LT}.JITED ST.A~TES OF Alv!ERICA 

DEPART!vffiNT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL A\!IATION AD1VIIN1STRATION 

WASHINGTON, DC 

Regulatory Docket No. 

IN THE ~lATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXE:MPTIONOF: 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

FOR Al~ EXEj\fPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROrv1THE REQlJIRE~IENTS OF 

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

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

91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), Al"''D 91.417(a) & (b) CONCER~ING COJVllVJ:ERCIAL 

OPERA.TION OF D.ll PHANTOlVI 3 PROFESSIONAL Ul\Jl\1Al~NED AIRCRAFT 

SYSTE~fS PlJRSUAl'lT TO SECTION 333 OF THE FAA. l\10DERNIZATION A1'\JTI Dh'PIID~lf AI'T OP '")111") IPTTJH Tl' T A \\7 11'") 0..::::\ ..lL""'-_L_.J..IL "--"'_._"'to...l.. • ..._ "'- .JL--- _j(_ '--""_I_ .af'V' _A_-, _ _._ ....__ . ......,..!l....J_.._....__. -L...\'"'- ._ "'l' _._ ..... __ .,. ..... _,., 

Submitted on August 26th 2015 

Peter Theilen 

Pi.11ehurst Video Production LLC 

6289 Pinehurst Drive 

Spring Hill, Fl. 34606 

T 1e . "-'} -.-,) ·"10 7 3"'"1 . (-J)L 4 -I -I 

AGL Above Ground Level 

AOI Area of Interest 

ATC Air Traffic Control 

ATO Air Traffic Organization 

AV Aerial Vehicle 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CO A Cet1ificate of Authorization 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation 

GCS Ground Control Station 

GPS Global Positioning System 

LOL Loss of Link 

NAS National Airspace System 

NOTAl\;! Notice to Airman 

PIC Pilot In Command 

Section 333 FAA l\1od~:mization and Retorm Act of 2012 (F:rviRA) Section 333 

SO Safety Observer 

SOP Standard OperatingProcedures 
UAS Unmanned Aircraft System 

VFR Visual Flight Rules 

VLOS Visual Line of Site 

Vl\.iiC Visual Meteorological Conditions 

VTOL \lertical Takeoff and Landing 

SlJNIMARY 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 

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

and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 of 

the FAA 1'v1odemization and Refonn Act of2012 (Fl\1RA). This exemption will permit 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the 

commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of constmction sites, real 

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

INTRODUCTION Al'JD INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC provides its clients with expertise and knowledge in the 

fields of photography and videography. Pinehurst Video Production LLC has been in business 

for 5 years and has worked with many clients on races, special events and weddings. Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC is experienced in all aspects ofvideography and photography. The 

objective of Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's aerial video and photography operations is to 

provide lmv cost, high quality imaging for a variety of commercial and residential 

customers. As well as to provide search and rescue services as required with local 

emergency management and to increase the public's knmvledge ofUAS and promote safe 

U AS operations. 

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Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeks an exemption to operate DJI systems 

For compensation or hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional 

are vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) vvith a Ground Control Station 

(GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone 4 systems. 

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having a length of 16 inches width and of 16 inches, height of 8 inches and a maximum speed of 

approximately 31 knots and are equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer 

battery powered eiectric motors. 

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional that will be operated by Pinehurst Video Production LLC \Vill be 

registered in accordance vvith 49 

U.S.C. 44103, Registration ofAircrqft, as vvell as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircrqft Registration, 

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

BASIS FOR PETITION 

Petitioner, Pinehurst Video Production LLC, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal 

Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Refonn Act of 

2012 (ElviRA), Section 333, ;.,pecial Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircrqft ~vstems, hereby 
in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R 

§§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 

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

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

with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, Pinehurst Video Production T J ,C 's operation of 

Dll Phantom 3 Professional meets the conditions of FMRA Section333 and therefore, will not 

require an airworthiness cettificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. 

Accordingly, Pinehurst Video Production LLC requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth 

requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC submits that the requested relief is proper since an 

equivalent level of safety will be ensured. Pinehurst Video Production LLC will use experienced 

personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on 

the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating 

documents (i.e., the Pinehurst Video Production LLC Aerial Operations 1\tlanual, Monthly 

l\!faintenance Log, and Dll Phantom 3 Professional fustruction Manual). Furthermore, Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC will document and maintain all maintenance records for the Dll 

Phantom 3 Professional . 

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

privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

io ihe exieni necessary io aliow a Piioi in Command (PIC) hoiding a privaie piioi or higher 

level certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by 

meeting minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely 

operate the Dll Phantom 3 Professional in a manner consistent with this exemption, including 

evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civilaircrcift 6 

airworthiness, because the Dll Phantom 3 Professional do not require an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 

21, Subpart H. As such, Pinehurst Video Production LLC submits that it will ensure that the Dll 

Phantom :1 Professional are in an airwotthv condition_ nrior to everv flill"ht hv determininll" that ,.1 J .1. ..... ~ J .... ........ 

they are in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

Aerial Operations l\!fanual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

fustruction Manual), and that the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight. 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC also seeks an exemption from the requirements of 

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter SettinJ;?s, as the Dll Phantom 3 Professional will not have a 

typical barometric altimeter onboard. 

However, altitude information of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional will be provided to the PIC via 

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

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

infonnation, combined with Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's operation of the Dll Phantom 3 

Professional within visual line of sight, at or below 400 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety 

equivalent to Section91.121. 

Additionally, Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeks an exemption from the 

requirements of Section 91.151 (b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR 
operation of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional during daylight hours in visual meteorological 

conditions (VlV1C) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total 

duration of approximately 13.5 minutes to the frrst point of intended landing and, assuming 

normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4. 5 minutes. fu accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 

11.81, Pinehurst Video Production T J "C provides the foiJowing information in support of its 

petition for exemption: 

A.Name And Address Of The Petitioner. 

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

Peter Theilen 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

6289 Pinehurst Drive 

Spring Hill, Fl. 34606 

Tel: 352-410-7357 

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

Seeks Exemption. 

1. Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of 

Section 61.113(a) And (b). 

Seciion 6i.ii3, eniiiied Privaie piloi privileges and iimiiaiions: Film in command, 

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

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

(PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or 

hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft. 

connection with any business or employment if-

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

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

2. Pinehurst Video Production T ,l ,c Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 91. 7(a). 

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

following: 

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

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Of Section 91.121. 

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

part: 

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

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

when operating--

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

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and 
(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of 

this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate 

available station; or 

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

denarture aimort or an annronriate altimeter settinQ" available before .L _._ ... ... ... __.. 

departure. 

4. Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 91.151(b ). 

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirementsfor.fli:?ht in VFR conditions, subsection 

(b), states the following: 

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft 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, to 

fly after that for at least 20 minutes. 

5. Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirement 

Of Section 91.405(a). 

Section 91.405, entitled.L\1aintenance required, subsection (a), states the following: 

Each owner or operator of an aircraft-

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

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

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

6. Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Section 91.407(a)(l) 

rebuilding, or alteration, subsection (a)(1), states the following: 

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

maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless--

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

43.7 ofthis chapter[.] 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

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

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

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

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

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

been approved for return to service by a person authorized by§ 43.7 of this 

chapter; or 

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

with part 21 of this chapter. 

8. Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements 

Of Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b). 
following: 

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

registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods 

specified in paragraph (b) of this section: 

(1) Record-. of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and 

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

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

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

include--

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

the work performed; and 

10 

(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 infonnation: 

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

each rotor. 

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

propeller, rotor, and appliance. 

(iii) Tne time since iast overhaui of ali 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. 

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

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

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

required. 

(vi) Conies of the forms nrescribed bv S 43. 9( d) of this chanter for each ... _,# ..1_ .I. -' .._, ' ,# ... 

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)(l) 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. 

11 
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Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks The Relief. 

1. Extent OfReliefPinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks And The Reason Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b). 

limitations: Pilot in command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a 

private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid ainnan medical 

certificate, and who has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, to conduct the 

proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or hire. 

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

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

connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that 

business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for 

compensation or hire. 

As set forth more fully below, Pinehurst Video Production LLC submits that an equivalent 

level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the Dll 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, Dll Phantom 3 Professional UAS or Dll Inspire 1 UAS unless 

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

is able to safely operate either the Dll Phantom 3 Professional in a manner consistent with the 

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

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

structures. 

Further, Pinehurst Video Production LLC submits that all flights of the Dll Phantom 3 

Professional conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: 

(1) will be incidental to Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's business; and (2) will not 

carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

2. Extent OfReliefPinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks And The Reason Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a). 

extent required to allow Pinehurst Video Production LLC to determine that the 

Dll Phantom 3 Professional is in a airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the 

UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

Aerial Operations Manua~ Monthly Maintenance Log, and Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

Instruction 1Vfanua1). 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeks the requested relief because the Phantom 3 Professional 

does not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. 

Therefore, Pinehurst Video Production LLC will ensure that the Dll Phantom 3 

Professional is in airworthy condition based uponits compliance with the operating documents 

(i.e., the Pinehurst Video Production LLC Aerial Operations Manua~ Monthly Maintenance Log, 

and Dll Phantom 3 Professional Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and further, 

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

limitations below. 
Video Production LLC Seeks Relief From Section 91.121. 

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

flight operations of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

Inspire 1 UASs, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio 

communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the 

PIC at the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude 

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

above ground level (AGL), Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeks the requested relief because 

the Dll Phantom 3 Professional altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather than 

the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight. 

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

91.121 ic;; sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and 

limitations stated below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will 

be maintained since the Dll Phantom 3 Professional is equipped with a barometric pressure 

sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically ensures that a ground level pressure setting will 

be established prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on 

the heads-up display of the GCS. 

4. Extent OfReliefPinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks And The Reason Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(b). 

conditions, is requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered 

Dll Phantom 3 Professional during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), 

under visual flight rules (VFR ), for a total duration of 13. 5 minutes to the frrst point of intended 

landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. Pinehurst 

Video Production T J C seeks the reonested reliefhecause without an exemntion from Section J. J. 

91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition. 

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

documents, and Pinehurst Video Production LLC proposed operating limitations, ensure that 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC will safely operate the battery powered Dll Phantom 3 

Professional during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), 

under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 

13.5 minutes to the frrst point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to 

fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. 

5. Extent Of Relief Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks And The Reason Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b). 

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(i), 91.409(a)(i) & (a)(2), and 91.4i7(a) & (b) 
requests relief from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 3 Professional does not require 

airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

meets the conditions of FI\1RA Section 333 for operation vvithout an airworthiness 

certificate. "A~ccordingly, Pinehurst Video Production LLC will use trained teclmicians to 

perfi1nn maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the l:JASs using the methods. 

techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the Pinehurst Video 

Production LLC Aerial Operations :Manual, IVIonthly I\Iaintenance Log, and Phantom 3 

Professional Instruction 1v1anual). Furthennore, Pinehurst Video Production LLC will document 

and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 Professional. 

The Public Interest; That Is, How It \Vould Benefit The Public As A \\'hole. 

Granting the present Petition vvill further the public interest by allmving Pinehurst Video 

Production LLC to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and 

photography of constmction sites, real estate, and landscape over certain areas of the 

United States. 

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional will decrease congestion of the NAS, 

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

Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional 

will be realized w-ithout implicating any privacy issues. 

1. The Public \Viii Benet1t From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS. 

The DJI Phantom 3 Protessional are battery pow-ered and serve as a safe, efficient, and 

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

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

allowing the use of a DJI Phantom 3 Professional would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in 

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

air and on the ground. 

congestion around airports caused by aniving and departing aircraft \Vill be reduced. 

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional do not require an aiqJot1 to takeoff or land. Likewise, a 

reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography missions vvould result in 

fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, 

arrivaL and landing phases of flight operations_ 

2. The Public \Viii Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The D.JI Phantom 3 

Professional. 

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 3 Professional instead of mmmed aircraft, 

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

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

power and electric motors, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional produce no air pollution, and is the 

most viable environmentally conscious altemative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal 
burning approximately 20-30 gallons per hour ofleaded aviation fuel. The DJI Phantom 3 

Professional while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisitions, also eliminates noise 

pollution, as the UA are propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an internal 

combustion engine. By using the DJI Phantom 3 Professional to perform aerial acquisitions, the 

substantial risk to life and property in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with 

traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced or completely 

eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional (weighing approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces, at it's maximum gross 

weights with lengths of 17 .3, widths of 17.7 inches and with no fuel on board), has less physical 

potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in the air, compared to the 

manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations (weighing approximately 6,000 pounds 

with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 

gallons). 

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

Professional Will Benefit The Economy. 

fu addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspireis also an 

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

operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional will allow United States based companies, like 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC, to remain competitive and contribute to 

growih of the U.S. economy. Specificaiiy, with the nsmg cost of avtat10n fuei and the 

Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") regulatory actions phasing out leaded aviation 

fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and alternative technology in 

order to remain competitive. Operating the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional is one 

such technology that not only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to ..,.....lllnn~rl "ll~.,..,.,..,....,.ft 1-.. .-Jlli- -n .... n-,;T~rl~v £1Ht"•:h -A,.:::..v;l,.~l~t-u 'l"'ll<r~-thnni- tl,,o::. t,_;n-h F'\'f"'\.A .... 'lli-;n...,.'Il f'oru.-ti- .nf" "11 -t.,..."ll.rJ;-t;n...,,..,l .l..L.I.U..I..I..J.LV~ t.-t..I....I.'"'.I.U...&."' IV'I,.I.Il- }-'.I.VV.I.U~IJ ~ ..... V..I.L ..L.J..'W~.I.VL.I..I.t.J ~'¥.1.1-.I.L'-1 ......... t,..I.L,.,. .l.l..l.fS:l-1. '-~}",.,...I.U. ... .I.V.I..U•&.l. """--..:JIL- V.I.. t.4- UU ...... .I.t...l.V.I.I.U...l. 

manned aircraft. 

By operating the DJI Phantom 3 Professional , companies such as Pinehurst Video Production 

LLC , can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to 

employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. 

Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the D.II Phantom 

3 Professional provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, 

state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in 

order to remain competitive both in the United States and abroad. 

4. There Are No Privacy Issues. 

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

decades, Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional will not implicate any privacy issues. 

Specifically, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional will be operated only in compliance with operating 

documents (i.e., Pinehurst Video Production LLC Aerial Operations 1vfanual, Monthly 

:Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional fustruction 1v1anual) which requires 

property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in 

accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude 

requirements of 14 C.F.R § 91.119. 
Or How The Exemption 'Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That 

Provided By The Rule From \Vhich Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption. 

1. Reasons \Vhy D.JI Phantom 3 Professional .Meets The Conditions Of The FA.:\. 

l\fodernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333. 

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

with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's operation of 

the Dll Phantom 3 Professional meet the conditions of F~iiRA Section 333, and will not require 

an airworthiness certificate in accordance \Vith 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Section 333 

provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification and sets forth 

requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the 

public, or othenvise pose a threat to national security. 

Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part: 

(a) In General.--Nonvithstanding any other requirernent ~{this subtitle, and not 

later than 180 days after the date ~f enactment of this Act, the Secretary ~f 

Transportation shall deterrnine ~{certain unmanned aircraft systems rnay 

operate S(!fe~v in the national airspace s.:vstem be_tore completion ~(the plan 

and rulemahng required by section 332 ~{this Act or the guidance required by 

section 334 ~lthis Act. 

(b) Assessment ~f Unmanned Aircraft S~vstems. --In making the detennination under 

(1) ;,vhich types ~lumnanned aircrcif[ systems, £(any, as a result ~{their 

size, >veight, speed, operational capability, proximity to ailports and 

populated areas, and operation within ·visual line ofsight do not create 

a hazard to users ~l the national airspace :systenz or the public or pose a 

threat in national ::.:ecuritv: and 

(2}) >vhether a certificate of'vvaiver, certificate ofauthorization, or 

ainvorthiness certification under section 44704 oftiile 49, United States 

c--:ode, is requiredfor the operation of unmanned aircraft systerns 

identzfied under paragraph (1). 

(c) Requirements for Sqle Operation. --If the Secretary detennines under this 

section that certain unmanned aircrc.7ft systerns ma:y operate sctfely in the 

national air,space s~v~'>tem, the Secretary shall establish requirements jar the sqte 

operation ~lsuch aircrqf[ s;vstems in the national airspace SJ'Stem. 

In seeking this exemption, Pinehurst Video Production LLC submits that the 

Dll Phantom 3 Professional can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to F:f.v1RA Section 333, as 

demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional UAS; (b) the piiot 

certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations. 

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 Professional Demonstrate Its Safe 

Characteristics. 

The DJI Phantom 3 Professionai does not create a hazard m users of the NAS or ihe pubiic, or 

othenvise pose a threat to national security considering it<> size, weight, speed, and operational 

capability. 
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The techPical specifications of the Phantom 3 Professional are set forth by the , Dll Phantom 3 

Professional Specifications and Data Sheet, attached hereto as Exhibit A. 

ii. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional Autonomous Flight And Navigation Modes Enable The 

itTo Remain Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The D.TT Phantom 3 Professional mav he onerated in both manual and fu11v autonomous flig-ht ,., .I. "' .._.. 

modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational modes of the Dll Phantom 3 

Professional is provided 11-17 of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional User Manuals, attached hereto 

as Exhibit B. 

iii. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional is Designed For Automatic Return To Home 

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

When the Control Link is lost, the Dll Phantom 3 Professional will remain stationary, in flight, 

for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

does not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs will assume that 

the Control Link is lost and the UA will return to the home position (i.e., failsafe mode) 

via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the Dll Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS are set forth at pages 27 through 29, for the Dll Phantom 3 Professional User Manuals, 

attached hereto as Exhibit B. 

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the GCS and flight control 

software is provided at pages 32 through 43 of the User Manual, pages 40 through 55 of the 

User Manual. 

h. Flight Operations Of n.TT Phantom 3 Professional is T ,imited To The T .ine Of Sight Of A 

Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety Observer. 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC will only utilize certificated pilots who possess a current 

and valid airman medical certificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the Dll Phantom 3 

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

c. Flights OfDJI Phantom 3 Professional Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific 

Operating Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, Pinehurst Video Production LLC proposes to commercially 

operate Dll Phantom 3 Professional for the special purpose of conducting aerial video and 

photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the following specific operating 

limitations: 

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

aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UASs weighing less 

than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: Dll Phantom 3 Professional Unmanned Aircraft Systems. 

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

grant. 
for the purpose of aerial video and photography. 

3. The UAs tnay not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots. 

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 teet above ground 

level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating 

documents unless a special request is made and approved hy A TC. All altitudes 

reported to ATC must be in feet AGL 

5. The UAs must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all 

times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any 

device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC's FAA-issued airman 

medical certificate. 

6. The use offrrst person view (FPV) by the PIC or safety observer (SO) is not 

permitted. 

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be used to satisfy 

the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains \lLOS capability. The 

SO and PIC must be able to commooicate verbally at all times. Electronic 

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

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

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the SO can perfonn the 

functions prescribed in the operating documents. 

8. The SO must not perfonn any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing 

and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstaciesiobstructions and 

is not permitted to operate the camera or other instruments. 

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during 

UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. Ifa 

discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant 

conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption take precedence 

and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as 

outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its 

operating documents. It is the operator's responsibility to track such revisions 

and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request 

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

extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator detetmines 

that an;· update or revision vvould affect the basis upon which the FAA granted 

the exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant of 

exemption. The FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) may be contacted if 

questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents. 

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a 

condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the 

safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the 

necessary maintenance has been perfotmed and the UAS is found to be in a 

condition for safe flight The Ground Control Station must be included in the 

preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly· 

documented in the aircraft records. 

11. An}' UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS 
.n,-n,,t:::t..,.."lli-~.n.n r.,.,.. -A~n-1,.-t ,.....t,.,..,..~,.-..i-~ .... ~oi-~r-!Ci ,t:::t. .tY ..,...,a.....,l,ro-,a.~,a.-ni- .r~:f", fl~.tY"ht ,.-.......;t~r-'111 "--'}"W.I.U.".I.'-".1.1. V.I. ..1...1..1.6'-1." W.J.I.U..J.U.W"W.I..I.tJ"..I.Wio.J'' W•,S• .I.Vp.I.U""'W.J.I.I.W.J.l.l.- V..l.. u. ..1...1..1.51-1." ""'.1..1.l.-.I.""U..I. 

component, must undergo a functional test flight. The PIC who conducts the 

functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records. 

12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. 

inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the 

relevant sections ofthe operating documents. 

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer's aircraft/component, 

maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and recordkeeping 

requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, 

inspection, alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts must 

be noted in the aircraft records, including total time in service, description of 

work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the 

UAS to service. 

15. Each UASs operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

Safety Bulletins. 

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the 

corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections. 

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current 

third- class medical certificate. 

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the 

operator's quaiification criteria and demonstrates the abiiity to safeiy operate the 

UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

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

qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. ~ t:;..1 ..C:1 fh\ Pl~n-'ht-!Ci -fn...,. t-l..,a. -n.n.........,.n.£1,Co.C1 .n.-ft-..,..."11~-n1-no t'h~ .n.-n.A..,.."lli-A't"'Ct DT,.-,£'1 "11-ra. -n~-rl"t"l1f-tpr.r1 ~ '-"~·J~\Ujo ..1.. .l..l.fT-.1."..:31 ..1.."-1.1. ".I..I.W pu..t.p"--tJW~ V..l.. ".I.U..U.l..l..l..l.5 l.-.I.I.W Vf"W..I.U.IL-'-".1. tJ ..1.. ..1..'\..../tJ U...1.11.1 }"W.I..1.1.1..1.""W'\.J 

under the terms of the exemption. However, training operations may only be 

conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and 

experience-building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are 

considered nonparticipantr;;, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate 

distance fi·om nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C.F.R § 91.119_ 

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defmed in 14 C.F.R. § 24 19.1. All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). If flight at night is 

required, a special request will be made at the FAA office closest to proposed area of operations. 

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

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as 

denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of 

agreement with that airport's management is obtained, and the operation is 

conducted in accordance with a NOT AM as required by the operator's CO A. The 

letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the 

Administrator upon request. 

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

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

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a predetermined 
operating documents. 

23. The PIC must abott the flight in the event ofunpredicted obstacles or emergencies in 

accordance with the operating documents. 

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

forecast w·eather conditions) there is enough power to fly at nonnat cruising 

speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 25~ o battery power remaining. 

25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate 

Of \Vaiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the 

grant of exemption. This COA \Vill also require the operator to request a Notice 

to Ainnan (NOT Al\1) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 

hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance 

with airspace requirements in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, 

altitude level and potential transponder requirements. 

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by 

serial number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R pmt 4 7, and have 

identification (N- Number) markings in accordance \Vith 14 C.F.R. patt 45, 

Subpart C. ?vlarkings must be as large as practicable. 

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation 

and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications 

Conunission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency 

requirements. 

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be 

available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the 

UAS is operating. These documents must be made available to the 

Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 

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operations and activities at all times. 

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

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

persons (persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), 

vessels, vehicles. and stmctures uniess: 

a. Baniers or stmctures 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 w·ithin 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease 

immediately and/or: 

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures \vhere the 

owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted 

pennission 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, SO, operator trainees or essential persons 

do not present an undue hazard to those persons per§ 91.119(a). 

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property 
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Pennission from land owner/controller or authorized representative \Vill be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted. 

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

vertical boundaries of the operational area as defmed by the applicable COA 

must he renorted to the FAA's HAS Integration Office (AFS-Rm within 24 _J_ ....... • ~ 

hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board 

(NTSB) per instmctions contained on the NTSB Web site: 

2. Reasons \Vhy An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) 

And (b) \Vould Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC submits that the equivalent level of safety established by 

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

Dll Phantom 3 Professional Inspire 1 UASs unless that 

PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that 

the PIC is able to safely operate the Dll Phantom 3 Professional in a manner consistent \Vith the 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances 

from people, vessels, vehicles and stmctures. 

Considering Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's proposed area of operations, and the 

operating limitations set forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical 

knowledge requirements to those of commerciai piiot requirements (See Exemption No. 

11062); and the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the Dll Phantom 3 Professional, 

Video Production LLC submits that the additional manned ainnanship experience of a 

cotmnercially certificated pilot would 

not correlate to the ainnanship skills necessary for Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's specific 

The FA.ii~ has previously granted relieffrom Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to 

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

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

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

Pinehurst Video Production T J r w111 not allow any PIC to operate the D.TI Phantom 3 

Professional unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour requirements or 

the Dll Phantom 3 Professional, training and cunency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely 

operate the Dll Phantom 3 Professional in a manner consistent with this exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from 

people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a matmer consistent 

with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a 

minimum of 5 hours of those hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of 

UAS to be used for operations under the exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, 

the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for cunency 

purposes). 

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

experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an 

equivalent level of safety during Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's proposed operations. The 
A rl""";...,.~""'tr'l:t.n.r h"J.v ~o.lrl th"J.t -n.r~.nr rlnf"\,H1>'nP.nto.r1 fl~n-ht ovnP........;P.nrooo t'h#ll-t- '"'t"'C1 nh.t#li~no.r1 ;..., .J.. )o.~.l.I.I..LI.l..l.IJ~.l.UIL-\...1.1. .J.I.U.IJ .1.1.,_,.1.""" 11.-.l.I.U.L _p.&..l.\...1.1. ..... \..J~Y..l.LLV.I.I.LV'-" .&..1..1.f5..l.l.IL- VL"-_l"V.l..l.V.l.J.~V UJ.UIL- 't'"'-"..:l' \..JIL.fl-U.I..l.LV'\..1. .l..l.L 

compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows: 

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

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

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

tota1 time as a U AS rotorcraft pi1ot including at )east 10 hours Jogged as aU AS 

pilot with a multi-rotor UAS. Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the 

PIC must also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a U AS pilot 

operating the same make and model ofUAS to be used for operations under the 

exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these minimum hour requirements 

to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may be 

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

the total25 hours ofUAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour requirements, the 

PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for 

Currency purposes). The FAA fmds that at a minimum, the flight-hour requirements 

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

skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner's proposed operations. The FAA 

also fmds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance 

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

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

to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and 

experience-buiiding flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate 

distances in accordance with 14 C.F.R 91.119. 

Exemption No. 11138. 

Accordingly, Pinehurst Video Production LLC will ensure safe operations by not allowing 

any PIC to operate the Phantom 3 Professional unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting "t"n;'M;1>'n"1"11>'n f1~n-ht_hn.n-r #ll ..... rl r""1"1 .......... P.'Mr""1T "f'"Pr1"1"1~1""0.'t"nP.fli-v th#ll-t- tht:ll Dlf""1 ~C'I #);hlt:J. t-n. C'l#llf't:J.l-H .rt.i"'\P.'t'""Jto. n TT .I.LI.LI.I..LI.I.L'-".I.LJ. .&..l..l.EJ:I.I.t, .1.1.\..JU..I. U..I.L'\Ao VU.l..J....,..l.LV.J .I.V'iU.l.J.""'.I.LI.._,..I..l.IL-1.)' ".I.LU'- IL-.1.1.""' _J._ ..&.'\..../ .l.IJ U.V.I.V 11.-V ..:l'U..l.'W.I..J vpv.I.U.IL-V .L..'...r..&. 

Phantom 3 Professional in a manner consistent with the exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from 

people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

3. ReasonsWhy An "Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

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

because prior to every flight, Pinehurst Video Production LLC will ensure that the Dll Phantom 

3 Professional is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS's compliance with its operating 

documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations herein. 

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific 

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

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

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

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

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

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

because the altitude information of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional will be provided to the PIC 

via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the 
combined lvith Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's operation of the Dll Phantom 3 

Professional within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety 

equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude information lVill be generated by GPS equipment 

installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically 

established hy the UASs at ground leveL 

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

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

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

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

5. Reasons \Vhy An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) 

\Vould Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

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

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

Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

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

operations. Accordingly, Pinehurst Video Production LLC lvill ensure that it lvill safely operate 

the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with 

enough battery pmver to fly for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended 

landing and, assuming nonnal cmising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. 

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the teclmical specifications of the 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional and the iimitations on rhe proposed flight operations; and the 

location of the proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 

C.F.R. Section 91.151(b). Fmihennore, safety vvill be ensured as the DJI Phantom 3 Professional 

provide audible and visual wamings to the PIC at the GCS when the UAs 

experiences low battery voltage, the ftrst warning occmring at approximately 33<}() 

critically low batterv level. the DJI Phantom 3 Professionallvill descend and land automaticallv. - ,._J J ,.., 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA conceming Section 91.151 

establish that safety is not adversely affected when the teclmical characteristics and 

operating limitations of the UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned 

a1rcraft to operate at less than the minimums prescr1bed in Section 91.151, including 

Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. :tv1oreover, the FAA has previously granted relief 

from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to 

those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 

11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11ll0, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 

11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

6. Reasons \Vhy An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) \:Vould 

Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

In seeking this exemption, Pinehurst Video Production LLC submits that the equivalent 

level of safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements 

established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) &(b) 

vvill be met because Pinehurst Video Production LLC will use trained teclmicians to perform 

maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, 
Production LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, Dll Phantom 3 

Professional Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Pinehurst Video Production LLC will document 

and maintain all maintenance records for the Dll Phantom 3 Professional. 

Since the Dll Phantom 3 Professional will be inspected as prescribed by the operating 

documents. Pinehurst Video Production T J ,C wiH maintain the eauiva1ent 1eve1 of safetv ' .L ~ 

established by Sections 

91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional User 

Manuals are attached hereto as Exhibit D, E and F; a copy of the Dll Phantom 

3 Professional Maintenance LOG is attached hereto as Exhibit G. 

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because Pinehurst Video 

Production LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or 

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

prescribed by the operating documents. 

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

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

Dll Phantom 3 Professional will be performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will be 

documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log. 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is 

not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the 

UAS are considered. 

In consideration of Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's proposed operating limitations, the 

operating documents, and the technical aspects of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional and Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC submits that safety will not be adversely affected by granting exemption 

from 14 C.F.R. Sections 

01 Af\..:::f..,\ 01 Al17f ... \f1\ .,..,.,.1 f..,\f'}\ 01 Af\Of..,\{1\ ..,..,.,.1 01 ,117{..,\ ..,..,.,.1 f"h\ 'T'h.,. Pi\ i\ h..," ../ ~ .-.-v....J\U.J' ../ ..J..."TV I\"}\ ..1.. j u..J.J.U. \"}\.LJ}' ./ ..1.. .""TV../\U)\.LJh U..J..L"U- -' .L • ..,- ..1.. I, .... , "-I..I.U. \ V j• ~.L.I.W ..1.. .J.. J...L 1.. .1..1.~ 

previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, 

to those presented herein (e.g. 

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

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

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

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Ivfodernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

requests that the FAA prescribe special condition.;; for the intended operation of the 

Dll Phantom 3 Professional which contain such safety standards that the Administrator fmds 

necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R Part 21, 

Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121, 

91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). Such 

special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAs for the limited purpose of 

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

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

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

threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate 

without airworthiness certification in accordance with any requirements that must be 

established for the safe operation of the UAS in the NAS. 
§ 21.16, for operation of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional 

Inspire 1 UASs, since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain 

adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features of 

the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the following: 

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

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

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

propeller, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. 

The special conditions are issued in accordance \Vith Part 11 of this chapter and 

contain such safety standards tor the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the 

FAA frnds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in 

the regulations. 

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16. 

Therefore, in accordance with Hv1RA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA 

may prescribe special conditions for Pinehurst Video Production llC 's intended operation of 

the Dll Phantom 3 Professional which contain such safety standards that the Administrator fmds 

necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21. 

Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.15l(b), 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) &(b). 

F. A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: TheRules 

From 'Vv'hich Pinehurst Video Production LLC Seeks Exemption: 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeh exemption from the requiremenis of 14 C.F.R 

Sections 61.11 3(a)&(b). 91. 7(a). 91.121, 91.151 (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409(a}(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) &(b). 

A BriefDescription Of The Nature Of The Exemption Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

This exemption will permit Pinehurst Video Production LLC to commercial~v operate an 

UnmannedAircrqft 5_vstem (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video and 

photography over certain areas of the United States. 

G. Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Suppmi 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's Request. 

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

34 

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if cet1ain 

UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, Pinehurst Video Production LLC 's request for 

exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority ofFl\,fRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. 

Part 11, as set fot1h above. 

Fiv1RA Section 333 sets fot1h the requirements tor considering whether a UAS will 

create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or othenvise pose a threat to national 

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

certification. 

As discussed in detail above, Pinehurst Video Production LLC will operate the 

Dll Phantom 3 Professional safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAB, or 

the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. 
CONCLUSION 

As set forth herein, Pinehurst Video Production LLC seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 

C.F.R § 11.61 and Section 333 of the FAA l\1odernization and Reform Act of2012 

(FMRA), which will permit safe operation of the Dll Phantom 3 Professional commercially, 

without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and 

photography over certain areas of the United States. By granting this Petition, the FAA 

Administrator will be fu1filling the Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing Pinehurst 

Video Production LLC to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the Dll Phantom 3 

Professional commercially within the NAS. 

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

1\fodernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, Pinehurst Video Production LLC 

respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the 

requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit Pinehurst Video Production 

LLC to operate the Dll Phantom 3 Professional commercially for the purpose of conducting 

aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States. 

Dated: August 26th 2015 

Respectfully submitted, 

Is/Peter Theilen 

Peter Theilen 

fl7.R9 Pinehurst Drive 

Spring Hill, Fl. 34606 

352-410-7357 

Appendices: 

A. Dll Phantom 3 Professional Specifications Data 

B- Dll Phantom 3 Professional Manufacturer's User Manual 

APPENDIX-A 

DJI PHANTOM 3 PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

Pinehurst Video Production LLC only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. Dll is an industry leader 

in small UAS production. Dll UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the 

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

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

flight to a predetermined and set distance. fu addition, Dll software provides real-time 

aititude and location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phoneitablet 

devices) 
' :.":-__ , -~,___ · .. ' {-;:.:; -~-: .:") (: _ _>~}= 

srh.~cd 

1ntage 

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APPE"NTILX - B 

Dll Phantom 3 Professional rv1anufacturer's User Manual 

*See attached PDF File 

http://download.diiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom _ 3/en/Phantom _ 3 _Professional_ User _Manual_ v1.4 _en. pdf 
PHANTOM 3 

( PROFESSIONAL ) 

User Manual C~T~ 

2015.08 
Using this manual 

0 Warning Lt Important =\): Hints and Tips GI3 Reference 

Read the following documents before using the Phantom 3 Professional: 

1.1nthe8ox 

2. Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

3. Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide 

4. Phantom 3 Professional/ Advanced Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer 

5. Phantom 3 Professional/ Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines 

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

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

refer to the User Manual for more detailed information. 

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

safely: 

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

Download and install the DJI GO app before using the aircraft. Scan the QR code to the right 

to download the latest version. 

The Android version of the DJI GO app is compatible with Android 4.1.2 or later. 

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

2 

li 1!1 . 
Contents 

Using this manual 

Legends 2 

Read Before the First Flight 2 

Video Tutorials 2 

Download the DJI GO app 2 

Product Profile 

Introduction 6 

Feature Highlights 6 

Preparing the Aircraft 7 

Aircraft Diagram 8 

Remote Controller Diagram 8 

Aircraft 

Flight Controller 11 

Flight Mode 11 

Flight Status Indicator 11 

Return-to-Home (RTH) 12 

Smart RTH 12 

Low Battery RTH 13 

Failsafe RTH 14 

Vision Positioning System 14 

Flight Recorder 16 

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 16 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery 17 

Remote Controller 

Remote Controller Profile 23 

Using the Remote Controller 23 

Remote Controller Status LED 27 

Linking the Remote Controller 28 

Remote Controller Compliance Version 29 

3 
Camera and Gimbal 

Camera Profile 31 

Gimbal 32 

DJI GOapp 

Camera 35 

Director 38 

Store 38 

Discovery 38 

Flight 

Flight Environment Requirements 40 

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones 40 

Preflight Checklist 44 

Calibrating the Compass 44 

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing 45 

Flight Test 46 

Starting/Stopping the Motors 46 

Troubleshooting (FAQ) 

Appendix 

Specifications 54 

Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) 56 

FCC Compliance 57 

4 
Product Profile 

This section introduces the Phantom 3 

Professional and lists the components of 

the aircraft and remote controller. 

5 
Product Profile 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HD Video Downlink: The low-latency long range HD downlink is powered by an enhanced version of DJI 

Lightbridge. 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery: The 4480 mAh DJI Intelligent Right Battery features upgraded battery cells 

and an advanced power management system. 

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

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

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

unavailable. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Removing Gimbal Clamp 

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

Attaching the Propellers: 

Mount the propellers with black dots on to motors with black axes and spin counter-clockwise to secure. 

Mount the propellers with sliver dots on to motors with sliver axes and spin clockwise to secure. Be sure 

all propellers are securely in place. 

& Place all propellers onto the correct motors and tighten by hand to lock them in position. 

Preparing the Remote Controller: 

The mobile device holder is designed for securing tablet or mobile device. Tilt the mobile device holder to 

the desired position, then adjust the antennas so they are facing outward. 

1. Press the button on the top right side of the mobile device holder to release the clamp, then adjust the 

clamp to fit the size of your mobile device. 

2. Secure your mobile device in the clamp by pressing down, and connect your mobile device to the 

remote controller using a USB cable. 

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

the remote controller. 

7 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

[6]-·-··---

"U 

3 

~ 

2 [9} 

"U [10] 

~ [11] 

'D 

[12] 

[ 13] 

[14] 

... --·-·--···-·-··-··---··· -···- ········---·· [ 1"j 

!81 

[7] --···· ·--tt- "51'"-"'---l\--·--····--····---------···----· .. [4] 

--··-·-------------!_;)] 

[1] GPS 

[2] Propeller 

[3] Motor 

[4] Front LED Indicator 

[5] Landing gear 

[6] Gimbal and Camera 

[7] Camera Status Indicator 

[8] Aircraft Micro-USB Port 

[9] Aircraft Status Indicator 

[10] Intelligent Flight Battery 

[11] Vision Positioning Sensors 

[12] Antennas 

[13] Camera Micro-SO Card Slot 

[14] Camera Micro-USB Port 

[15] Link Button 

[1] Antennas 

Relays aircraft control and 

video signal. 

[2] Mobile Device Holder 

Securely mounts your mobile 

device to the remote controller. 

[3] Control Stick 

Controls the orientation and 

movement of the aircraft. 

[4] Return Home (RTH) Button 

Press and hold the button to 

initiate Retum to Home (RTH). 
[5] Battery Level LEOs 

Displays the battery level of the remote 

controller. 

[6] Status LED 

Displays the remote controller's system status. 

[7] Power Button 

Used to tum the remote controller on and off. 

[8] RTH LED 

Circular LED around the RTH button displays 

RTH status. 

[9] Camera Settings Dial 

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings. 

(Only functions when the remote controller is 

connected to a mobile device running the DJI 

GOapp.) 

[1 OJ Playback Button 

Playback the captured images or videos. 

(Only functions when the remote controller is 

connected to a mobile device running the DJI 

GOapp.) 

[11] Shutter Button 

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is 

selected, the set number of photos will be 

taken with one press. 

[12] Flight Mode Switch 

Switch between P-mode, A-mode, and 

F-mode. 

[13] Video Recording Button 

Press to start recording video. Press again to 

stop recording. 

[17] C1 Button 

Customizable through the DJI GO app. 

[18] C2 Button 

Customizable through the DJI GO app. 

[19] Power Port 

Connect to the DJI Phantom 3 Charger to 

charge the battery of the remote controller. 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

[15] [113] j ! 

[14] --·· IY-i~n---r="itii~~-r9l [13] --- - [10] 

- [11] 

[14] Gimbal Dial 

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. 

[15] Mircro-USB Port 

Reserved port. 

[16] USB Port 

Connect to mobile device or to a USB port for 

firmware upgrade. 

[19] -------
Aircraft 

This section introduces the features of 

the Flight Controller, Vision Positioning 

System, and the Intelligent Flight Battery 
Aircraft 

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

mode. Safety modes include Failsafe and Return-to-Home. These features ensure the safe return of your 

aircraft if the control signal is lost. The flight controller can also save critical flight data from each flight 

to the on-board storage device. The new flight controller also provides increased stability and a new air 

braking feature. 

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

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

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

strength of GPS and Vision Positioning sensors : 

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

P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but the GPS signal strength is not sufficient. The aircraft is 

using only the Vision Positioning System for positioning. 

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

positioning, so only altitude can be stabilized. 

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

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

the Home Point was recorded successfully. 

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

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

:1): Use the Right Controller mode switch to change the flight mode of the aircraft, refer to the "Flight 

Mode Switch" on Page 26 for more information. 

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

are shown in the figure below: 

Aircrafl Status itldicator 

Front LED 

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

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

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

Indicators: 

11 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

\fli<G· :'( ······ Red, Green and Yellow Flash Turning On and Self Diagnostic Testing Alternatively 

~~--... Green ar1Q tellilN ~asl:l'~erhative!Y r · ' ·~: '- "·~· ~;~'; • •• ·'" • : • < ~'./." 

'&':······Green Flashes Slowly 

:'(.: ...... Yellow Rashes Slowly 

·''t ...... Fast Yellow Flashing 

.:.f!l: • • • • • • Fast Red Rashing 

'Ri:- Solid Red 

Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision 

Positioning) 

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

Positioning) 

Remote Controller's Signal Lost 

Critical Battery Warning 

Critical Error 

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

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

these three scenarios in detail. 

Home Point ~o11ll 

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

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

strength is indicated by the GPS icon ( ~.ull ). The aircraft status 

indicator will blink rapidly when the home point is recorded. 

Use the RTH button on the remote controller (refer to "RTH button" on page 26 for more information) 

or tap the RTH button in the DJI GO app and follow the on-screen instructions when GPS is available to 

initiate Smart RTH. The aircraft will then automatically return to the last recorded Home Point. You may use 

the remote controller's control sticks to control the aircraft's position to avoid a collision during the Smart 

RTH process. Press and hold the Smart RTH button once to start the process, and press the Smart RTH 

button again to terminate the procedure and regain full control of the aircraft. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

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

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

aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is taken after a ten-second countdown. The 

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

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

the Home Point. 

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

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

orientation during the landing process. 

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

Critical Low battery level Sufficient battery 

ltve!(Greenl 

i::. ~;:~:,N ·m Tj_ ,,,, "'!"'' M• 

PO\r\Br !GGt,lrPf 

to return horne 

Low battery 

level warning 

The battery 

power is low. 

Please land the 

aircraft. 

Battery :eve! indicator 

Aircraft status 

indicator blinks 

RED slowly. 

Tap "Go-home" to have the 

aircraft return to the Home 

point and land automatically, 

or "Cancel" to resume normal 

flight. If no action is taken, 

the aircraft will automatically 

go home and land after 10 

seconds. Remote controller 

will sound an alarm. 

Fly the aircraft 

back and land 

it as soon as 

possible, then 

stop the motors 

and replace the 

battery. 

Critical Low The aircraft 

battery level must land 

Aircraft status 

indicator blinks 

The DJI G0 ~pctisplay'Nini .··•· .·····. , .. flash. red. and. the ~rdatt will I . Allow the. ~!~~r~ttJO 

sfart to deScend. The.rerrote :. descend and land 

controller will seuntl ah ~~~; autqinatically. warning immediately; RED quiCkly: 

Estimated Estimated 

remaining remaining flight N/A based on current flight time battery level. 

N/A N/A 

13 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

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

opportunity to navigate to a more appropriate landing location. 

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

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

and status. 

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

be automatically activated if the remote controller signal is lost for more than three seconds. The Returnto-Home process may be interrupted and the operator may regain control of the aircraft if the remote 

controller signal connection is re-established. 

Failsafe Illustration 

, ROOi!)ro.Hon:l~J?<lt!'it · .•· : , ;''S;;i .~edilfintuogi;iqrne"R!;llhl:, :;·r'~l~K 

-y~.nll 

Blinking Green Blinking Green 

Fast Blinking Yellow Fast Blinking Yellow 

Fast Blinking Yellow 

•Pi~ tatter~·&~' 

Fast 

~T Blinking Yellow 

& • Aircraft cannot return to the Home Point when GPS signal is weak ( [~~~~~~]displays grey) or 

unavailable. 

• Aircraft automatically descends and lands if RTH is triggered when the aircraft flies within a 20 

meters (65 feet) radius of the Home Point Aircraft will stop ascending and immediately return to 

the Home Point if you move the throttle stick if the aircraft reaches 20 meters (65 feet) altitudes 

or beyond during Failsafe. 

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

suitable Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch the DJI GO app and enter "Camera" and 

select "MODE > Advanced Settings > Failsafe mode" to set the Failsafe altitude. 

• User cannot control the aircraft while the aircraft is ascending to its failsafe altitude. However 

the user can rapidly toggle 81 switch to regain control to cancel the ascending. 

The DJI Vision Positioning System uses ultrasound and image data to help the aircraft maintain its current 

position. With the help of Vision Positioning, your Phantom 3 Professional can hover in place more precisely 

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

Vision Positioning System are located on the bottom of your Phantom 3 Professional; they include [2) two 

ultrasonic sensors and [1) one monocular camera. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Using Vision Positioning 

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

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

is unavailable. Using the sensors that are built into the Vision Positioning system, the Phantom 3 ~· Professional can hover precisely even without GPS. ~ 

Follow 

1. Toggle 

the steps 

the flight 

below 

mode 

to use 

switch 

Vision 

to P-mode. 

Positioning: e , . , P 

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

properly on surfaces without clear pattern variations. 

3. Turn on the aircraft. The aircraft status indicator will flash green two times, which indicates the Vision Positioning system is ready. Gently push the throttle up to lift off and the aircraft will 

hover in place. 

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

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

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

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

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

following situations: 

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

• Flying over a highly reflective surfaces. 

• Rying at high speeds( over 8 m/s at 2 meters or over 4 m/s at 1 meter). 

• Rying over water or transparent surfaces. 

• Flying over moving surfaces or objects. 

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

• Rying over extremely dark (lux < 10) or bright (lux > 100,000) surfaces. 

• Rying over surfaces that can absorb sound waves (e.g. thick carpet). 

• Flying over surfaces without clear patterns or texture. 

• Rying over surfaces with identical repeating patterns or textures (e.g. tiles with the same design). 

• Rying over inclined surfaces that will deflect sound waves away from the aircraft. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

of the sensors. 

• Vision Positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitudes of 0.3 to 3 meters. 

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

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

conditions (less than 100 lux). 

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

in operation. 

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

ground (below 0.5 meters) at fast speeds .. 

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

sensor emits high frequency sounds that are only audible to some animals. 

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

telemetry, aircraft status information, and other parameters. To access these data, connect the 

aircraft to the PC through the Micro-USB port and launch the DJI GO app. 

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

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

attach the propellers properly, match the nut color with the motor axis color. 

Attach on· 

Legends 

Motors with a grey axes 

Eil Lock: Tum the propellers in the indicated direction to mount and tighten. 

'b") Unlock: Tum the propellers in the indicated direction to loosen and remove. 

Attaching the Propellers 

1. Be sure to remove the warning stickers from the motors before attaching the propellers. 

2. Attach the propellers with silver dots onto the motors with silver axes and spin the propellers clockwise 

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

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

before flight. 

16 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

• Wear gloves when handling propellers. 

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

Detaching the Propellers 

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

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

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

or broken propellers. 

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

• ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience. 

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

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

byDJI. 

lnte!ligent Flight Battery ~ Charger 

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

'Charging the Intelligent Right Battery' for more information. 

~ Be aware that the output power of the supplied Phantom 3 Professional charger is 100W. 

DJIIntelligent Flight Battery Functions 

1. Battery Level Display: the LED indicators display the current battery level. 

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

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

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

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

Discharge thresholds can be set in the DJI GO app. 

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

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

6. Temperature Detection: The battery will only charge when the temperature is between o•c (32"F) and 

4Q•C (1Q4•F). 

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

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

the battery voltage reaches 12 V. 

9. Short Circuit Protection: Automatically cuts the power supply when a short circuit is detected. 

~) 2015 0 . .11 P..ll HigHs Re<:><~ved 17 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

10. Battery Cell Damage Protection: The DJI GO app displays a warning message when a damaged 

battery cell is detected. 

11. Battery Error History: Browse the battery error history in the DJI GO app. 

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

13. Communication: Information pertaining to the battery's voltage, capacity, current, etc. is transmitted to 

the aircraft's main controller. 

& Refer to Phantom 3 Professional I Advanced Intelligent Right Battery Safety Guidelines before 

use. Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage. 

J> Using the Battery 

3" 

il 

~ 

Turning ON/OFF 

.-::=_...'- .------LED1 

'-,"""..,...,.....,-----LED2 

Power button (Buiit--in LED) 

..___;=-""--Battery Level Indicators 

Turning On: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to turn on. The 

Power LED will tum red and the Battery Level Indicators will display the current battery level. 

Turning Off: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to turn off. The 

battery power LED will flash when powering off the Phantom to allow automatically stopping 

of a recording during the event recording wasn't stopped. 

Low Temperature Notice: 

1. Battery capacity is significandy reduced when flying in low temperature ( < O"C) environments. 

2. It is not recommended that the battery be used in extremely low temperature ( < -1o•c) environments. 

Battery voltage should reach the appropriate level when operating environment with temperatures 

between -1o•c and s•c. 

3. End the flight as soon as the DJI GO app displays the "Low Battery Level Warning" in low temperature 

environments. 

4. Keep the battery indoors to warm it before flying in low temperature environments. 

5. To ensure optimal performance of the battery, keep the battery temperature above 200C. 

6. The charger will stop charging the battery if the battery cell's temperature is not within the operating 

range (o•c - 400C ). 

,&. In cold environments, insert the battery into the battery compartment and allow the aircraft for 

approximately 1-2 minutes to warm up before taking off. 

Checking the Battery Level 

The Battery Level Indicators display how much power remains. When the battery is turned off, press 

the Power Button once. The Battery Level Indicators will light up to display the current battery level. See 

below for details. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

E§ The Battery Level Indicators will also show the current battery level during charging and 

discharging. The indicators are defined below. 

I : LED is on. I : LED is flashing. 

0 :LEDisoff. 

Battery life 

Battery life refers to how many more times the battery can be discharged and recharged before it must 

be replaced. When the battery is tumed off, press and hold the Power Button for 5 seconds to check the 

battery life. The Battery Level Indicators will light up and/or blink for two seconds, as shown below: 

0 0 below20% 

& When battery life reaches 0%, it can no longer be used. 

EB For more information about the battery, launch the OJI GO app and check the information that is listed 

under the battery tab. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery 

1. Connect the Battery Charger to a power source (100-240 V 50/60Hz). 

2. Open the Protection Cap and connect the Intelligent Right Battery to the Battery Charger. If the battery 

level is above 95%, tum on the battery before charging. 

3. The Battery Level Indicator will display the current battery level as it is charging. 

4. The Intelligent Flight Battery is fully charged when the Battery Level Indicators are all off. 

5. Air-cool the Intelligent Right Battery alter each flight. Allow its temperature to drop to room temperature 

before storing it for an extended period. 

& • We do not recommend charging the Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller with the 

standard charger at the same time. otherwise the charger may overheat. 

• Always tum off the battery before inserting it or removing it from the Phantom 3 Professional. 

Never insert or remove a battery when it is turned on. 

lntelilgent Flight B~lttery Charger Power Outlet 

Battery Protection LED Display 

The table below shows battery protection mechanisms and corresponding LED patterns. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

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

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

charging when the temperature is within the allowable range. 

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

~: How to discharge your Intelligent Flight Battery: 

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

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

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

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

the battery can no longer be turned on. 
Remote Controller 

This section describes the features 

of the remote controller and includes 

instructions for controlling the aircraft 

and the camera. 

22 
Remote Controller 

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

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

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

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

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

indicators on the front panel of the remote controller. 

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

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

• Mode 1: The right stick serves as the throttle. 

• Mode 2: The left stick serves as the throttle. 

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

Turning the Remote Controller On and Off 

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

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

the steps below to turn on your remote controller: 

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

display the current battery level. 

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

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

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

complete. 

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

Charging the Remote Controller 

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

details. 

23 

:0 

([) 

3 

0 

m 

(") 

0 

;:!. 

Q. 

~ 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Controlling the Camera 

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

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

(1] Camera Settings Dial 

[1] 

[21 

[3] 

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

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

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

[2] Playback Button 

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

[3] Shutter Button 

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

[4] Video Recoding Button 

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

(5] Gimbal Dial 

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. 

Controlling Aircraft 

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

Remote Control is set to Mode 2 by default. 

24 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

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

Moving the left stick up and down changes the 

aircraft's elevation. 

Push the stick up to ascend and down to descend. 

When both sticks are centered, the Phantom 3 

Professional will hover in place. 

The more the stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will 

change elevation. Always push the stick gently 

to prevent sudden and unexpected elevation 

changes. 

Moving the left stick to the left or right controls the 

rudder and rotation of the aircraft. 

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

clockwise. If the stick is centered, the Phantom 3 

Professional will maintain its current orientation. 

The more the stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will 

rotate. 

Moving the right stick up and down changes the 

aircraft's forward and backward pitch. 

Push the stick up to fly forward and down to fly 

backward. Phantom 3 Professional will hover in 

place H the stick is centered. 

Push the stick further fMB¥ from the center pos~ion for 

a larger p~ch angle (maximum 30') and faster flight 

Moving the right stick control left and right changes 

the aircraft's left and right pitch. 

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

Phantom 3 Professional will hover in place if the 

stick is centered. 

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

camera will shift to point upwards. Tum the 

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

downwards. The camera will remain in its current 

position when dial is static. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Adjusting Controller Sticks 

Hold and twist the controller sticks clockwise or counter clockwise to adjust 

the length of the controller sticks. A proper length of controller sticks can 

improve the controlling accuracy. 

Flight Mode Switch 

Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode. 

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

~ 

Position3 ~ P-mode 

Position1G 

Position 2 ~ ---

Position3dJ::, 

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

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

GPS signal strength and the Vision Positioning sensors: 

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

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

only Vision Positioning for position holding. 

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

positioning, so only altitude is maintained. 

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

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

signal is lost and the Home Point was recorded successfully. 

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

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

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

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

RTH Button 

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

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

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

aircraft. 

26 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Connecting Your Mobile Device 

Ti~ the mobile device holder to the desired posttion. Press the button on the side of the mobile device holder 

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

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

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

Optimal Transmission Range 

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

is depicted in the image below: 

Oplii'rkt! Transrn1ssion RanJd 

strong weak 

~ 

\ I 

\ I \ I 

\ I 

~ 

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

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

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

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

about these indicators. 

Status LED ·--·--··-·-...... 

~®~ 

(® 0---- FHH LED 

27 

:0 

<1> 

3 

0 

ro 

0 

0 

:::> 

~ 

~ 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

R -Solid Red 

\!} -Solid Green 

I Chime 

I Chime 

~R ....... Slow Blinking Red 0-D-D· .... . 

It \ff;l\ft c)':: ••• · ·• Red and Green/ Red and None 

Yellow Alternate Blinks 

if -Solid White 

.'fJ ······ Blinking White 

W ..... · Blinking White 

/Chime 

.D 0 •• 

DD .. 

The remote controller is disconnected from the aircraft. 

The remote controller is corln89tecf to the aircraft. 

Remote controller error. 

HD downlink is diSilJPted. 

Aircraft is returning home. 

Sending Return-to-Horne cornm13.nd to the aircraft,· 

Return-to-Home procedure in progress. 

& The Remote Status Indicator will blink red and sound an alert, when the battery level is cr~ically low. 

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

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

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

2. Turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery. 

3. Enter "Camera" and tap on ~~ ,1111 and then tap "Linking RC" button as shown below. 

28 

< RC Control Setting X 

RC Calibration > 

Stick Mode > 

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

Do not change unless familiar with your new mode. 

C1 ~i ____ N_o_t_D_e_fi_ned ____ ~ C2 IL__ ___ Nc:o::.:tc.::D:..:e::.:fin"'e:.:d=-----_J 

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the RC. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

emitted. 

< RC Control Scttmg X 

RC Calibration 

Stick Mode 

Defau 

Dono 

C1 

It stick mode is M 

t change unless h 

I NotD 

> 

> 

Searching for aircraft frequency, 

timeout in 54 seoonds he aircraft is control! ed. 

Press the linking button on the aircraft 

to link this remote controller 

Cancel Defined I 

You can customize the Cl and C2 buttons on the back 

of the RC. 

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

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

controller is successfully linked to the aircraft. 

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

same aircraft. 

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

29 

::0 

CD 

3 

Sl. 

CD 

0 

0 

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Q. 

~ 
Camera and Gimbal 

This section provides the technical 

specifications of the camera and 

explains the gimbal's operation modes. 
Camera and Gimbal 

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

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

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

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

device via the DJI GO app. 

Camera Micro-SO Card Slot 

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

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

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

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

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

Camera Data Port 

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

photos and videos to your computer. 

-

& The aircraft must be turned on before attempting to access the files on the Micro-SO card. 

31 

3' 

0' 

~ 

(") 

PJ 

3 

(!) 

iil 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Camera Operation 

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

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

Camera Page 24". 

Camera LED Indicator 

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

working status of the camera. 

,<?\ Green Fast Blink (0.2s off, 0.1 son ) System is warming up. 

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

J 

!!. 

:1 . 3 l;{r Fast Red Blink (0.5s off, 0.2s on ) 

D "~,~&'- _ - "' - /:',, :; -~<- '--;_·,~5- ---;~.-,· ~~·.:,;_ ;;"~>!:-":,_,.'_-.<:,~,,~: ,>-:::;;::;;,.; 

il .. ~'~ Doub,le: Red Blinf<(O;~~'OIJ;JY:'s,:~ff.{,Q:Jj;$Xl,JJ<}s· 

:J~i:Solid Red 

Gimbal Profile 

SD card error. 

System error. 

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

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

_goo 

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the tilt movement of the camera. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Gimbal Operation Modes 

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

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

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

= = 

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

constant at all times. 

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

first-person perspective flying experience. 

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

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

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

at all times. 

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

gimbal will recover full functionality after it dries. 

Anti-Drop Kit 

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

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

G) through the hole of the vibration absorber and into the center hole of Part ® , then lock them together 

as shown @ . Mounting the anti-drop kit pins diagonally from each other is recommended. 

33 
DJI GO app 

This section introduces the four main 

functions of the OJI GO app. 
DJI GO app 

The OJI GO app is a mobile application designed specifically for the Phantom 3 Professional. Use this 

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

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

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

Connect j1>1Jr A.r1;Tslt. Taktt to the SkielJ 

PHANTOM 3 

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

configure various camera parameters from the Camera page. 

[9] 

[10.1 

[12] [11] 

35 

0 

c... 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

[1] Flight Mode 

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

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

set the gain values. 

:<): The aircraft is set to "Beginner Mode" by default. The aircraft cannot fly 30 meters (98 feet) higher 

and beyond the recorded Home Point under beginner mode. Disable this mode in the MODE 

setting page. 

(2] GPS Signal Strength 

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

strength. 

[3] IOC Settings 

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

settings menu and select the desired IOC setting. 

(4] System Status 

11111111: This icon indicates the current aircraft system status and GPS signal strength. 

[5] Battery Level Indicator 

-<>-<>··-~ : The battery level indicator provides a dynamic display of the battery level. The colored 

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

[6] Remote Controller Signal 

m~ o11il : This icon shows the strength of remote controller's signal. 

(7] HD Video Link Signal Strength 

(i@~,,lll: This icon shows the strength of the HD video downlink connection between the aircraft and 

the remote controller. 

[8] Battery Level 

IT! 1 0()ofo: This icon shows the current battery level. 

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

battery warning history. 

[9) General Settings 

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

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

route display. 

[10) Camera Operation Bar 

36 

Shutter and Recording Settings 

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

the videos, image size and so on. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Shutter 

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

or time-lapsed shooting modes. 

Record 

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

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

Playback 

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

captured. 

Camera Settings 

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

[11] Vision PosHioning 

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

[12] Flight Telemetry 

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

Right attitude is indicated by the flight attitude icon. 

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

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

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

[13] Map 

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

[14] Dynamic Home Point 

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

position of the mobile device. 
= 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

[15] Return to Home (RTH) 

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

[16] Auto Takeoff/Landing 

t I:+ :Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing. 

[ 17] Livestream 

~: Livestream icon indicates the current video feed is broadcasting live on You Tube. Be sure the 

mobile data service is available on the mobile device. 

[18] Back 

1t :Tap to return to the main GUI. 

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

tap "Director" from the app's home screen. You can then select a template and a specified number of 

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

Tap "Store" to visit the official DJI Online Store to see the latest infonmation about DJI products and easily 

buy new products. 

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

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

38 
Flight 

This section describes safe flight 

practices and flight restrictions. 

39 
Flight 

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

app to hone your flight skills and practice flying safely. Ensure that all flights are carried out in an open 

area. 

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

snow, rain and fog. 

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

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

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

and radio transmission towers. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

limits, and No-Fly Zones. 

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

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

altitude from exceeding 1640 feet (500 m). 

Maximum flight altitude & Radius Umits 

Maximum flight altitude and radius limits may be changed in the OJI GO app. Be aware that the maximum 

flight altitude cannot exceed 1640 feet (500 meters). In accordance with these settings, your Phantom 3 

Professional will fly in a restricted cylinder, as shown below: 

Maximum F!ight A!titu(.le Max Radius 

Home Point 

~~--+- Herght of aircraft 

wllen tumed on 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Maximum Flight 

Altitude 

Max Radius 

Flight Limits 

Aircraf:t's altitude cannot 

exceed the specified value. 

Flight distance must be within 

the max radius. 

DJIGOapp 

warning; Height· 

limit.reached. 

Warning: Distance 

limit reached. 

Flight Limits DJI GOapp 

Maximum 

Right 

A~itude 

Max Radius 

Height is restricted tb 400 

feet. (120m) and under ... 

No limits 

Aircraft Status Indicator 

None. 

Rapid red flashing ·11• 

...... when close to the 

max radius limit. 

Aircraft Status Indicator 

• If you fly out of the limit, you can still control the Phantom 3, but cannot fly it any father. If the 

& Phantom 3 flies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back within 

range automatically . 

• If the Phantom 3 flies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back 

within range automatically. 

No-Fly Zones 

All No-Ry Zones are listed on the DJI official website at http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly. No-Fly Zones are 

divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and flying fields where manned 

aircraft operate at low altitudes. Restricted Areas include border lines between countries or sensitive 

institute. The details of the No-Ry Zones are explained as follow: 

Airport 

(1) Airport No-Fly Zone are comprised of Take-off Restricted zones and Restricted Altitude Zones. Each 

zone features circles of various sizes. 

(2) R1 miles (value of the R1 depends on the size and shape of the airport) around the airport is a Takeoff restricted zone, inside of which take off is prevented. 

(3) From R1 mile to R1 + 1 mile around the airport the flight altitude is limited to a 15 degree inclination. 

Starting at 65 feet (20 meters) from the edge of airport and radiating outward. The flight altitude is 

limited to 1640 feet (500 meters) at R1 + 1 mile 

(4) When the aircraft enters within 320 feet (100 meters) of No-Fly Zones, a warning message will appear 

on the OJI GO app. 

41 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

w-___ 1_m_ile_----+_ R2 I+- R1 -I 

No-fly zone Reotricted-allltudo flight zone Wamlng zone 

Restricted Area 

:!! ( 1 ) Restricted Areas does not have flight altitude restrictions. 5" 

:r (2) A miles around the designated restriction area is a Tak&<>ff Restricted area. Aircraft cannot take off 

within this zone. The value of A varies based on the definition of the restricted areas. 

(3) A ··warning zone" has been set around the Restricted Area. When the aircraft approaches within 0.062 

miles (100m) of this zone, a warning message will appear on the DJI GO app. 

I -Restricted Area---+ I 

No-fly zone Warning zone Free zone 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Airaaft 

Zone Restriction DJI GO app Prompt Status 

Indicator 

Motors will not start. Warning: You are in a No-fly 

zone. Take off prohibited. 

No-fly Zone If the aircraft enters the 

• restricted area in A-mode, but is Warning: You are in a no-fly zone. switched to P-mode, the aircraft 

will automatically descend, land, Automatic landing has begun. 

and stop its motors. 

R1: Warning: You are in a \it········· 

If the aircraft enters the restricted restricted zone. Descending to Red flashing 

Restricted- area in A-mode, but is switched safe altitude. 

altitude flight to P-mode, it will descend to an R2: Warning: You are in a 

zone restricted zone. Maximum flight appropriate altitude and hover • 15 feet below the altitude limit. altitude is restricted to between 

20m and 500m. Fly cautiously. 

Warning zone No flight restriction applies, but Warning: You are approaching a 

there will be a warning . restricted zone, Ay cautiously. 

Free zone No restrictions. None. None. 

EI:J 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. 

Lt • When flying in a safety zone, the aircraft's status indicator will blink red rapidly 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 blinking red. 

• For safety reasons, please do not fly close to airports, highways, railway stations, railway lines, 

city centers, or other sensitive areas. Ay the aircraft only within your line of sight. 

:!! 

ca· 

;:?; 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

1. Remote controller, Intelligent Right Battery, and mobile device are fully charged. 

2. Propellers are mounted correctly and firmly. 

3. Micro-SO card has been inserted, if necessary. 

4. Gimbal is functioning normally. 

5. Motors can start and are functioning normally. 

6. The DJI GO app is successfully connected to the aircraft. 

IMPORTANT: Always calibrate the compass in every new flight location. The compass is very sensitive 

to electromagnetic interference, which can produce abnormal compass data and lead to poor flight 

performance or flight failure. Regular calibration is required for optimal performance. 

0 • Do not calibrate your compass where there is any possibility of strong magnetic interference. 

Sources of potential interference include magnetite, parking structures, and subterranean 

!! metal structures 5' 

:?; • Do not carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or cellular 

phones. 

• Do not calibrate in direct proximity to large metal objects. 

• DO NOT calibrate indoors. 

Calibration Procedures 

Choose an open area to carry out the following procedures. 

1. Ensure that the compass is calibrated. If you did not calibrate the compass as part of your pre-flight 

preparations, or if you have moved to a new location since the last calibration, tap the Aircraft Status 

Bar in the app and select "Calibrate", then follow the on-screen instructions. 

2. Hold the aircraft horizontally and rotate 360 degrees. The Aircraft Status Indicators will display a solid 

green light. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

3. Hold the aircraft vertically, with nose pointing downward, and rotate it 360 degrees around the center 

axis. Recalibrate the compass if the Aircraft Status Indicator glows solid red. 

& If the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks red and yellow after the calibration procedure, move your 

aircraft to a different location and try again. 

--t;): Calibrate the compass before each flight. Launch the DJI GO app and follow the on-screen 

instructions to calibrate the compass. DO NOT calibrate the compass near metal objects such 

as a metal bridge, cars, scaffolding. 

When to Recalibrate 

1.When compass data is abnormal and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking green and yellow. 

2.When flying in a new location or in a location that is different from the most recent flight. 

3.When the mechanical or physical structure of the Phantom 3 Professional has been changed. 

4.When severe drifting occurs in flight. i.e. Phantom 3 Professional does not fly in straight line. 

Auto Takeoff 

Use auto takeoff only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the 

auto takeoff feature: 

1. Launch the DJI GO app, and enter "Camera" page. 

2. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode. 

3. Complete all steps on the pre-flight checklist. 

4. Tap"..t..", and confirm that conditions are safe for flight. Slide the icon to confirm and takeoff. 

5. Aircraft takes off and hovers at (1.2 meters) above ground. 

& Aircraft Status Indicator blinks rapidly when it is using the Vision Position System for stabilization. 

The aircraft will automatically hover below 3 meters. It is recommended to wait until there is 

sufficient GPS lock before using the Auto Take-off feature. 

45 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Auto-Landing 

Use auto-landing only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the 

auto-landing feature: 

1. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode. 

2. Check the landing area condition before tapping".!.". to begin landing. Then follow the on-screen 

instructions. 

Starting the Motors 

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start the motors. Push both sticks to the bottom 

inner or outer comers to start the motors. Once the motors have started spinning, release both sticks 

simultaneously. 

Stopping the Motors 

There are two methods to stop the motors. 

Method 1: When Phantom 3 Professional has landed, push the throttle down<D, then conduct the same 

esc that was used to start the motors, as described above®. Motors will stop immediately. Release both 

sticks once motors stop. 

Method 2: When the aircraft has landed, push and hold the throttle down. The motors will stop after three 

seconds. 

Method 1 Method 2 

& Do not perform a esc when the aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will suddently stop. 

Takeoff/Landing Procedures 

1. Place the aircraft in an open, flat area with the battery level indicators facing towards you. 

2. Tum on the remote controller and your mobile device, then turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery. 

3. Launch the DJI GO app and enter the Camera page. 

4. Wait until the Aircraft Indicators blink green. This means the Home Point is recorded and it is now safe 

to fly. If they flash yellow, the Home Point has not been recorded. 

5. Push the throttle up slowly to take off or use Auto Takeoff. 

6. Shoot photos and videos using the DJI GO app. 

7. To land, hover over a level surface and gently pull down on the throttle to descend. 

8. After landing, execute the esc command or hold the throttle at its lowest position until the motors stop. 

9. Turn off the Intelligent Right Battery first, then the Remote Controller. 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

& • When the Aircraft Status Indicators blink yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe 

mode. 

• A low battery level warning is indicated by the Aircraft Status Indicators blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. 

• Watch our video tutorials for more flight information. 

VIdeo Suggestions and Tips 

1. Go through the full pre-flight checklist before each flight. 

2. Select the desired gimbal operation mode in the DJI GO app. 

3. Only shoot video when flying in P-mode. 

4. Always fly in good weather and avoid flying in rain or heavy wind. 

5. Choose the camera settings that suit your needs. Settings include photo format and exposure compensation. 

6. Perform flight tests to establish flight routes and preview scenes. 

7. Push the control sticks gently to keep the aircraft's movement smooth and stable. 
FAQ 

48 
Troubleshooting (FAQ) 

What is the difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced? 

The biggest difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced is in the 

camera. The Phantom 3 Professional is capable of shooting spectacular 4K video at up to 30 frames per 

second, and the Phantom 3 Advanced is capable of shooting at resolutions up to 1080p60. Both models 

shoot 12 megapixel photos. 

The other main difference is the Intelligent Flight Battery charger. The Phantom 3 Advanced comes with a 

57-watt charging unit and the Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 100-watt charger, the latter of which 

allows for shorter charging times. 

Can I remove the camera and attach my own? 

No. The cameras that come with both models are permanently attached. Attempting to remove, replace, or 

modify the camera may damage the product and will void your warranty. 

Can I charge my Remote Controller and Intelligent Flight Battery at the same time? 

While the Remote Controller charger and Intelligent Flight Battery charger have been integrated into one 

unit for your convenience. it is recommended that you only charge one item at a time. We recommend that 

you never charge both items using the same charger at the same time. 

What are the buttons on the back of my Remote Controller for? 

The two buttons on the back of the Remote Controller can be customized and assigned to function as you 

choose through the DJI GO app. Refer to the manual for more information. 

How far can I fly my Phantom 3? 

The signal transmission distance will vary depending on environmental conditions, but the Phantom 3 

series can reach distances of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) away from the pilot. 

What app should I use with my Phantom 3? 

The Phantom 3 is compatible with the DJI GO app for iOS and Android, which is already used with the DJI 

Inspire. The app will detect which aircraft is connected and automatically adjust accordingly. 

Which mobile devices are compatible with the app? 

The OJI GO app is only compatible with devices running iOS 8.0 or later or Android v4.1.2 or later. 

The following devices are recommended: 

iOS: iPhone Ss, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi 

+ Cellular, iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 Wi-R + Cellular, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular. This app is 

optimized for iPhone Ss, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus 

Android: Samsung SS, Note 3, Sony Z3 EXPERIA, Google Nexus 7 II, Google Nexus 9, Mi 3, Nubia Z7 mini 

Support for additional Android devices will become available as testing and development continues. 

49 
11 

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

How do I use the Director automatic video editor? 

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

tap "Director" from the app's home screen. You can then select a template and a specified number of 

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

How do I change the control mode of my Phantom 3? 

By default, the Remote Controller is set to Mode 2. This means that the right control stick controls the 

movement of the aircraft and the left control stick controls the throttle and orientation of the aircraft. These 

controls can be changed to Mode 1 or set to a customized configuration in the DJI GO app. This is only 

recommended for advanced users. 

Can I use a Phantom 2 Remote Controller with the Phantom 3? 

No. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller operates on a different frequency. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller 

operates at 5.8 GHz and the new Phantom 3 Remote Controller operates at 2.4 GHz. 

Can I use a Phantom 2 Intelligent Flight Battery with the Phantom 3? 

No. The Phantom 3 uses a newly designed Intelligent Flight Battery with greater power. The Phantom 3 has 

a 4 cell battery with a capacity of 4480 mAh and a voltage of 15.2 V. 

My Phantom 3 does not turn off right away, is something wrong? 

This is normal. After you attempt to power off the Intelligent Flight Battery, it may remain on for a few 

seconds as any video data is saved to the Micro SO card. This helps prevent your data from being lost or 

corrupted. 

Do I have to buy the Remote Controller separately? 

No, there is no need to buy a separate Remote Controller. Your Phantom 3 comes with a Remote Controller 

that is already linked to the aircraft. 

Does my Phantom 3 support dual Remote Controllers? 

No. The included Remote Controller can be used to control both the aircraft and the gimbal tilt at the same 

time. 

What does the "P, A, F" switch on the Remote Controller do? 

This switch, called the Flight Mode Switch, allows you to toggle different flight modes: 

P-mode. or Positioning mode, indicates that both GPS and the Vision Positioning System are active and 

your Phantom 3 will attempt to stabilize using both. 

In A-mode, or Attitude mode, the aircraft does not use GPS or the Vision Positioning System. Only the 

barometer is used for stabilization. The aircraft can still return to the Home Point as long as a sufficient GPS 

signal is available. 

F-mode, or Function mode, activates Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) functionality. Refer to the IOC 

section in the Appendix of the User Manual. 

By default, only P-mode may be used. Refer to your user manual for instructions on unlocking the other 

modes. 

50 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

What is the Phantom 3 flight time? 

Flight times will vary depending on environmental conditions and usage patterns, but the Intelligent Flight 

Battery is designed to provide up to 23 minutes of uninterrupted flight time when fully charged. 

How can I restore a video file if the power is turned off during recording? 

Do not remove the Micro-SO card from the camera. If it has been removed, place it back in the camera. 

Turn the Phantom 3 on and wait approximately 30 seconds as the video file is restored. 

How can I ensure that my pictures and videos will be synchronized to my iOS album? 

You may need to adjust the settings of your mobile device. Open the Settings menu, select the Privacy tab, 

select the Photos tab, and then toggle the switch next to the DJI GO app icon. If the GO app has not been 

granted access to your albums, the photos and videos cannot be synchronized. 

What should I do to land my Phantom 3 smoothly as possible? 

Hover the aircraft over a flat, level surface. Slowly pull the throttle stick down until the aircraft touches the 

ground. 

Why is the discharge time of the battery not zero, even though I have never used it? 

Every battery is tested prior to being packaged and shipped. This affects the discharge time of a new 

battery and is the reason that the discharge time is not zero. The battery is safe to use. 

Can the mobile device holder be used on the Phantom 2 series Remote Controller? 

No. it cannot. 

How to safely operate the aircraft when encountering compass error? 

A compass error may occur when the aircraft is flying close to strong electric magnetic sources (e.g. 

power transmission lines). Aircraft Status Indicators blink red and yellow rapidly when a compass error 

occurs and the DJI GO app will display one of the following messages: 

• Compass error, calibration required 

This warning message indicates the aircraft is receiving abnormal compass readings. It is recommended 

to power off the aircraft and re-calibrate the compass at a different location and then resume the flight. 

• Compass error, exit P-GPS Mode 

This warning message indicates that the aircraft is drifting severely. Bring the aircraft to a higher altitude 

to gain enough GPS satellite locks when this warning message is prompted. The flight controller will 

automatically adjust the orientation of the aircraft in the midair to mitigate the drifts. The aircraft will switch 

back to P-GPS mode when the automatic adjustment is completed. 

How to troubleshoot aircraft initialization error? 

If you observe the following symptoms, it indicates the aircraft has failed to initialized: 

• The aircraft status indicator display flashing red, yellow and green. Even the aircraft is stationed on the 

flat surface. 

• The System Status Bar in the app prompts "Initialization Error". 

• No resistance drive if felt on the gimbal. 

51 
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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Various factors contribute to the aircraft initialization error, try resolve the issue by following the suggestions 

listed below: 

• Sensor performance degraded. This may be due to the excessive bias detected from the IMU or the 

compass reading is interfered. Try restarting and calibrating the IMU and compass to resolve this issue. 

• Sensor is defective. If the sensors remains unchanged at all time and the problem persist even when the 

aircraft is restarted, it indicates the sensor is not working normally. Users should return the aircraft to DJI 

for repairing. 

• Minor vibration is detected during aircraft initialization. Put the aircraft on the flat surface, power on the 

aircraft and ensure the aircraft is stationed tor more than 5 seconds to resolve the issue. 

• Serious vibration is detected during aircraft initialization. This instance generally occurs when the aircraft 

is being initialization on the violent moving surface, tor instance, ships that are on the rough sea. Do not 

attempt to power on the aircraft in this scenario. 

52 
Appendix 
Appendix 

!Ajreraft 

Weight (Battery & 

Propellers Included) 

Max. Ascent Speed 

Max. Descent Speed 

Max. Speed 

Max. Flight Altitude 

Max. Flight Time 

Operating Temperature 

GPS Mode 

!"Gimbal 

Controllable Range 

1280g 

5m/s 

3 m/s 

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

6000m 

Approximately 23 minutes 

ooc to 40°C 

Pitch:- 90° to+ 30° 

itt~ision "t~~~f{~~~~'lll~li1l~j~~~~~i~~~~~~~~:lljlil~~~i~lliJ!i~j~~~'~~~ Velocity Range 

Altitude Range 

Operating Range 

~'Camera .•!. 

Sensor 

Lens 

ISO Range 

Electronic Shutter Speed 

Image Max. Size 

Still Photography Modes 

Supported SD Card Types 

Video Recording Modes 

Max. Bitrate Of Video 

Storage 

Supported File Formats 

Operating Temperature 

Range 

54 

< 8 m/s (2 m above ground) 

30cm-300cm 

30 cm-300cm 

FOV 94° 20mm(35mm format equivalent ) f/2.8 

1D0-3200(video) 1D0-1600(photo) 

8s -1/8000s 

4000x3000 

Single shot 

Burst shooting: 3/5/7 frames 

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 

Bracketed frames at 0. 7EV Bias 

Time-lapse 

Micro SD 

Max. capacity: 64GB. Class.10 or \JHS~1 rating reqUired 

UHD: 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30 

FHD:1920x1080p 24/25/30/48/50/60 

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

60Mbps 

FAT32/exFAT 

Photo: JPEG, DNG 

Video: MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) 

OOCto 4Qoc 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Operating Frequency 2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz 

'

7Transmitting Dista%e .. ::/,•.;;,;~,~1~J~cil J~;ut~il9r(Apg~~~hm~t~lh; ,. Video Output Port USB 

:·operating-Temperatur~ i:tafi\}e ,,;.;~; ~'~9rV" ' 

Battery 6000 mAh LiPo 28 

:Mobile Oevice Hold~t ,':niijli~~!1i~~~~t~~~7~):i~~~~~~-~~~~~-":~!~,¥~1:'i1:\'i,~~~~ 

Transmitter Power(EIRP) 

Capacity 

Voltage 

Battery Type 

Energy 

Net Weight 

FCC: 20 dbm; CE:16 dbm 

LiPo 4S 

365g 

Operating Temperafure 

Max. Charging Power 

~[:'C; .·,~~~t~~~~·i\ 

100W 

'R G Y ...... Red, Green and Yellow Flash 

Alternatively Turning on and Self-Diagnostics 

:!(> Y ...... Green andYeli~A~~,trj~~~~~ykAtr~~r 

·;c; · · · · · · Green Flashes Slowly 

-rc'3 X2 .. ·· .. Green FlaSnesT~~ 

Y ...... Yellow Rashes Slowly 

l)tarning: 

ry ...... Fast Yellow Flashing 

· C:R ······Slow RedA~ing 

.R · · · · · · Fast Red Flashing 

;Cfi ······Red Aashlhg~riia~{, 

Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision Positioning) 

';:88fe~.~{!~~~-- , .... _._. Safe to Fly (A-mode but No GPS and Vision PosiRemote Controller Signal Lost 

Critical Battery Warning 
)> 

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

IOC allows users to lock the control orientation of the aircraft in different modes. There are three working 

modes for IOC that can be selected in the DJI GO app. IOC only works when the aircraft is in F-mode, 

therefore the user must toggle the flight mode switch to activate IOC. Refer to the table below: 

Course Lock (CL) 

Home Lock (HL)' 

Point of Interest (POl)* 

The nose direction, at the time that CL is set, will.remain the forward direction 

regardless of how the orientation and position of the aircraft changes. This will 

remain fiXed until you reset it or.exit CL mode. 

Record a Home Point (HP) and enter HL mode. The forward and backward 

controls will move the aircraft farther from and closer to the established Home 

Pont, regardless of how the orientation and position of the aircraft changes. 

Point of Interest Record a point of interest (POl). The aircraft can then circle 

around the POl and the nose will always points toward the POl. 

'i;J' *Home Lock and Point of Interest feature are coming soon. 

IOC Requirements 

IOC is only available under the following condttions: 

Course Lock No None 

Home Lock Yes ~ •• t 

POl Yes ~ .. 1 

Using IOC 

None 

Aircraft ~ Horne Point 

Aircraft ~Point of Interest 

Toggle the Flight Mode Switch F-mode and follow the instructions prompted on the DJI GO app to select 

the desired IOC mode. 

56 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

FCC Compliance 

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 

(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired 

operation. 

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the 

user's authority to operate the equipment. 

Compliance Information 

FCC Warning Message 

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void 

the user's authority to operate the equipment. 

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: 

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. 

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator& 

your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or 

transmitter. 

Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class 8 digital device, 

pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against 

harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio 

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful 

interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in 

a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, 

which can be determined by tuming the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct 

the interference by one or more of the following measures: 

-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 

-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 

-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. 

-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio{fV technician for help. 

IC RSS warning 

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard (s). Operation is subject to the 

following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any 

interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. 

Le present areil est conforme aux CNR d'lndustrie Canada /icables aux areils radio exempts de licence. 

L'exploitation est autorisee aux deux conditions suivantes: 

(1) l'areil ne doit pas produire de brouil/age, et 

(2) l'utilisateur de l'areil doit accepter tout brouillage radioelectrique subi, ml!lme si le brouillage est 

57 
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. 

IC Radiation Exposure Statement: 

This equipment complies with IC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. 

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. 

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator& 

your body. 

Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could 

void the user's authority to operate the equipment. 

KCC Warning Message 

·~g¥-t:J~I:lle ~§ ~ ~llj-~~ 7~8~01 ~2.5!.£ £!~~~~ -!!!"iM~ A~l:li~E 1t * it~J...IQ ." 

·~g ¥-t:!~l:li-E ~* ~ ~llj-~~ 7~8~01 ~g· 

NCC Warning Message 

iltJ;IJ~~;~~t-ttt11~HfhM 

;g+=i~~~it~m'@;m.ZiltJ;IJ~t-t!m'll~. ~~~~OJ. ~q], illi~~itffl~:I~JIF~~li!31HI!lm~, bD 

*J;I]~~~~~~~z~&J;IJ~. 

x. ;g+l!9il~iltJ;IJ~t-tlmC~itffl'f~~Rmftii:~&-T-!I'@;itii!~; ~~~~-T-!I~~B~. J!l~IHi§:1M 

5 ]) -=f-JIJey7J~~~*Iitffl. iW~'@;itiiM~. m~~~~;tim~i'I=~.Z1Mil*Ui~. iltJ;IJ~Mlm11UP.2,§f'@;iti 

5. i!f~~I~, f.f~&lll!fffl11iBi~tt1l~~iiZ-T-tl. ;(' 

58 
The content is subject to change. 

Download the latest version from 

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sending a message to DocSupport@dji.com. 

© 2015 DJI. All Rights ReseNed.