartment correctly as the following diagram shows. Make sure to push the 

battery into the compartment until you hear a ‘click’ sound.

Figure 4-1

An incorrectly inserted battery may cause one of the following to occur: (1) Bad contact. (2) Unavailable

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

4.3 Battery Usage

Figure 4-2

(1) Checking the battery level: When the battery is powered off; pressing the battery power button once will 

indicate the current battery level. Refer to < Battery Level Indicator Description> for details.

(2) Powering on: When the battery is powered off; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn on the intelligent battery.

(3) Powering off: When the battery is powered on; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn off the intelligent battery.

(4) Checking the battery life: When the battery is powered off; press and hold the battery power button for 5 

seconds to check the battery life. The battery level indicators will show the life and the battery power indicator 

LED3

LED4

Battery Power Button

(Built-in Battery Power Indicator)

LED2

LED1

Battery Level Indicator
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

will blink for 10 seconds, then all LEDs will light out and the intelligent battery will turn off. Refer to < Battery 

Level Indicator Description> for details.

More battery information is available in the battery tab of the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software.

4.4 Description of the Battery Level Indicator 

The battery level indicators will show the current battery level during both the charging and discharging process as 

well as battery life. The following is a description of the indicators.

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

: The LED is light off

Charging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

0%~25%

25%~50%

50%~75%

75%~100%

Full charged

Discharging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

87.5%~100%

75%~87.5%

62.5%~75%

50%~62.5%

37.5%~50%

25%~37.5%

12.5%~25%

0%~12.5%

<0%

Battery life 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery life 

90%~100%

80%~90%

70%~80%

60%~70%

50%~60%
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

40%~50%

30%~40%

20%~30%

Less than 20%

4.5 Correct Battery Usage Notes

1. Never plug or unplug the battery into the aircraft when it is powered on.

2. The battery should be charged in an environment that is between 0°C to 40°C, and be discharged in an

environment that is between -20°C to 50°C. Both charging and discharging should be in an environment

where the relative humidity is lower than 80%.

3. It’s recommended to charge and discharge the battery thoroughly once every 20 charge/discharge cycles. 

Users should discharge the battery until there is less than 8% power left or until the battery can no longer 

be turned on. Users should then fully recharge the battery to maximum capacity. This power cycling 

procedure will ensure the battery is working at its optimal level.

4. For long term storage please place the battery with only a 40~50% capacity in a strong battery box 

securely. We recommend discharging and charging the battery completely once every 3 months to keep it

in good condition. The capacity should be varied in such a cycle (40%~50%)—0%—100%—(40%~50%).

5. It’s suggested you purchase a new battery after you have discharged your current battery over 300 times.

Please completely discharge a battery prior to disposal. 

6. It’s suggested that you purchase a new battery if the current battery is swollen or damaged in any way.

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

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

concrete and never near any flammable materials.

9. Safety is extremely important and users can get more information in the DISCLAIMER.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

5 Calibrating the Compass

IMPORTANT: Make sure to perform the Compass Calibration procedures prior to the first flight.

The compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference which causes abnormal compass data and leads to 

poor flight performance or even flight failure. Regular calibration of the compass enables the compass to perform at 

its optimal level.

5.1 Calibration Warnings

 

(1) DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is a possibility for the existence of strong 

magnetic interference such as magnetite, parking structures, and steel reinforcement 

underground.

(2) DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or cellular

phones.

(3) Compass Calibration is very important; otherwise the flight control system will work abnormally.

5.2 Calibration Procedures

Please carry out the calibrating procedures in the flight field before flight. Please watch the quick start video of the 

PHANTOM 2 for more compass calibration details.

Normal LED

Quickly flip the switch S1 360o Rotate the aircraft horizontally 360o

Rotate the aircraft vertically (Nose downward) Position-1

Start horizontal calibration Start vertical calibration Succeed Fail

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip no less than 5 times Start cali

LED Flight Indicator

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip once

Position-3

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

Re-calibrate Position-1 Position-3 5.3 When Recalibration is Required

(1) When Compass Data is abnormal, the LED flight indicator will blink alternating between red and yellow.

(2) Last compass calibration was performed at a completely different flying field/location.

(3) The mechanical structure of the aircraft has changed, i.e. changed mounting position of the compass.

(4) Evident drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the aircraft doesn’t fly in straight lines.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

6 Flight 

6.1 Flying Environment Requirements

 

(1) Before your first flight, please allow yourself some flight training (Using a flight simulator to 

practice flying, getting instruction from an experienced person, etc.).

(2) DO NOT fly in bad weather, such as rain or wind (more than moderate breeze) or fog.

(3) The flying field should be open and void of tall buildings or other obstacles; the steel structure 

within buildings may interfere with the compass.

(4) Keep the aircraft away from obstacles, crowds, power lines, trees, lakes and rivers etc.

(5) Try to avoid interference between the remote controller and other wireless equipment. (No base 

stations or cell towers around)

(6) The flight control system will not work properly at the South Pole or North Pole.

(7) Never use the aircraft in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or domestic 

lays and regulations.

6.2 Starting the Motors

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is needed to start the motors. Push the sticks according to one of the options 

below to start motors. Once the motors have spun up, release both sticks simultaneously. The same command is

used to stop the motors.

A B C D Figure 6-1

6.3 Takeoff/Landing Procedures

1. Start by placing the PHANTOM 2 on the ground with the battery level indicators facing you.

2. Turn on the remote controller.

3. Power on the aircraft by turning on the intelligent battery.

4. When LED flight indicator blinks green/yellow, the PHANTOM 2 is entering Ready to Fly/Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode. Start the motors with the CSC command.

5. Push the throttle stick up slowly to lift the aircraft off the ground. Refer to <Remote Controller Operation> 

for more details.

6. Be sure you are hovering over a level surface. Pull down on the throttle stick gently to descend and land.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

7. After landing the aircraft on the ground, keep the throttle stick at its lowest position for about 3 to 5 

seconds which will automatically stop the motors.

 

You SHOULD NOT execute the CSC during normal flight! This will stop the motors and cause the 

aircraft to descend rapidly and drop without any type of control.

 

(1) When the LED flight indicator blinks yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered into

Failsafe mode, refer to <Failsafe Function> for details.

(2) A low battery capacity warning is indicated by the LED flight indicator blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. Refer to the <Low Battery Capacity Warning Function> for details.

(3) Watch the quick start video about flight for more flight information.

6.4 Failsafe Function

The aircraft will enter Failsafe mode when the connection from the remote controller is lost. The flight control 

system will automatically control the aircraft to return to home and land to reduce injuries or damage. The following 

situations would make the aircraft fail to receive a signal from the remote controller and enter Failsafe mode:

(1) The remote controller is powered off.

(2) The remote controller is powered on but the S1 is toggled in the position triggering the Failsafe (this must 

have been configured in the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software).

(3) The aircraft has flown out of the effective communication range of the remote controller.

(4) There is an obstacle obstructing the signal between the remote controller and the aircraft, essentially 

reducing the distance the signal can travel.

(5) There is interference causing a signal problem with the remote controller.

Failsafe works differently depending on the mode the aircraft is in when Failsafe mode is initiated whether it is in 

the Ready to Fly or Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode.

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) ---- Automatic landing

The flight control system will try to keep the aircraft level during descent and landing. Note that the aircraft may 

be drifting during the descent and landing process.

 

Ready to Fly ---- Automatic go home and land 

The flight control system will automatically control the aircraft to fly back to the home point and land.

 

Home Point 

When the aircraft is initializing the Ready to Fly status, the aircraft will record the current GPS coordinates as 

the home point. It is recommended to lift off only after Ready to Fly status is confirmed for the safety of being 

able to fly back to home point successfully in case the Failsafe mode is initiated.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Go Home Procedures 

1 Record Home Point. 2 Flying. 3 Remote controller signal lost.

4 Signal lost lasts 3s, begin to go home. 5 Fly back to home point. 6 Landing after hovering 15s. LED Flight Indicator à LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator Height over home point<=20m Height over home point>20m 20m Elevate to 20m

Figure 6-2

 

(1) In a Failsafe situation, if less than 6 GPS satellites are found for more than 20 seconds, the aircraft 

will descend automatically.

 

In Phantom 2 mode, users can set a new home point manually when the aircraft is in “Ready to fly” status 

as long as a home point has been recorded automatically. Quickly flipping the S2 switch of the remote 

controller from upper most to lower most positions 5 times or more will reset the current aircraft position 

as a new home point of PHANTOM 2. When successfully reset, you will see a series of rapid green blinks 

on the LED Flight Indicator. The definition of “home point” is:

(1) The home point is the place PHANTOM 2 returns to when the control signal is lost, which is 

recorded last time.

(2) The home point is used to calculate the horizontal distance between you and the aircraft, the 

distance will be displayed as 

D

if using iOSD module.

 

Regaining Control during Failsafe Procedure 

Position of 

Switch S1 

 

Position-1 Position-2 

Position-3 

(No triggering the Failsafe) 

How to regain 

control

When the S1 switch is switched to Position-1, 

toggle the S1 switch to any other position once to 

regain control. If remote controller’s signal is

recovered, control is returned back to the pilot.

Regain control as soon as signal is 

recovered.

6.5 Low Battery Capacity Warning Function

The low battery capacity warning alerts users when the battery is close to depletion during flight. When it appears, 

users should promptly fly back and land to avoid accidental damage. The PHANTOM 2 has two levels of low battery 

capacity warning. The first appears when the battery has less than 30% power and the second appears when it has 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

less than 15% power.

(1) When battery power drops below 30% and LED indicator will blink red slowly.

(2) At lower than 15% the LED indicator will blink red rapidly, the PHANTOM 2 will also begin to descend and 

land automatically. After it has landed, keep the throttle stick at its lowest point or execute CSC.

(3) There is a hidden third low battery threshold in addition to the 1st and 2nd level warnings. This uses 10.65V 

as its threshold. Both this voltage threshold and the 2nd Level Low Battery Warning will trigger auto-landing. 

Altitude can be maintained if necessary by pushing up on the throttle stick.

 

(1) Remember to fly your PHANTOM 2 back as soon as you see a low battery capacity warning.

(2) Keeping the battery contact needles and pads clean is very important. Any dirt and dust may 

cause a communication failure.

6.6 Flight Limits Function

All UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators should abide by all regulations from such organizations at ICAO 

(International Civil Aviation Organization) and per country airspace regulations. For safety reasons, the flight limits 

function is enabled by default to help users use this product safely and legally. The flight limits function includes 

height, distance limits.

In Ready to Fly status, height, distance limits works together to restrict the flight. In Ready to Fly (non-GPS) status, 

only height limit works and the flying height restricted to be not over 120m.

(1) The default parameters in the Assistant Software is compliant within the definitions of class G 

ruled by ICAO. (Refer to Airspace Classification to get more details). As each country has its 

own rules, make sure to configure the parameters to comply with these rules too, before using 

the PHANTOM 2.

(2) Users in Mainland China can refer to 民用航空空域使用办法.

Max Height & Radius Limits 

The Max Height & Radius restricts the flying height and distance. Configuration can be done in the PHANTOM 2

Assistant. Once complete, your aircraft will fly in a restricted cylinder. 

Max Height Max Radius

Home Point The height of aircraft when it is powered on Figure 6-3 Figure 6-4
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Ready to Fly 

 Limits Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

Max Height 

The flight height is restricted to fly 

under the max height. 

Warning: Height limit 

reached. 

None.

Max Radius 

The flight distance is restricted to fly 

within the max radius. 

Warning: Distance limit 

reached.

Rapid red flashings 

when close to the Max radius limit. 

Ready to Fly(non-GPS) 

 Flight Limits Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

Max Height 

The flight height is restricted to fly 

under the minor height between the 

Max height and 120m. 

Warning: Height limit reached. 

None.

Max Radius Not limited, no warnings or LED indicators. 

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

(2) If the aircraft is flying out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) status, it will fly back 

within the limits range automatically if 6 or more GPS satellites have been found. 

6.7 Flight Limits of Special Areas 

Special areas include airports worldwide. All special areas are listed on the DJI official website. Please refer to 

http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc for details. These areas have been divided into category A and category B. 

 Category A Category B

10.5m

2400m

Center of Special Area 8000m

120m A B C

8100m

D

b

d

c b a a c

d

a

b

c

Airspace: A,B,C,D Boundary: a, b, c, d

1000m

A C D c a a c

a 2000m c Center of Special Area

Airspace: A,C,D Boundary: a, c,
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Ready to Fly 

Airspace Limits 

Rear LED 

Flight Indicator 

A 

Orange 

Motors will not start.

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

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

automatically descend and land then stop its motors. 

B 

Yellow 

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

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

descend to airspace C and hover 5 meters below edge d. 

C 

Green 

No restrictions of flight, but the Phantom will not enter 

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

Airspace B through Boundary b & d.

Around Category B sites, the phantom can fly freely, but it will 

not enter into Airspace A through Boundary a.

D 

Blue 

No restrictions. None. 

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

the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing. Users must toggle the S1 

switch to regain control. This is the same as regaining control during Failsafe. Please refer to Regaining 

Control During Failsafe Procedure (Page23). 

(1) When flying in the airspace (A/B/C) of restricted special area, LED flight indicators will blink red 

quickly and continue for 3 seconds, then switch to indicate current flying 

status and continue for 5 seconds at which point it will switch back to red blinking.

(2) For safety reasons, please do not fly close to airports, highways, railway stations, railway lines, 

city centers and other special areas. Try to ensure the aircraft is visible. 

6.8 Conditions of Flight Limits 

In different working modes and flight modes, flight limits will differ according to number of GPS satellites found. 

The following table demonstrates all the cases(√: available; ×:unavailable).

All flights are restricted by height, distance and special areas simultaneously. The Failsafe and Ground Station 

operations are not restricted to flight limits, but if Ground Station function is used, the flight will be restricted the 

special area limits built in to Ground Station. Refer to the Ground Station manual for details.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom mode 

Flight Status Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

Ready to Fly √ √ √

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) × √ ×

Naza-M mode 

Control Mode number of GPS found Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

GPS 

≥6 √ √ √

<6 × √ ×

ATTI.

≥6 √ √ ×

<6 × √ ×

Manual

≥6 × × ×

<6 × × ×

Disclaimer 

Please ensure that you are kept up to date with International and Domestic airspace rules and regulations before 

using this product. By using this product, you hereby agree to this disclaimer and signify that you have read this fully. 

You agree that you are responsible for your own conduct and content while using this product, and for any direct or 

indirect consequences caused by not following this manual, violate or disregard any other applicable local laws, 

administrative rules and social habits thereof.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

7 Assistant Software Installation and Configuration

7.1 Installing Driver and PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software

Installing and running on Windows 

1. Download driver installer and Assistant Software installer in EXE format from the download page of 

PHANTOM 2 on the DJI website.

2. Connect the PHANTOM 2 to a PC via a Micro-USB cable. 

3. Run the driver installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

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

5. Double click the PHANTOM 2 icon on your Windows desktop to launch the software.

The installer in EXE format only supports Windows operating systems (Win XP, Win7, Win8 (32 or 64 

bit)).

Installing and running on Mac OS X

1. Download the Assistant Software installer in DMG format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 on 

the DJI website.

2. Run the installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

3. When launching for the first time if use Launchpad to run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software,

Launchpad won’t allow access because the software has not been reviewed by Mac App Store. 

4. Locate the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder, press the Control key and then click the PHANTOM 2 icon 

(or right-click the PHANTOM 2 icon using a mouse). Choose Open from the shortcut menu, click open in 

the prompt dialog box and then software will launch.

5. After the first successful launch, directly launching of the software can be achieved by double-clicking 

the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

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

Usage of PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software on Mac OS X and Windows are exactly the same. The 

Assistant Software pages appear in other places of this manual are on the Windows for example. 

7.2 Using the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software on a PC

1. Start up the PC, power on the PHANTOM 2, then connect the PHANTOM 2 to the PC with a Micro-USB 

cable. DO NOT disconnect until configuration is finished.

2. Run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software and wait for the PHANTOM 2 to connect to the Assistant 

Software. Observe the indicators on the bottom of the screen. When connected successfully, the 

connection indicator is and communication indicator is blinking .

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

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

Language swap View configurations

Connection indicator Communication indicator

RC, Gain Gimbal, Battery IMU calibration Firmware upgrade Account, software version

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

Function switch of Phantom 2 and Naza-M mode
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

(1) Users should not enable the Naza-M function before finishing Advanced Flight Maneuvers 

procedure in the " PHANTOM Pilot Training Guide”. If the Naza-M mode is enabled, users can 

switch the control mode between ATTI. Mode, GPS Mode or Manual Mode, and access the 

advanced settings (e.g. IOC). In addition, the LED located on the rear frame arms will display

Naza-M flight status indications instead of the PHANTOM 2's indicators. Do not enable the 

Naza-M mode unless you are an experienced user or guided by a professional.

(2) You can change to the Phantom 2 mode by clicking the same button used to turn on the Naza-M 

mode. This operation will disable the Naza-M mode and enable Phantom 2 mode. All parameters 

will be returned to factory settings.

7.3 Firmware upgrade of PHANTOM 2

Please refer to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software to install driver and PHANTOM RC Assistant Software, and 

then follow the procedures below to upgrade the software and firmware; otherwise the PHANTOM 2 might not 

work properly.

1. An internet connection is required to upgrade PHANTOM 2’s firmware.

2. Click the [Upgrade] icon to check the current firmware version and whether the installed firmware is the 

latest version. If not, click the relative links to upgrade.

3. Be sure to wait until the Assistant Software shows “finished”. Click OK and power cycle the PHANTOM 2 

after 5 seconds. Once completed, the firmware is up to date.

Firmware upgradable items

Current firmware version

Upgrade link

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

(1) DO NOT power off until the upgrade is finished.

(2) If the firmware upgrade failed, the main controller will enter a waiting for firmware upgrade 

status automatically. If this happens, repeat the above procedures.

Firmware upgradable items:(1)Main Controller(2)P330CB(Main Board)(3)Receiver(4)Gimbal 

CMU(5)Gimbal IMU(6)Battery 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

7.4 PHANTOM RC Assistant Software Description

Please follow the procedures to finish the configuration of the remote controller.

1. Turn off the remote controller and find the Micro-USB port on the bottom of it.

2. Start up the PC, power on the remote controller, and then Connect the remote controller to the PC with a 

Micro-USB cable. DO NOT disconnect until the configuration is finished.

3. Run the PHANTOM RC Assistant Software and wait for the remote controller to connect to the Assistant 

Software. Observe the indicators on the bottom left of the screen. When connected successfully, the 

connection indicator is and communication indicator is blinking .

4. Finish configuration in the [Main] page.

5. Finish upgrade in the [Info] page if necessary.

DT7调参软件

Main page of the 2.4GHz remote controller 

Language swap Main page

Connection indicator Communication indicator

Firmware upgrade Account, software version

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface. 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

8 Appendix

8.1 Specifications

Aircraft

Operating environment temperature -10°C to 50°C

Power consumption 5.6W

Supported Battery DJI Intelligent battery

Weight (including the battery) 1000g

Recommend payload ≤1300g 

Maximum payload 1350g

Hovering Accuracy (Ready to Fly) Vertical: 0.8m; Horizontal: 2.5m

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 200°/s

Max Tiltable Angle 35°

Max Ascent / Descent Speed Ascent: 6m/s; Descent: 2m/s

Max Flight Speed 15m/s (Not Recommended)

Wheelbase 350mm

2.4GHz Remote Controller 

Operating Frequency 2.4GHz ISM

Communication Distance (open area) 1000m

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -97dBm

Working Current/Voltage 100 mA@6V

Battery 4 AA Batteries

DJI Intelligent Battery

Type 3S LiPo Battery

Capacity 5200mAh, 11.1V

Charging Environment Range 0°C to 40°C

Discharging Environment Range -20°C to 50°C

8.2 LED Flight Indicators Description

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Controller Signal Lost
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.*

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

* Users can connect to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software to get detailed information about warnings and errors.