Attn: 

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations 

West Building Ground Floor, Room w12-140 

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: ELITE AERIALS CINEMATOGRAPHY (dba ELITE AERIALS) 

REQUEST AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF TITLE 14 OF THE CODE 

OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS SECTIONS 14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b); 61.113 (a) and (b) 91.7 

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

91.409 (a) (2); and 91.417 (a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF DJI Phantom 2 

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND 

REFORM ACT OF 2012 (PUBLIC LAW 112-95) 

Jonathan Statman 

Co-owner 

Elite Aerials Cinematography, dba Elite Aerials 

2573 Broadway 

San Diego, CA 92102 

888-600-7236 

info@eliteaerials.com 

t ,' .~·~ 

.--<'- ' 

('"- ',-,.d 
Pursuant with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 ("the Reform Act") and 14 

C.F.R. Part 11, Elite Aerials Cinematography (dba Elite Aerials), an operator of small Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems ("sUASs") equipped to conduct commercial UAS operations for a host of industries and 

applications (hereinafter "the Purpose"), including: 

• Aerial Filmmaking, cinematography, videography and photography 

• Real Estate Photography/Videography 

• Event Photography/Videography 

• Closed-set motion picture filming 

The objective of Elite Aerials and our Unmanned Aircraft System (DJI Phantom 2) aerial operations is to 

provide a more affordable, high-quality production system for a variety of governmental, commercial, 

public, and residential uses. Our staff has safely flown small RC electric quadcopters recreationally for 

approximately 2 years without incident. 

Elite Aerials hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") to 

allow commercial operation using its DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter (Hereinafter "UAS" or "sUAS"), so long 

as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be 

established by the FAA as required by Section 333. 

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of small, 

unmanned sUASs under controlled conditions in airspace that is limited, predetermined, controlled as to 

access, and would provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations of using conventional 

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

Transportation's (the FAA Administrator's) responsibilities to" ... establish requirements for the safe 

operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system."- Section 333(c) of the Reform Act. 

The name and address of the applicant is: 

Elite Aerials Cinematography (dba Elite Aerials) 

2573 Broadway 

San Diego, CA 92101 

Owners: 

· Jonathan Statman 

Nathaniel Sinisgalli 

Office: 888-600-7236 

Email: info@eliteaerials.com 

Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 

14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b); 61.113 (a) and (b) 91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109; 

91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a);91.203(a) and (b); 91.405 (a); 91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2); and 91.417 (a) & 

(b) 

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

through (c) of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether 

certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system (NAS) before 

completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this 
determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UASs do not create a hazard to 

users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of the following: 

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

-Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and 

-Operation of the UAS within visual line of sight of the operator. 

Reform Act §333(a). Lastly, if the secretary determines that such vehicles "may operate safely in the 

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

aircraft in the national airspace system." ld. §333(c) 

Applicant interprets this provision to place the duty on the Administrator to not only process 

applications for exemptions under Section 333, but for the Administrator to craft conditions for the safe 

operation of the UAS, if it should be determined that the conditions set forth herein do not fulfill the 

statutory requirements for approval. 

The Federal Aviation Act, in addition to the authority granted by Section 333 of the Reform Act, 

expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority by its terms includes 

exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act, that includes UASs, from the 

requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate. 

The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under 

subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702-44716 of the Transportation Act if the 

Administrator finds the exemption in the public interest. 49 U.S.C. §44701(f). See also 49 U.S.C. 

§44711(a), 44704; 14 C.F.R. §91.203(a)(1). 

Elite Aerials Cinematography sUASs are rotorcraft, weighting 55 or fewer pounds, including payload. 

They operate, under normal conditions at a speed of no more than SO knots and have the capability to 

hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal planes simultaneously. They will operate only in line of 

sight and will operate only within a sterile area. Such operations insure that the sUAS will "not create a 

hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public." 

In support of this application, Elite Aerials Cinematography is submitting the following manual 

(hereinafter "the manua!"): 

- DJI Phantom 2 Operating manual (document attached) 

Operations in compliance with this manual will insure that the UAS will "not create a hazard to users of 

the national airspace system, the public, the PIC, and the film production crew" and that the aircraft will 

operate in compliance with the conditions set forth in this application. 

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

operate, the applicant falls squarely within that zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in which 

Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial operations of UASs to 

commence immediately. Also due to the size of the UASs and the restricted areas in which the relevant 

sUASs will operate, approval of the application presents no national security issue. Given the clear 

direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in the Federal Aviation Act, as 

amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations, and the significant 

( 

\ 
public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction in environmental impacts, including reduced 

emissions associated with allowing UASs, the grant of the requested exemptions is in the public interest. 

Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without 

delay. 

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY 

The applicant proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to civil aircraft that have the 

characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations provide for at least 

an equivalent or even higher level of safety to operations under the current regulatory structure 

because the proposed operations represent a safety enhancement to the already safe operations 

conducted with conventional aircraft. These limitations and conditions to which Elite Aerials 

Cinematography (dba Elite Aerials) agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operations under 

an FAA issued exemption include: 

1. The sUAS will weigh less than 55 pounds, including energy source(s) and equipment. Operations will 

be limited to the aircraft described in the Manual. 

2. The sUAS will not be flown at a ground speed in excess of 50 knots. 

3. The sUAS will be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. 

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

25% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 30 minute limit. 

5. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL, or not more than 200 feet above 

an elevated platform from which filming is planned. 

6. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS Pilot, the Visual Observer (VO), and/or the 

Camera Operator. 

7. Each UAS operated under this exemption wilt comply with all manufacturer Safety Bulletins. 

8. Prior to each flight the PIC will inspect the UAS to ensure that it is airworthy, and in condition for a 

safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft 

will not be operated until the necessary maintenance or repair has been performed and the sUAS is 

found to be airworthy and in condition for safe flight. All maintenance, modifications, and repairs will be 

properly documented in the aircraft records. 

9. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or modifications that affect the operation or flight 

characteristics of the UAS, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional 

test flight in accordance with the Manual. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must 

document it with an entry in the UAS aircraft records of the flight. 

10. The operator will follow the manufacturer's UAS aircraft and component maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 

11. The sUAS pilot will be the Pilot in Command (PIC), and will possess at minimum, a sport pilot's 

certificate and a class 3 medical certificate or a valid State Issued Driver's License. 

12. 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 

and/or; 
b) The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/controller of 

such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 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, and; 

c) Operations nearer to the PIC. VO, operator trainees or essential persons do not present an 

undue hazard to those persons per §91.119(a). 

13. Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the 

PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. §61.51(b), a minimum of 

five hours as a UAS pilot, operating the make and model of UAS to be utilized for operations under the 

exemption, in addition to three take-offs and landings within the preceding 90 days. Under this 

exemption the PIC must operate the UAS an appropriate distance away from nonparticipants in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. §91.119., during training, proficiency, experience building, and take off and 

landing flights in order to accomplish the required flight time and to remain current within the 

prescribed 90 day period. "Nonparticipants" are defined as all persons who are not essential for flight 

operations. The UAS will not be operated directly over any person, or below an altitude that is 

hazardous to persons or property on the surface in the event of a UAS failure or emergency, except for 

authorized and consenting personnel that are necessary for the Purpose. 

14. Pilot and observer will have been trained in operation of UAS generally and received up-to-date 

information on the particular UAS to be operated. 

15. Observer and pilot will at all times be able to communicate by voice 

16. Written and/or oral permission from the relevant property holders will be obtained prior to each 

flight. 

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

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

18. If the UAS loses radio communications, it will have the capability to automatically return to a predetermined location within the Security Perimeter and land. 

19. The UAS will abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance 

with the Manual 

20. The UAS 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. 

21. The UAS will remain clear of and yield the right of way to all other manned operations and activities 

at all times (including, but not limited to, ultra light vehicles, parachute activities, parasailing activities, 

hang gliders, etc.). 

22. The UAS 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. 

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

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for 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. The 
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 certificate, upon consideration of the size, 

weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the particular 

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

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

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

airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed. The sUAS to be operated 

hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no explosive 

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

Manual. Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and 

monitored by both the Operator, pursuant to the Manual's requirements, and under the requirements 

and in compliance with local public safety requirements, to provide security for the area of operation as 

is now done with conventional filming. The FAA will have advance notice of all operations. These safety 

enhancements, which already apply to civil aircraft operated in connection with motion picture and 

television production, 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 21, 

Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria demonstrates that there is no credible threat to 

national security posed by the UAS, 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 the Aircraft 

The regulation requires: When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration 

number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or 

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 6 inches high, the 

words "limited," "restricted," "light-sport," "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable. Even though 

the UAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the UAS will have no 

entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the word "Experimental" can be placed. Given 

the size of the sUAS, two-inch lettering will be impossible. The word "Experimental" will be placed on 

the fuselage in compliance with §45.29 (f). The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the 

sUAS marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and others working with 

the sUAV will see the identification of the UAS as "Experimental." The FAA has issued the following 

exemptions to this regulation to Exemptions Nos. 10700, 8738, 10167 and 10167A. 

14 C.F.R. § 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and limitations: 

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R §61.113 (a) and (b), private pilots are limited to non-commercial operations. Elite 

Aerials can achieve an equivalent level of safety as achieved by current regulations because Elite Aerials' 

UASs do not carry any pilot or passengers. Further, while helpful, a pilot's license will not ensure remote 

control piloting skills. The risks attendant to the operation of Elite Aerials' UASs are far less than the risk 

levels inherent in the commercial activities outlined in 14 C.F.R. §61 et seq. Further, no PIC will be 

allowed to operate any UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, 

demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with the operations 
specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as 

maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. Both PICs employed by 

Elite Aerials, Jonathan Statman and Nathaniel Sinisgalli, have: 

-Several years of experience operating remote controlled hobby aircraft 

-To date, acquired at least 100 hours each of flight time on the DJI Phantom 2 

-Received a UAV flight training certificate through National Drone Schools 

In addition to their experience and certification, the fact that Elite Aerials' pilots operate systems 

manufactured by DJI, which is one of the premier UAS manufacturers and has incorporated extensive 

safety features into its products, also allows them to achieve an equivalent level of safety as achieved by 

current regulations. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation is Exemption Nos. 

12823,11588,13053 

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

The regulation requires that no 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 determining airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft and the 

requirements contained in the Manual for maintenance and use of safety check lists prior to each flight, 

as set forth in Sections J, Land Q an equivalent level of safety will be provided. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. 

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft ... (2) For which an 

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

the aircraft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, 

markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. The sUAS, 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 point where the pilot flying 

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

regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 95658, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 32827, 

and 10700. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight action 

This regulation requires each pilot in command 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 and aircraft performance data before initiation of flight. 
14 C.F.R. §91.109: Flight instruction: 

Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a 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.S778K & 9862A. The equivalent level of safety is provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor 

passengers 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 FAA. As this exemption 

is for a sUAS 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, except for the limited conditions stated in 

the Manual, the UAS will never operate at higher than 400 AGL It will however be operated in a 

restricted area with security perimeter, where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations 

without their pre-obtained consent. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, 

weight, and speed of the UAS as well as the location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without 

the required permission of the property owner or local officials. Because of the advance notice to the 

property owner and participants in the aerial activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the 

planned flight operations. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more 

than the maximum SSibs. 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 

500 AGL other industries. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the sUAS will ensure separation 

between these smaii-UAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with 

Section 91.119. 

14 C.F.R. §91.121 Altimeter Settings 

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to 

an altimeter that is set " ... to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting 

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

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

operator, pursuant to the Manual and Safety Check list, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown 

on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. 
14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions 

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning "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." The battery powering the sUAS 

provides approximately 30 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30-minute reserve requirement in 14 

CFR §91.151, sUAS flights would be not be able to take place. Given the limitations on the UAS's 

proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer 

time frame for flight in daylight or night VFR conditions is reasonable. Applicant believes that an 

exemption from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 

(allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating 

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

representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does 

not engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed 

of the small UAS. Additionally, prohibiting sUAS flights entirely would greatly reduce the utility for which 

the exemption will be granted. Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by 

limiting flights to 30 minutes or 25% of battery power whichever happens first. This restriction would be 

more than adequate to return the sUAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited 

operating area. Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions 2689F, 

5745, 10673, and 10808. 

14 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) of this section 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. The UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55 

lbs 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 sUAS will 

have immediate access to them, to the extent they are applicable to the sUAS. The FAA has issued 

numerous exemptions to this regulation. A representative sample of other exceptions includes 

Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 10700. 

14 C.F.R. §91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1}; 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections 

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner "shall have that aircraft inspected as 

prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in 

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

others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. Given that these sections and 

Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the 

applicant. The Operator, pursuant to the flight manual and operating handbook will accomplish 
maintenance. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small UASs are very limited in 

size and will carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited periods of time. If 

mechanical issues arise the UAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 

feet AGL. As provided in the Manual, the operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to 

initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and 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. 

Federal Registry Summary 

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

Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed: 

Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules: 

14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b); 61.113 (a) and (b) 91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 91.103(b);91.109; 

91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a);91.203(a) and (b); 91.405 (a); 91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2); and 91.417 (a) & 

(b) to operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (5Sibs or less). Approval of exemptions allowing 

commercial operations of sUASs, will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional operations, using jet 

or piston power aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes just feet from the subjects being filmed and 

in extreme proximity to people and structures and present the risks associated with vehicles that weigh 

in the neighborhood of 4,0001bs, carrying large amounts of jet A or other fuel. Such aircraft must fly to 

and from the operational location. In contrast, a sUAS 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 

on board. The sUAS is carried to the operation site and not flown. The sUAS will carry no passengers or 

crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with manned aircraft flights. The 

operation of small UASs, weighting less than 55 lbs., conducted in the strict conditions outlined above, 

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

including exempting the applicant from the requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial 

operations. These lightweight aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a sterile 

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

helicopters operating in close proximity to the ground and people. 

Privacy 

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

and knowledge. 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. The grant of this exemption request will provide 

improved safety in both day and night operations. Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of 

the Reform Act of 2012- size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated 

areas and operation within visual line of sight and national security- provide more than adequate 

justification for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing commercial operation of applicant's 

UAS. 
Sincerely, 

onathan Statman 

Elite Aerials Cinematography (dba Elite Aerials) 
... 

PHANTOM 2 User Manual Vl.4 

For PHANTOIVI 2 Flight Controller Firmware version V3.10 

& PHANTOIVI 2 Assistant version V3.8 

& PHANTOIVI RC Assistant version Vl.l 

2015.01 

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

fully use and understand the product. 

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

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

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

without notice. 

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

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

righted by DJI with all rights reserved. 

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.1l 
Content 

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

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

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 ............................................................................... 11 

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

2 PROP ELLERS .............................................................•................................................. 13 

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

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

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

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

3.1 POWER ON THE REMOTE CONTROlLER ............................................................................... 14 

3.2 REMOTE CONTROlLER LED INDICATOR STATUS .................................................................... 15 

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

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

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

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

3.5 LINKING THE REMOTE CONTROLLER & BUilT-IN RECEIVER ...................................................... 18 

4 INTELLIGENT BATTERY ............................................................................................... 19 

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

4.2 INSTALL THE BATTERY ...................................................................................................... 20 

4.3 BATTERY USAGE ............................................................................................................. 20 

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR ................................................................... 21 

4.5 CORRECT BATTERY USAGE NOTES ...................................................................................... 22 

5 CALIBRATING THE COMPASS ..............................................................................•....... 23 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 2 I 
.. 

5.1 CALIBRATION WARNINGS ................................................................................................. 23 

5.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES .............................................................................................. 23 

5.3 WHEN RECALIBRATION IS REQUIRED ................................................................................... 23 

6 FLIGHT ....................................................................................................................... 24 

6.1 FLYING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. 24 

6.2 STARTING THE MOTORS ................................................................................................... 24 

6.3 TAKEOFF/LANDING PROCEDURES ....................................................................................... 24 

6.4 FAILSAFE FUNCTION ........................................................................................................ 25 

6.5 LOW BATIERY CAPACITY WARNING FUNCTION ..................................................................... 27 

6.6 FLIGHT LIMITS FUNCTION ................................................................................................. 27 

Max Height & Radius Limits ......................................................................................... 27 

6.7 FLIGHT LIMITS OF SPECIAL AREAS ...................................................................................... 28 

6.8 CONDITIONS OF FLIGHT LIMITS ......................................................................................... 30 

Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................... 30 

7 ASSISTANT INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION ...................................................... 31 

7.11NSTALLING DRIVER AND PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT.. ............................................................. 31 

7.2 USING THE PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT ON A PC .................................................................... 32 

7.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE OF PHANTOM 2 ............................................................................. 33 

7.4 PHANTOM RC ASSISTANT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................... 33 

8 APPENDIX .................................................................................................................. 35 

8.1 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................. 35 

8.2 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ............................................................................... 35 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.3 I 
J. 

In the Box 

PHANTOM 2 Remote Controller-2.4GHz Propeller Pair 

Intelligent Battery Charger Plug Set 

Screwdriver Assistant Wrench Cables 

/ v 

Micro-USB Cable Screws Accessories Box 

Legend 

0 Forbidden(lmportant} ~ Caution ·'((.. Tip 

"" 

~ Reference 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.4 I 
1 PHANTOM 2 Aircraft 

[1]---. 

[5]-----+..,,I;WI---8 

t!l======~~~ [6]-----+ 

(7]'-----H 

[8},-----++-----{11 

Figure 1-1 

[9]-_;;;:::;;;:;;s:~~ 

[10]-----H~ 

[11}----~------iU 

Figure 1-2 

[1}Propeller [2}Motor [3}Front Side [4}Front LEOs [S}Micro-USB Port [6}Landing Gear [?}Receiver 

Antenna [8}CAN-Bus Connector [9}LED Flight Indicators [lO}DJIIntelligent 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, by choosing Naza-M mode or Phantom 2 mode. 

~f· 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. 

r-------

r------1 

~-... ~- I 

I 

I 

I 

1 CAN-Bus Connector I 

~~~~~w 

I the H3-2D/H3-3D I 

~i~b~----' 

,-------- I 

!Gimbal Mounting Position! 

!Mount the H3-2D/H3-3D !--_..;:""~---' 

fgimbal using 4 screws. I L ________ , 

----, 

I Compass I 

7---r=--------j' ~ : 

I~ I 

L---J 

Figure 1-3 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.5 I 
Important Notes of Using with Other DJI Products 

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

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

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

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

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

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

wireless video transmission module. 

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

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

2.4G Bluetooth and 2.4G Datalink. 

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

compass during installation and connection to avoid interference. 

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

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

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

Figure 1-4 

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

shown below. 

Figure 1-5 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.6 I 
Connections with Other DJI Products 

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

H3-2D as an example. 

I wi';;1~- .... 'Batt. t---""\ 

1 video Batt• ...... --

l

transmission 

module VIDEO GND 

lrransmitter VIDEOI-.,......ti""\.'''-

L.------...1 

r-- ----------.-- ! Description of the Video Cable I 

I (sequence by color) [ 

-VIDEO I 

t - VIDEO GND f 1----1' -- VBat• 

L =--G~D- - - ~- - .... - _! 

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. 

~----..1 

Figure 1-7 

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

---~-----,---........, j Description of the Video Cable 

1 (sequence by color) 

--VIDEO 

I - VIDEO GND I 

1----tl -- v.... I L--=--G.J::!P_--------

.,.,.. zit:iMusE, 

H3·2D I 

I 

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

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

DJI specified I 

wireless I 

video I 

transmission I rr====~\"Q module 

AVL58 

Transmitter I 

Figure 1-8 

r'---- -------- ~ --~~-

Description of the Video Cable 

(sequence by color) 

--VIDEO 

I 

I 

I -- VIDEO GNO I 

[ - Ve... I 

t-----rL -=--G!:!,!>- - - - - - - - -

1 - - co;;;a7s I 

:u· I (!) (!) : I 

I e "' I 1....:.-------

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

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

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

below uses H3-2D as an example. 

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

I o.;;;,ri'Pti;;;; .rlth;Vlde-;;'c7bJ;;-'--, 

j (sequenee by eo!or) I 

Wireless video transmission J 

I module Transmitter speeified by I 

I DJ!(AVl58) 

I OR fr;::===;:z;4J,J 1 Other wireless video transmission! 

~o~I_: _ _T~n~i~r ____ J 

Figure 1-9 

--VIDEO : = VIDEOGND 1----l v •••• 

L =--G!:P ::.iijjllliii-..;;;.,;;: 

ZENMUs!PI 

H3·2D 

l 

I 

-\I 

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

,------ 8Arr: 1'----'jB:;t .. ----------, 

I BATT-I !Batt- I 

l BATT·' B tt I a • Other wireless video 

I BATT. I r Batt• transmission module I 

I iOSD Mark II UART I I Transmitter 1 

UART I I I 

I AV-GND I fVIDEO GND I ~ ____ ...fV..:...O);!.T J £2:1DE~ ____ - ___ ~ 

------~rf.l r-----------1 

I BATT- I I 

Wireless video I 

I BATT • --- transmission 

1 iOSD Mark II BATT• 1----- module I 

f UART AVL58 Transmitter I 

I UART specified by DJI 1 

AV-GND I 

I 

________ AV-OUT J ~----------~ 

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

transmission module A VL58. 

( 5 ) Using the iPad Ground Station 

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

Ground End 

Figure 1-10 

iPad Ground 

Station 

Connect the Air End of 2.4G Bluetooth Datalink to a spared CAN-Bus port of iOSD if an iOSD is used. 

{ 6 ) Using the PC Ground Station 

Alr End 

Ground End 

Figure 1-11 

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

UGDlli.L.IM( 

~~ 

........_____,'"l 
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. 

Aircraft in Normal status i Descriptions 

etl}oe®e Power On Self· Test 

G>OOOO Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up 

000@0 Ready to Fly 

0000@ Ready to Fly (non-GPS) 

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors 

000000 Remote Controller Signal Lost 

••••• 1'1 Level Low Battery Capacity Warning 

•••••• 2nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning 

••• Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big 

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly. 

•o•t)• 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 

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

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

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

have spooled up. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.11 I 
1.4 Notes for PHANTOM 2 using with other DJI products 

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

the firmware as requirements below. 

Items to upgrade Firmware versions required Assistant for upgrading Assistant version 

P330CB (built-in Vl.O.l.19 or above PHANTOM2 Vl.08 or above 

central board) 

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

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

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

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.12 I 
2 Propellers 

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

propellers should be replaced by purchasing new ones if necessary. 

Propellers Grey Nut (9450) Black Nut (9450 R) 

Diagram ~ ~ ·,~.~ 

Attach to the motor thread that does Attach to the motor thread that has a 

Assembly Location 

not have a black dot. black dot. 

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

Instructions '0~ Unlock: Remove the propeller in this direction. 

2.1 Assembl 

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 

2.2 Disassembly 

Figure 2-2 

~,c yy 

Figure2-3 

{ 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. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.13 I 
3 Remote Controller 

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

on delivery. 

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

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

J3 

{} 

[1]----i 

J4 ¢0¢- [7] 

(l-

[8]-t-----' 

[ 9]-!----""'--LJ 

J2 

.0. 

-[6] ¢0¢- J1 

~ 

o..,_..--1-- [14] 

o o" [10] ~==,._....-- [13]---=::::=:::::r---

Figure 3-1 

[l]Antenna [2]Carrying Handle [3]Left Dial [4]3-Position Switch Sl [5]3-Position Switch 52 [6]Joystickl{Jl;J2) 

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

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

[13]8attery Charge & RC Assistant Port (micro-USB port) [14] Potentiometer 

3.1 Power on the Remote Controller 

1. Set the Sl and S2 switches to the upper most position and ensure both joysticks are at 

the mid-point position. Then toggle on the power switch. 

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

indicator is solid on, the remote controller is functioning normally. The battery level 

indicators display the current battery level. 

1. Please make sure the battery level of remote controller is enough. If the low voltage warning alert 

sounds (refer to <Remote Controller Power LED Indicator Status>), please recharge the battery as soon 

as possible. 

Lf~ 2. Charge the remote controller's battery by using the included micro-USB cable. Using the incorrect 

type of charging cable may cause damage. 

3. Turn off the remote controller before charging. The power LED indicator will display solid red when 

charging is in progress. The LED indicators will display solid green when the battery is fully charged. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.14l 
3.2 Remote Controller LED Indicator Status 

3.2.1 Remote Controller Power LED Indicator Status 

Power LED Indicator Sound Remote Controller Status 

IT:· ' --··.,··] None Functioning normally. 

None Charging( remote controller is powered off) 

None Remote controller joysticks calibration error, need to be re-calibrate. 

BB---BB---BB Low voltage (from 3.5V-3.53V), recharge the remote controller. 

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

controller immediately. 

Alert will sound after 15 minutes ofinactivity. It will stop once you ~ --. B--B--B ...... start using the remote controller. 

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

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

during flight. 

3.2.2 Remote Controller Battery Level Indicator Status 

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

a description of the indicators. 

0 : The LED is solid on Q , The LED will blink regularly 

• :The LED is light off 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

[J [l [J 75%~100% 

• 50%-75% 

• • 25%-50% 

• • • 12.5%-25% 

• • • 0%-12.5% 

• • • • <0% 

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

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

during flight. 

Figure 3-3 

3.4 Remote Controller Operation 

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

Definitions 

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

the central position. 

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

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

Remote 

Controller 

(Mode 2) 

Aircraft 

( .Ill nose direction ) 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.161 

Operation details 

The throttle stick controls aircraft altitude/elevation. 

Push the stick up and the aircraft will rise. 

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will descend. 

The aircraft will automatically hover and hold its 

altitude if the sticks are centered. 

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

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

suggest that you push the throttle stick slowly to 

prevent the aircraft from sudden and unexpected 

elevation changes. 
The yaw stick controls the aircraft rudder. 

Push the stick left and the aircraft will rotate counter 

clock-wise. 

Push the stick right and the aircraft will rotate 

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

remain facing the same direction. 

The yaw stick controls the rotating angular velocity of 

the aircraft. Pushing the stick further away from center 

results in a faster aircraft rotation 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. 

Pushing or pulling the stick further away from center 

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

faster flight velocity. 

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

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

-==~~~~;:~;=~~r=t Push the stick right and the aircraft will tilt and fly right. 

:~ ,\!!!) / ~-' 

OFF 

Position-2 

Course Lock 

point Lock 

®2013-2015 DJ I. All Rights Reserved.17 I 

loo-..... l I 

\ ... __ 

Position-3 

Home 

The aircraft will keep level and straight if the stick is 

centered. 

Pushing the stick further away from center will result in 

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

velocity. 

S1 is for compass calibration. Toggle the S1 switch from 

position-1 to position-3 and back to position-1 at least 5 

times, which will force the aircraft to enter into 

compass calibration mode. 

Users can configure position 3(bottom position) of the 

S1 switch to trigger the Failsafe in the Assistant. 

S2 is the IOC mode switch. IOC (Intelligent 

Orientation Control) function can be enabled in the 

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

function after you are familiar with flying. 
-90' 

The left dial controls the pitch of the H3-2D and H3-3D 

gimbal. The position of left dial determines the pitch 

angle relative to the horizontal level. 

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

up. 

T ur'n the left dial to the left to make the gimbal pitch 

down. 

The gimbal will keep its current position if the dial is 

static. 

( 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. 

~~----n~- Link button & 

#t!=t::::==:r::~jl~ Link indicator 

Figure 3-4 

Linking procedures 

1. Power on the PHANTOM 2. 

2. Turn on the remote controller and place it O.Sm~lm 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 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, 

©2013·2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.18 I 
please carry out the linking procedures. 

:=: ~ I The remote controller is linked with the receiver successfully. 

4 Intelligent Battery 

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

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

D 

Intelligent Battery Charger 

DJIIntelligent Battery Functions 

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

... ··-· ... -·--·-·--

( 2 ) Capacity Display Display the current battery level. 

The main controller communicates with the battery via communication ports 

( 3 ) Communicating 

for battery voltage, capacity, current and other information. 

Charging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 12.8V to 

( 4 ) Overcharging Protection 

prevent overcharging damage. 

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

Protection prevent over discharging damage. 

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

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

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

powered on without connecting to other devices. 

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

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

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

Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage. 

( 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~P_r_o_c_e_d_u_r_e_s ______________ ~--------------------------------------~ 

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

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

the battery to begin charging. 

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.19 I 
level indicator description for details. 

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

and battery when the charging is completed. 

,G 

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 'dick' sound. 

Figure 4-1 

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

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

4.3 Battery Usage 

LED2 ---r-.:r...;::...,::::-::~::::::::J 

LEDl 

Figure 4-2 

~-.,..-- LED3 

r----T- LED4 

Battery Power Button 

(Built-in Battery Power Indicator) 

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

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

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

2 seconds to turn on the intelligent battery. 

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

2 seconds to turn off the intelligent battery. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.20 I 
(4) Checking the battery life: When the battery is powered off; press and hold the battery power button for 5 

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

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

Level Indicator Description> for details. 

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

4.4 Description of the Battery Level Indicator 

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

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

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

0 :The LED is light off 

Charging process 

--·~ ------~-

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

G Q [j ' ~ 0%-25% 

[II] PiD 25%-50% 

0 0 0 • 50%-75% 

75%-100% 

f!j fll • • Full charged 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

n c D D 87.5%-100% 

75%-87.5% 

D ~ . 62.5%-75% 

[.EJ ' 50%-62.5% 

0 0 37.5%-50% 

0 0 25%-37.5% 

0 0 D 12.5%-25°/o 

D D D 0%-12.5% 

D D D D <0% 

Battery life 

---~------

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery life 

0 D D c 90%-100% 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.21 I 
80%-90% 

D D D • 70%-80% 

• 60%-70% 

D 0 • • 50%-60% 

• • 40%-50% 

D • • • 30%-40% 

... • • • 20%-30% 

• • • • Less than 20% 

4.5 Correct Batte Usage Notes ~--------------------------------------------------------------~ l. Never plug or unplug the battery into the aircraft when it is powered on. 

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

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

where the relative humidity is lower than 80%. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

in good condition. The capacity should be varied in such a cycle (40%-50%}-0%--lOO>A>-(40%-50%). 

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

Please completely discharge a battery prior to disposal. 

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

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

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

concrete and never near any flammable materials. 

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.22 I 
5 Calibrating the Compass 

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

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

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

its optimal level. 

5.1 Calibration Warnings 

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

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

underground. 0 ( 2) DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or cellular 

phones. 

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

5.2 Calibration Procedures 

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

PHANTOM 2 for more compass calibration details. 

~ Quickly flip the switch Sl 

_j._ 

Po,;t;on-1 (&:J 

Position-3 ~ ~~ 1 

Start ............ 

cali Position-l .. Position-3-·Position-1 

Flip no less than 5 times 

IS:" ll \7 D 

0 LED Flight Indicator 

0 I I 

G 

0 Start horizontal calibratic .. 

i 

I 

I 

J 

5.3 When Recalibration is required 

360° Rotate the aircraft 

horizontally 

I 

q~ I 

I 

I 

LED Flight Indicator 

Start vertical calibration 

r 

360°Rotate the aircraft 

--, 

I I 

Normal LED I 0 0 0 Ot 

I I 

Succeed I F'1il I 

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

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

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

( 4 ) Evident drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the aircraft doesn't fly in straight lines. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.23 I 
6 Flight 

6.1 Flying Environment Requirements 

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

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

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

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

within buildings may interfere with the compass. 

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

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

stations or cell towers around). 

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

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

lays and regulations. 

6.2 Starting the Motors 

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

below to start motors. Once the motors have started, release both sticks simultaneously. The same CSC is used to 

stop the motors. 

A B c D 

Figure 6-1 

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 the throttle stick to descend. The stick will lock into 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.24 I 
place and the aircraft will descend steadily. 

7. After landing, leave the throttle stick down for 3 to 5 seconds to stop the motors. Return throttle stick to 

middle position after the motors have stopped. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ ( 4 ) Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and 

temperature. Be very careful when flying 3000 meters (9800 feet) or more above sea level, as 

battery and aircraft performance may be reduced. 

( 5 ) When used with a H3-3D gimbal, a GoPro camera, and the iOSD mini, your Phantom 2 will be very 

close to its maximum takeoff weight. It is not recommended that you attach the Phantom 2 

propeller guards at this weight. Otherwise, the aircraft will be unable to fly normally. 

6.4 Failsafe Function 

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

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

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

( l ) The remote controller is powered off. 

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

have been configured in the PHANTOM 2 Assistant). 

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

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

reducing the distance the signal can travel. 

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

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

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

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

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

be drifting during the descent and landing process. 

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

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.25 I 
Home Point 

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

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

able to fly back to home point successfully in case the Failsafe mode is initiated. 

Go Home Procedures 

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

~---L--•--------------~ lEDFfightlndicatorO 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 

~ -!> 

~ !-::> 'e::" ~ 

@ ~ @ 

LEDFiightlndicatorO 0 0 0 0 LED Flight Indicator 000000 

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

,--------------~ 

't Height over horne point>20rn ~ 

~ y;-u '";;.;,~;o.; ~ -!> -:a:- I 

·~ I 

m "W" I 

Height over horne point~20m ~ LEO Flight Indicator 000000 LED Flight lndicatorO 00000 LED flight lndicatorOOOOOO 

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. 

( 2 ) When the aircraft is landing automatically, users can control the aircraft's position and altitude if 

the remote controller signal is recovered. 

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

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

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

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

~· .. •(!'" on the LED Flight Indicator. The definition of "home point" is: .. ( 1 ) The home point is the place PHANTOM 2 returns to when the control signal is lost, which is 

recorded last time. 

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

distance will be displayed as ~ if using iOSD module. 

Regaining Control during Failsafe Procedure 

(fj; ,-, 

:~ t 

~~ I 

' ' ' ' \ 

Position of -- .. __ , '*' 

Switch Sl Position-3 

Position-1 Position-2 

(No triggering the Failsafe) 

When the S1 switch is switched to Position-1, 

How to regain toggle the S1 switch to any other position once to Regain control as soon as signal is 

control regain control. If remote controller's signal is recovered. 

recovered, control is returned back to the pilot. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.26 I 
6.5 Low Battery Capacity Warning Function 

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

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

capacity warning. The first appears when the battery has less than 30% power and the second appears when it has 

less than 15% power. 

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

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

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

( 3 ) There is a hidden third low battery threshold in addition to the lst 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 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 E£;fflfm~~~~fflt.P;t. 

Max Height & Radius Limits 

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

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.27 I 
Ready to Fly 

Max Height 

Max Radius 

·J-.. , .; 

~ - ._.__ ·-~~~~ -' 

Figure 6-3 

Limits 

The flight height is restricted to fly 

under the max height. 

Max 

Height 

Max 

Radius 

Home Point 

-'-!.----1--"The height of 

aircraft when it 

is powered on 

Figure 6-4 

Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

Warning: Height limit 

None. 

reached. 

The flight distance is restricted to fly Warning: Distance limit Rapid red flashings 000000 

within the max radius. reached. when close to the Max radius limit. 

Ready to Fly(non-GPS) 

-~~0~----~~--·- -~-.·-·--- ·--------------..--------~~------ ------------! 

Max Height 

Max Radius 

(1) 

(2) 

Flight Limits Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

The flight height is restricted to fly Warning: Height limit reached. 

under the minor height between the None. 

Max height and 120m. 

Not limited, no warnings or LED indicators. 

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

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

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

6. 7 Flight Limits of Special Areas 

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

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.28 I 
BlOOm 

8000m 

2400m 

i 

10.5m 

Ready to Fly 

Airspace 

A 

Orange 

B 

Yellow 

c 

Green 

D 

Blue 

1000 

D 

'! ' 

I 

J B A I 

Lj __ 

A 

.Center of 

Special 

Area 

Airspace: A,C,D 

Boundary:£, £, 

£ 

c D 

Category A Category B 

(\ ['. n, r, ' l_.j \ ; \,__.....' \_; 

Rear LED 

Limits 

Flight Indicator 

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. 

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

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

000000 

descend to airspace C and hover 5 meters below edge sf 

No restrictions of flight, but the Phantom will not enter 

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

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 f!.:. 

No restrictions. None. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.29 I 
Semi-automatic descent: All stick commands are available except the throttle stick command during 

~ the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing. Users will regain control 

once the motors have stopped. There is no need to toggle the S1 switch. 

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

000000 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 closeto airports, highways, railway stations, railway lines, 

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

6.8 Conditions of Flight Limits 

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

The following table demonstrates all the cases(V: available; X:unavailable). 

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

Phantom mode 

Flight Status Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

Ready to Fly v v v 

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) X v X 

Naza-M mode 

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

~6 v v v 

GPS 

<6 X v X 

~6 v v X 

A TTl. 

<6 X v X 

~6 X X X 

Manual 

<6 X X X 

Disclaimer 

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

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

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

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

administrative rules and social habits thereof. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.30 I 
7 Assistant Installation and Configuration 

7.1 Installing Driver and PHANTOM 2 Assistant 

Installing and running on Windows 

1. Download driver installer and Assistant installer in EXE format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 

on the DJI website. 

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

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

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

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

A 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 installer in DMG format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 on the DJI 

website. 

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

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

allow access because the software has not been reviewed by Mac App Store. 

c, .. ! 

I~ nphantom" can't be opened because it Is 

rrom an un'ldentiiled developtr. 

!llol ,,..,.,., tllb II!• yutord&y •t 3:47 I'M. 

,J 

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

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

the prompt dialog box and then software will launch. 

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

the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.31 I 
no 

-

Ojl PllANTOM 2 

••• 

"""" 

i 

,.., 

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

r=~~: ==~ J 

"~------------------~ ( I'O.W.o Mothoda: Qo.,Homo -l..ln!lng J ' 

toe ! 

[ ~ 001tta1ian Control: OFf' I ; 

CWiol 

f._G_,.,_bai_Svllth __ , ____ o_N_....JJ ! 

I

< =~'""."P'"''i [1000] -c!» ''"""""""l".''m.~ I ... ""'"'"'"";."':i ~J -e3 ..................... I 10001 

I .... "~'~"'"'"""":i (Tocicil ..a ..................... ITo§![] ..._, -~~~lui_ll•jldiJI_!''i 0'@1 

-------------------------J 

__,_ c..n.ni Vall~o: -----12400mV --J . ' 

·c..m.it C.llldy; ~ : 

Aostl.eYel Warning: ~ ; 

Scoondl~WIIIJ\lng: 15% , 

t 

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

·"Q- Usage of PHANTOM 2 Assistant on Mac OS X and Windows are exactly the same. The Assistant pages 

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

7.2 Using the PHANTOM 2 Assistant on a PC 

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

cable. DO NOT disconnect until configuration is finished. 

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

indicators 8. on the bottom of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection indicator is E) 

and communication indicator is blinkingO . 

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

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

,-----------Function switch of Phantom 2 

PHANTOM2 2 ,.... 

View configurations -- r::o.· rJ> d ~ ® i '.·~'' 0 rc J~~K!"d t '!II ad~ Into 

RC, Gain - - '"~ -

Gimbal, Battery -1:-f'=:-:=;·...;-...;·;.;;· ·-;.;;-;.;.·...-,,;;~ '! OPSLocoo;.., I· """J 

-·-~ -'f•~, •.ll!ll:a.ft•- I ,..fiOtof• • J 

'' . 'Ciic.-T_,t: ;o.I:~Vil 

I' IIMI..-tn-: ~otorJ I. !l UOIOfl!l.sptta' ~~lldlt-d 

_j

! r;c,;;..~,;;;:--;;:.,-;;-lj ,-.,.-_--_--------=-----:: l _____ - -~ ~ ~! l r~~~--~an~~l~~ ~ 

!

f'411*1 Pilcf'l ROI l'IW ~ ' -0: -·-

-.;..; ~ --[;'~-- ~ - ~--I '~~~-':""':~- orr 

l_.,,...,. -~; __ ji~ ________ __j r-- .... ----------- ·-. 

y ~ ---J l;:__oan __ 

\- ............ ~ ......... c::o r::;.,..-._ -------~--. 

and Naza-M mode 

- Language swap 

Account, software 

version 

- Firmware upgrade 

IMU calibration 

~- ·-- ~ L~'~'- --~·- _j ·---~CD 

- - ( ' .... """'"li""'"" D::J l """"""-"'' ... CommunJcat;on i ._. """'"li""'""- D::J -nrstL.,•w-: """ _jl *This image is for reference 

indicator-~~ --- ~~'-"':~~~--~- only. Please refer to the 

Connection --tEiiiiiiiiilllliiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiii - actual user interface. indicator 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.32 I 
( 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 to install driver and PHANTOM RC Assistant, and then follow the 

procedures below to upgrade the software and firmware; otherwise the PHANTOM 2 might not work properly. 

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

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

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

3. Be sure to wait until the Assistant shows "finished". Click OK and power cycle the PHANTOM 2 after 5 

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

PHANTOM2 -2 EoiJO>l>• - X 

ra.-' ti a·© i View S.Ute ~alla."d TOOl$ ,l,·u~l" tMl 

,_ _., ......... Firmware upgradable items U(llltCetttfOitf ..... • 1-) 1.0• 1.1111!-.115 - V'PS ·.·.• 0.1.12 6.0!1 ... 

-~>.1MU ~:OS 11>1>.0 

Pl:JOCB ll!!h.O.O tlo- 1121'0028ll<l 1.0.1.1& Ut>OI..,!Oil."1.0,t,1G Upgrade link _,..., 1.0 

- U> 

... _ -IUIIO..II 20005<IS05 ·~ 

... _ -l.MJ) 0000011!130 1.$!JjJ Hov;.lain 

Current firmware version I 

'This image is for reference 

~iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil only. Please refer to the 1 actual user interface. 

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

.£h (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) GimbaiiMU (6) Battery 

7.4 PHANTOM RC Assistant Description 

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

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.33 I 
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 and wait for the remote controller to connect to the Assistant. Observe 

the indicators • • on the bottom left of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection 

indicator is 0 and communication indicator is blinkingO. 

4. Finish configuration in the [Main] page. 

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

,_ .......... , .......... m_, ................... ~ 

~=::::::::::::::::::::as=~::::::::::::::::::::~ 

- ................... o:J 

Main Page of the 2.4GHz Remote Controller 

PHANTOM RC "'"''" • - Language swap 

Main page 

Communication indicator 

Connection indicator 

~ . 

..:."" i ' 1 'l 1nro 

th!Pn.inComm:H,l$Wit!~f!! 

USt'!!f;>~#t'I'$1JOafll!•MD.I 

~Rtmo&tCOtM!Ittr(Boih: 

!~eGH:-e2.,.CHtl 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.34 I 

Firmware upgrade 

Account, software 

version 

•Tnis image is for 

reference only. Please 

refer to the actual 

user interface. 
8 Appendix 

8.1 S ecifications 

Aircraft 

Operating environment temperature 

Power consumption 

Supported Battery 

Max Ascent I Descent Speed 

Max Flight Speed 

Wheelbase 

2.4GHz Remote Controller 

Operating Frequency 

5.6W 

DJIIntelligent battery 

lOOOg 

!!l300g 

Vertical: 0.8m; Horizontal: 2.5m 

200./s 

35" 

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

l5m/s (Not Recommended) 

350mm 

2.4GHz ISM 

Communication Distance (open area) lOOOm 

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -97dBm 

120 mA@3.7V 

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

3S LiPo Battery 

Capacity 5200mAh, ll.lV 

Charging Environment Range 

Discharging Environment Range 

8 2 . LED Fr •g ht I n d' 1ca t ors D escr1p1 . t' 10n 

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

000000 Power On Self-Test 

, .. -...., 

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up 

0000 Ready to Fly 

r ,, " 

\ Ready to Fly (non-GPS) 

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors 

000000 Remote Controller Signal Lost 

00000 1'1 Level Low Battery Capacity Warning 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.35 I 
•••••• ••• 

• 

2nd 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 to get detailed information about warnings and errors. 

©2013-2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.36 I