Brian Morson 

12135 Sand Pebble Way 

Orlando, FL 32824 

Brian.Morson@gmail.com 

{PH) 407-432-5364 

(FAX) 407-286-2719 

May 12,2015 

Docket Operations, M-30: 

U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) 

1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Rm W12-140 

West Building Ground Floor 

Washington, DC 20590 

Subject: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations from 14 C.F.R. Part 21, 45.27(a), 45.29 (3) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h), 61.113 (a) & (b), 91.103, 

91.119, 91.121, 91.203, 91.151 

Following the format of FAA Exemption No. 11138 -Regulatory Docket No. FAA- 2014-048, 11 have 

included: 

1. Supplemental Response for Petition 

2. PHANTOM 3 Safety Guidelines, 

3. PHANTOM 3, Quick Start Manual vl.O, 

4. PHANTOM 3 Professional User Manual 

5. Personal protocols and controls- Safety/Flight concerns 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 C.F .R. Part 11, I, Brian 

Morson, a for the last 8 years a professional Videographer/Photographer for Real Estate Industry is 

preparing this exemption request myself, would like to apply for an exemption from the following Code 

of Federal Regulations (C.F.R) to be allowed commercial operation of lightweight Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems (sUAS) for aerial imaging and video of Orlando, Sarasota and Tampa Landmarks and homes I list 

for sale. 

I have experience in flying hobby quads-copters for recreational purposes during the past 5 years 

without incident also I'm a participating member of the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). I have 

added a hobby grade DJI Phantom 3 quad-copter (maximum gross weight 2.82 pounds, equipped with 

four rotors that are driven by electric motors powered by batteries, the UAS has a maximum airspeed of 

31.10 knots) to my inventory equipped with a Sony EXMOR Yz.3" camera with intent for aerial 

videography/cinematography to enhance academic community awareness and augment real estate 

listing videos; following an exemption and approval by the FAA. 
Morson Petition 

May 12,2015 

Page 2 

My exemption request would permit operation of ultra-light weight, unmanned (piloted by remote 

control) in predetermined areas away from general public, airports, heliports and vehicular traffic, under 

400ft. and after carefully reviewing, inspecting and examining the area of aerial observation. This would 

allow for community videos and within property boundaries for individual homeowner real estate listing 

videos/photos. I will abide all FAA requirements to ensure this exemption will provide a level of safety at 

least equal to existing rules and will only operate in a safe environment that is strictly controlled, are 

away from power lines, elevated lights, airports and actively populated areas; and I will conduct 

extensive preflight inspections and protocols, during which safety carries primary importance. 

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 CFR § 91.203 

Given the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the aircraft to be utilized, I am 

asking exemption from 14CFRpart21, Subpart H (Airworthiness Certificates) and§91.203 (a) and (b) 

(Certifications required), subject to certain conditions and limitations, is warranted and meets the 

requirements for an equivalent level of safety under14CFRpart 11 and Section 333 of P.L. 112-95 

(Section 333). 

14 C.F.R. 45.27(a): Location of marks; non fixed-wing aircraft. 14 C.F.R. 45.29 (3) (c) (d) (e)(f)(h): Size of 

Marks 

Furthermore I request an exemption from §45.23 Marking of the aircraft because my UAS will not have 

a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain words or phrases. Additionally two -inch 

lettering is difficult to place on such a small aircraft with dimensions smaller than the minimal lettering 

requirement. I understand the need for markings and will mark my UAS in the largest possible lettering 

by placing the word "Experimental" or assigned number or name (based on a request or ruling by the 

FAA ) on its fuselage as required by §45.29(f) so that anyone assisting him as a spotter will see the 

markings. I also ask for an exemption from §§91.405{a),91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2) and 91.417(a) and(b) 

Maintenance inspections may be required and should be granted since they only apply to aircraft with 

an airworthiness certificate. But, as a safety precaution I will perform a preflight inspection of my UAS 

before each flight as outlined in his operating documents. 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b): Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command. 

Under §61.113 (a) and(b) private pilots are limited to non-commercial operations, however I can achieve 

an equivalent level of safety as achieved by current regulations because my UAS does not carry any 

pilots or passengers. While helpful, a pilots' license will not ensure remote control piloting skills. The 

risks of operating a UAS are far less than the risk levels inherent in the commercial activities outlined in 

14 CFR part61,et seq., I requests an exemption from §61.113 Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations. A 

side note, I have already explored getting my pilot's license, at the direction of the FAA, I would gladly 

begin education and eventual licensing. Brian Morson Petition Page 3 Regarding UAS operational 

training, as stated previously I have Five years' experience flying numerous practice flights in remote 
' ' Morson Petition 

May 12,2015 

Page 3 

areas as a hobbyist simulating flights for future commercial use to gain familiarization with the 

characteristics of his UAS' performance under different temperature and weather conditions. I also own 

and practices on a computerized simulated flights software to maintain adequate skills and response 

reflex time. I'm also aware of a three-day drone training course in Sarasota Florida and would gladly 

attend if required by the FAA. 

14 C.F.R. 91.103 (b) (1}, (b)(2}: Preflight Action. 

If granted an exemption I agree to additional safety procedures including, but not limited to: 

1) Keeping my USA within a radius distance of 1000 feet from the controller to both aid in direct 

line of sight visual observation. 

2) Operate the UAS for 3-7 minutes per flight; land my UAS according to the manufacturer's 

recommended minimum level of battery power. 

3) Operate my UAS only within visual line of sight (VLOS). 

4) Use the UAS' global positioning system and Global Navigation Satellite System and Vison 

Positioning System (GPS/GLONASS) flight safety feature; it hovers and then slowly lands if 

communication with the remote control. 

5) Conduct all operations under my own personal and flight safety protocols (including posting a 

warning sign reading: "Attention Aerial Photography in Progress -Remain Back Min 150 feet"). 

6) I will operate and will actively analyze flight data and other sources of information to constantly 

update and enhance my safety protocols. 

7) Contact respective airports if operations will be within 5 miles to advise them of his estimated 

flight time, flight duration, elevation of flight and other pertinent information. 

8) Always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation. 

9) Have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or potential danger. 

Aerial videography for geographical awareness of real estate marketing has been around for a long time 

through manned fixed winged aircraft and helicopters, but for small business, its expense has been costprohibitive. Granting this exemption would allow me to provide this service at a much lower cost. 

Further, my small UAS, when used properly, will pose no threat to the public given its small size and lack 

of combustible fuel when compared to larger manned aircraft. The operation of his UAS will minimize 

ecological damage and promote economic growth by providing information to companies looking to 

relocate or new build in the Orlando, Tampa and Sarasota areas of Florida. 

One final comment, the use of UAS has already proven to increase the marketability of a home. For 

example please review the article published by ABC News Jan 6, 2015 by Susanna Kim via Good Morning 

America cites "Doug Trudeau". The article cites the FAA's exemption given to Doug Trudeau, for Real 

Estate 
Morson Petition 

May 12,2015 

Page 4 

~~"'----- Brian Morson 

Enclosure 
PHANTOM3 

SAFETY GUIDELINES 

AND DISCLAIMER 
NOTICE 

All instructions and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of SZ DJI 

TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. For up-to-date product information, visit http://WWW.dji.com and click on the 

Phantom 3 product page. 

Glossary 

The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate various levels of potential harm 

when operating this product: 

I NOTICE I NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property 

damage AND a little or no possibility of injury. 

I cAUTION I CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of physical property 

damage AND a possibility of serious injury. 

I& wARNING{ WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of property damage, 

collateral damage, and serious injury OR create a high probability of superficial injury. 

_&WARNING j Read the ENTIRE user manual to become familiar with the features of 

this product before operating. Failure to operate the product correctly 

can result in damage to the product or personal property and cause serious injury. 

This is a sophisticated product. It must be operated with caution and common sense and 

requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this product in a safe and responsible 

manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not 

intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not use with incompatible 

components or alter this product in any way outside of the documents provided by SZ DJI 

TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. These Safety Guidelines contain instructions for safety, operation and 

maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all of the instructions and warnings in the user 

manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate the product correctly and avoid 

damage or serious injury. 

Age Recommendation: Not for children under the age of 18. This is not a toy. 

Pre-flight Checklist 

1) Ensure that you are using only genuine parts and that all parts are in mint condition. 

2) Ensure the remote controller, Intelligent Right Battery, and mobile device are fully charged. 

3) Ensure that there is no foreign object stuck to the camera lens, the micro-SO card has been inserted into 

the camera, and the gimbal can rotate freely before powering it on. 

4) Ensure the propellers are securely mounted onto the motors, and the motors can start and function normally. 

5) Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the compass. 

6) Ensure the OJI Pilot app and aircraft's firmware have been upgraded to the latest version. 

7) Ensure the your flight area is outside the No-Fly Zones and flight conditions are suitable for flying the 

aircraft. 

8) Be sure that you are NOT flying under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair 

your cognitive abilities. 

9) Be familiar with the selected flight mode and understand all safety functions and warnings. 

10) Be sure to observe all local regulations, obtain appropriate authorizations, and understand the risks. 

REMEMBER: It is solely your responsibility to comply with all flight regulations. 

'i ;! 
Contents 

NOTICE 

Glossary 

Pr&-flight Checklist 

Disclaimer and Warning 

FCC Compliance and Advisory 

IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement 

FCC Class B Information 

Before You Begin 

Individual Parts 

Regarding Genuine and Functional Parts 

Remote Controller 

Camera 

Gimbal 

Compass 

Propulsion Systems 

DJI PilotApp 

Firmware 

Product care 

Storage and Transportation 

Maintenance and Upkeep 

Right Condition Requirements 

Weather Conditions and Surrounding Environment 

3 

3 

3 

3 

5 

5 

5 

5 

6 

6 

6 

7 

8 

8 

10 

10 

10 

11 

11 

Interference with Flight Controller, Communications, and Positioning Systems 11 

Operating the Aircraft Responsibly 11 

Right Modes, Functions and Warnings 

Right Modes 

Fails3fe and Return to Home 

Low Battery 

VISion Positioning System 

Compliance with Regulations & No-Fly Zones 

Regulations 

No-Fly Zones 

13 

13 

13 

14 

14 

15 

15 

16 
Disclaimer and Warning 

This product is NOT a toy and is not suitable for children under the age of 18. Adults should keep the 

Phantom 3 out of the reach children and exercise caution when operating this aircraft in the presence of 

children. 

This product is a flying camera that offers easy flight when in good working order as set forth below. Visit 

http://www.dji.com for the most current instructions and warnings and http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/ for rnore 

infornnation about flight safety and compliance. 

The information in this document affects your safety and your legal rights and responsibilities. Read 

this entire document carefully to ensure proper configuration before use. Failure to read and follow the 

instructions and warnings in this document may result in product loss, serious injury to you, or damage to 

your aircraft. 

By using this product, you hereby signify that you have read this disclaimer carefully and that you 

understand and agree to abide by the terrns and conditions herein. You agree that you are solely 

responsible for your own conduct while using this product, and for any consequences thereof. You agree 

to use this product only for purposes that are proper and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, and 

regulations, including international and domestic airspace regulations, and all terms, precautions, practices, 

policies and guidelines OJI has made and may make available. You further understand and agree that your 

data including, but not limited to, flight telemetry data and operation records could be uploaded to and 

maintained on a DJI-designated server under certain circumstances. 

OJI accepts no liability for damage, injury or any legal responsibility incurred directly or indirectly from the 

use of this product. The user shall observe safe and lawful practices including, but not limited to, those set 

forth in these Safety Guidelines. 

FCC Compliance and Advisory 

This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) 

this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, 

including interference that may cause undesired operation. 

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void 

the user's authority to operate the equipment. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement 

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This 

equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 em between the radiator and 

your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operate in conjunction with any other antenna or 

transmitter. 

FCC Class B Information 

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant 

to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful. 

3 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency 

energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference 

to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular 

location. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be 

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the 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{TV technician for help; 

OJI hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant 

provisions of Directive 1995/5/EC. 

DJI reserves the right to update this disclaimer :md the Safety Guidelines. Please visit www.dji.com and check your email 

periodically for the latest version. This disclaimer is made in various language versions; in the event of divergence among 

different versions, the English version shall prevail. 
Before You Begin 

The following documents have been produced to help you safely operate and make full use of your 

Phantom3: 

In the Box 

Phantom 3 Professional/ Advanced Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer 

Phantom 3 Professional/ Advanced Intelligent Right Battery Safety Guidelines 

Phantom 3 Professional/ Advanced Quick Start Guide 

Phantom 3 Professional/ Advanced User Manual 

Check all of the included parts listed in the Phantom 3 In the Box document and read the Phantom 3 Safety 

Guidelines before flight. Then prepare tor your first flight by using the Phantom 3 Quick Start Guide and 

watching all of the tutorial videos on DJI's official website (http://www.dji.com). If you have questions, refer 

to the Phantom 3 User Manual in the DJI Pilot app or on DJI's official website for more comprehensive 

information. Make sure you fully understand the functionality of each individual part, the flight condition 

requirements, the key contingency warning functions/systems, and all government regulations before each 

flight. If you have any questions or problems during the assembly, maintenance or use of this product, 

please contact DJI or a DJI authorized dealer. 

Individual Parts 

Regarding Genuine and Functional Parts 

(J:,. WARNING) 

To avoid component malfunction, serious injury, and property damage, observe the following rules: 

1) Use only genuine DJI parts or parts certified by DJI. Unauthorized parts or parts from non-DJI 

certified manufacturers may cause system malfunctions and compromise safety. 

2) Ensure there are no foreign objects (such as water, oil, soil, sand, etc.) inside of the aircraft or its 

components. 

3) Ensure the aircraft and its components- including but not limited to the remote controller, camera, 

gimbal, compass, propulsion system, and battery - are all in good working order, damage-free, 

and functioning weD. Refer to the remaining sections in this document for more details on how to 

ensure the functionality of these components. 

Remote Controller 

( NOTICE ) 

1) Ensure the remote controller is fully charged before each flight. 

2) ff the remote controller is powered on and has NOT been used for 5 minutes, it will sound an alert. After 10 

minutes it will automatically power off. Move the sticks or perform some other action to cancel the alert. 

3) Adjust the clamp of the mobile device holder to allow a firm grip on your mobile device. 

4) Ensure the mobile device holder is firmly in place and does not slip. 

5) Ensure the antennas of the remote controller are unfolded and adjusted to the proper position to achieve 

optimal transmission quality. 

6) Repair or replace the remote controller it damaged. A damaged remote controller antenna will greatly 

5 
decrease performance. 

7) Linking is required if you wish to replace your remote controller or receiver or add a new remote controller. 

Refer to the User Manual for details. 

Camera 

(CAUTION] 

To avoid possible serious injury and property damage, observe the following rule: 

1) Do NOT block any ventilation holes on the camera as the heat generated may hurt you and damage the 

device. 

NOTICE 

1) Check camera settings before use to make sure you can adjust them to fit your needs. 

2) Test the camera by shooting a few test images and check that it is operating correctly before shooting 

important pictures or videos. 

3) Do NOT remove the micro-SO card from the camera when it is powered on. 

4) Photos or videos cannot be transmitted or copied from the camera if the Intelligent Flight Battery is 

powered off. 

5) Be sure to power off the Intelligent Flight Battery correctly, otherwise your camera parameters will NOT 

be saved and any recorded videos may be damaged. NOTE: Regardless of the reason, DJI will not be 

responsible for any failure of an image or video to be recorded or having been recorded in a way that is 

not machine readable. 

Gimbal 

I NOTICE I 

1) Precision elements in the gimbal may be damaged in a collision or impact, which may cause the gimbal 

to function abnormally. 

2) Do NOT apply external force to the girnbal after the gimbal is powered on. 

3) Do NOT add any payloads to the gimbal, as this may cause the gimbal to function abnormally or even 

lead to motor damage. 

4) Remove the gimbal clamp before powering on the gimbal. Re-install the gimbal clamp to secure the 

gimbal's position if you are going to store the aircraft for an extended period. 

Compass 

(CAUTION] 

To avoid possible serious injury and property damage, observe the following rule: 

1) Land immediately when severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e., the aircraft does NOT fly in straight lines. 

( NOTICE ) 

1) Ensure the compass is calibrated before every flight. Failure to calibrate may lead to poor flight 

performance or a crash. 

2) Do NOT attempt to calibrate your compass where there is a chance of strong magnetic interference. 
This includes areas where there are massive metal objects, parking structures, steel reinforcements 

underground, or under bridges. 

3) Do NOT carry ferromagnetic materials wtth you during calibration, such as keys or mobile phones. 

4) The compass should always be calibrated when moving from indoor spaces to outdoor spaces. 

5) If the rear LEOs show a solid red light, compass calibration has failed. Please recalibrate. 

6) After successful calibration, the compass may become abnormal when you place the aircraft on the 

ground. This may be because of underground magnetic interference. Move the aircraft to another location 

and try again. 

7) When to recalibrate 

a) When compass data is abnormal, and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking red and yellow. 

b) When flying in a new location, or a location that is different from your last flight. 

c) When the mechanical structure of the aircraft has changed, i.e. new mounting position of the compass. 

d) When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the aircraft does NOT fly in straight lines. 

Propulsion Systems 

(Lh WARNING) 

To avoid serious injury to yourseH or others, which may be caused by the rotating propellers 

and motors, observe the following rules: 

Propellers 

1) Do NOT use aged, chipped, or broken propellers. 

2) Always power off the aircraft before touching the propellers. 

3) Be aware of the sharp edges of the propellers when mounting or removing the propellers. Wear 

gloves or take other protective measures when touching the propellers. 

4) Whenever necessary, use tools (e.g., wrench, screwdriver, pliers, etc.) to remove or install the 

propellers. 

5) Ensure the propellers are securely mounted to prevent them from falling off the motors. 

6) Do NOT tum on the motors when propellers are mounted and there are other people or animals in 

the immediate vicinity. 

Motors 

1) Ensure the motors are securely mounted and rotating smoothly. 

2) Do NOT attempt to modify the structure of the motors. 

3) Do NOT touch or let your hands or body come in contact with the motors after flight as they may 

be hot. 

(CAUTION I 

To avoid possible serious injury and property damage, observe the following rules: 

1) Do NOT block any of the ventilation holes on the motors. 

2) Do NOT block any of the ventilation holes on the frame arm of the aircraft. 

( NOTICE ] 

Motors 

1) Keep the motors free of dust. 

2) If a motor is stuck and unable to rotate freely, execute the CSC (Combination Stick Command) to stop the 

motors immediately. 

\.!!" ·r :, . 7 
Electronic Speed Controllers 

1) Ensure the ESCs sound a normal tune when powered on. 

DJI Pilot App 

( NOTICE J 

1) Be sure to fully charge your tablet or mobile device before launching the DJI Pilot app. A tablet is 

recommended for a better user experience. 

2) If you are using a phone as your mobile display device, be sure to continue flying safely when the phone 

receives an incoming call. Do NOT accept phone calls during flight. 

3) Read all prompted safety tips, warning messages, and disclaimers carefully. Be familiar with the related 

regulations in your area. You are solely responsible for being aware of all relevant regulations and flying in 

a way that is compliant. 

a) Read and understand the warning messages before using the Auto-take off and Auto-landing features. 

b) Read and understand the warning message and disclaimer before setting the altitude beyond the 

default limit. 

c) Read and understand the warning messages and disclaimer before switching between flight modes. 

4) Land your aircraft immediately if there is an alert shown on the app. 

5) Examine and check all warning messages on the checklist displayed in the app prior to each flight. 

6) Use the in-app simulator to practice your flight skills if you have never operated the aircraft or if you do not 

have sufficient experience to be comfortable operating the aircraft. 

7) Beginner Mode is enabled by default when you launch the OJI Pilot app for the first time. The aircraft's 

altitude and flight distance is restricted when flying in Beginner Mode. We recommend you fly in Beginner 

Mode to perfect your flight skills. Operate the actual aircraft only after you are confident that you have 

mastered adequate flight skills. 

8) Cache the map data of the area where you intend to fly the aircraft by connecting to the Internet before 

each flight. 

Firmware 

(&WARNING] 

To avoid serious injury to children and animals, observe the following rule: 

1) Keep children and animals at a safe distance during any firmware upgrade, system 

calibration, and parameter setting procedures. 

[ NOTICE I 

1) For safety, always update the firmware to the latest version when an upgrade notification is shown in the 

DJI Pilot app. 

2) Firmware upgrade notifications will prompt you to proceed with an update immediately or to update 

the firmware within three days. If you choose to ignore the current firmware update, you are required 

to accept the prompted disclaimer. You further understand and agree that the data including but not 

limited to flight telemetry data and user selection records may be uploaded to and maintained on a DJIdesignated seNer. 

3) Be sure to download the firmware package file from the official DJI website. Verify the firmware package 

file's integrity before upgrading. 
4) Be sure to update the remote controller's firmware to the latest version after you update the aircraft's 

firmware. 

5) The remote COiltroller may become unlinked from the aircraft after updating. Re-link the remote controller 

and aircraft. 

6) Be sure to check ::!11 connections and remove the propellers from the motors before performing the 

firmware update. 

7} Ensure there is only one firmware package file atored on your SD card. 

8) Only storage devices that are formatted for FAT32 and exFAT file systems are supported for aircraft and 

remote controller firmware updates. 

9) Delete any automatically generated .txt files on the SO card when updating multiple remote controllers. 

9 
Product Care 

Storage and Transportation 

!Lt. WARNING) 

To avoid serious injury to children and animals, observe the following rule: 

1) Small parts, such as cables and straps, are dangerous If swallowed. Keep all parts out of reach of 

children and animals. 

( NOTICE ] 

1) Store the Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight 

to ensure the built-in LiPo battery does NOT overheat. Recommended storage temperature: between 

22°C and 28°C tor storage periods of more than three months. Never store in environments outside the 

temperature range of -20°C to 45°C. 

2) Do NOT allow the camera to come into contact with, or become immersed in, water or other liquids. If it 

gets wet, wipe dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Turning on an aircraft that has fallen into water may cause 

permanent component damage. Do NOT use substances containing alcohol, benzene, thinners or other 

flammable substances to clean or maintain the camera. Do NOT store the camera in humid or dusty 

areas. 

3) Do NOT connect this product to any USB interface that is older than version 2.0. Do NOT connect this 

product to any "power USB" or similar devices. 

Maintenance and Upkeep 

( NOTICE ) 

1) Check every part of the aircraft after any crash or violent impact. It you have any problems or questions, 

please contact a DJI authorized dealer. 

2) Regularly check the Battery Level indicators to see the current battery level and overall battery life. When 

the battery life reaches 0%, it can no longer be used. 

10 
Flight Condition Requirements 

Weather Conditions and Surrounding Environment 

[.&-WARNING I 

The aircraft is designed to operate in good to moderate weather conditions. To avoid collision, serious 

injury and property damage, observe the following rules: 

1) Do NOT use the aircraft in severe weather conditions. These include wind speeds exceeding 1 o mls, 

snow, rain, smog, heavy wind, hail, lightning, tornadoes or hurricanes. 

2) Keep the aircraft at least 10 meters {30 feet) away from obstacles, people, animals, buildings, public 

infrastructure, trees, and bodies of water when in flight. Stay even further away from the above 

objects as your aHitude increases. 

3) Be EXlRA cautious when operating the aircraft indoors. 

NOTICE 

1) Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and temperature. 

a) Be very careful when flying 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) or more above sea level as battery and aircraft 

performance may be reduced. 

2) Do NOT use the aircraft near accidents, fire, explosions, floods, tsunamis, avalanches, landslides, 

earthquakes, dust, or sandstorms. 

Interference with Flight Controller, Communications, and Positioning Systems 

( NOTICE I 

1) Fly in open areas. Tall buildings or steel structures may affect the accuracy of the on-board compass and 

block the GPS signal. 

2) Avoid interference between the remote controller and other wireless equipment. Make sure to turn off the 

Wi-R on your mobile device. 

3) Do NOT fly near areas with magnetic or radio interference. These include but are NOT limited to: high 

voltage lines, large scale power transmission stations or mobile base stations and broadcasting towers. 

Failing to do so may compromise the transmission quality of this product or cause remote controller and 

video transmission errors which may affect flight orientation and location accuracy. The aircraft may 

behave abnormally or go out of control in areas with too much interference. 

Operating the Aircraft Responsibly 

(.&,WARNING J 

To avoid serious injury and property damage, obseiVe the following rules: 

1) Make sure you are NOT drunk, taking drugs, under the influence of anesthesia, or suffering from 

dizziness, fatigue, nausea or any other conditions, whether physical or mental, that could impair 

your ability to operate the aircraft safely. 

2) Do NOT perform the Combination Stick Commands when aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors 

will stop. 

11 
3) Upon landing, power off the aircraft first, then switch off the remote controller. 

4) Do NOT drop, launch, fire or otherwise project any dangerous payloads on or at any buildings, 

persons or animals, or which could cause personal injury or property damage. 

(NOTICE I 

1) Make sure you have been sufficiently trained and are fully aware of any contingency plans before 

accidents happen. 

2) Make sure you have a flight plan and never fly the aircraft recklessly. 

3) Respect tl1e privacy of others when using the camera. Make sure you comply with local privacy laws, 

regulations, and moral standards. 

4) Do NOT use this product for any reason other than general personal use. Do NOT use it for any iUegal or 

inappropriate purpose (such as spying, military operations, or unauthorized investigations). 

5) Do NOT use this product to defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights {such 

as the right of privacy and publicity) of others. 

6) Do NOT trespass into private property of others. 
Flight Modes, Functions and Warnings 

Flight Modes 

(Lh WARNING I 

To avoid serious injury and property damage, observe the following rule: 

1) Do NOT switch from P mode to either A mode or F mode unless you are sufficiently familiar with 

the aircraft's behavior for each flight mode, since disabling GPS may result in being unable to land 

the aircraft safely. 

( NOTICE I 

P mode is preferred for most flying scenarios. Users can switch to A mode where and when P mode is 

unavailable. Be aware that some features are NOT available for A mode, and therefore be EXTRA cautious 

when flying in A mode. 

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

of P mode, which will be automatically selected by the Phantom 3 depending on GPS signal strength and 

Vision Positioning sensors: 

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

b) P-OPTI: If GPS is NOT available, the aircraft will use the Vision Positioning System to hover accurately. 

Note that the Vision Positioning System may NOT work properly when the Phantom 3 is flying over 

water, over surfaces without a clear pattern, or in a low light environment. 

c) P-AITI: When neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is available, the aircraft is using only its barometer for 

positioning, so only altitude is controlled. 

2) A mode (Attitude): The GPS and Vision Positioning System are NOT used for positioning. The aircraft only 

uses its barometer to maintain altitude. If it is still receiving a GPS signal, the aircraft can automatically 

return home ff the Remote Controller signal is lost and ff the Home Point has been recorded successfully. 

3) F mode (Function): Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) is activated in this mcde. Ensure you are familiar 

with IOC functions before use. 

If you intend to switch to modes that disable GPS assistance (e.g., A mode), you are required to accept the 

prompted disclaimer to enable this function. If this function is enabled, you further understand and agree 

that data including but not limited to flight telemetry data and function records could be uploaded to and 

maintained on a DJI designated server. 

Failsafe and Return to Home 

I NOTICE I 

1) The Return to Home feature will NOT work rrthe GPS signal is insufficient or if GPS is not active. 

2) Press the RTH (Return to Home) Button on the remote controller to bring the aircraft back to the Home 

Point instead of turning off the remote controller. 

3) Tall buildings may adversely affect the Failsafe function. Please adjust the aircraft location, altitude and 

speed while returning home to avoid obstacles. 

4) Make sure to always fly the aircraft within the transmission range of the remote controller. 

5) Only use the Failsafe and Return to Home functions in case of emergency, as they may be affected by the 

weather, the environment, or any nearby magnetic fields. 

,·II 13 
6) The aircraft cannot avoid obstacles during the Failsafe RTH: therefore it is important to set an appropriate 

Failsafe altttude before each flight. 

7) When flying indoors, the aircraft cannot perform precision hovering when flying above the surfaces that do 

not have a clear pattern. Refer to the "Vision Posttioning System• section for complete indoor flying criteria. 

Low Battery 

( NOTICE I 

1) When the Critical Battery Level Warning activates and the aircraft is descending automatically, you may 

push the throttle up to maintain the aircraft's altttude and navigate it to a more appropriate location for 

landing. 

2) When battery warnings are triggered, promptly bring the aircraft back to the Home Point or land to avoid 

losing power during flight and causing damage to the aircraft, property, animals, and people. 

Vision Positioning System 

I NOTICE I 

1) The Vision Positioning System cannot work properly over surfaces that do NOT have pattern variations. 

The effective altitude for the Vision Positioning System to function correctly is less than 2.5 meters above 

ground level (AGL). 

2) The Vision Positioning System may NOT function properly when the aircraft is flying over water. 

3) Keep your pets away from the aircraft when the Vision Positioning System is activated, as the sonar 

sensors emit a high frequency sound that is only audible to some pets. 

4) Note that the Vision Positioning System may NOT function properly when the aircraft is flying too fast or too 

low. 

5) Operate the aircraft cautiously when in any of the following situations: 

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

b) Flying over highly reflective surfaces; 

c) Flying at high speeds (over Bm/s at 2 meters or over 4m/s at 1 meter); 

d) Flying over water or transparent surfaces; 

e) Flying over moving surfaces or objects; 

f) Flying in an area where the lighting changes frequently or drastically; 

g) Flying over extremely dark (lux< 10) or bright (lux> 10,000) surfaces; 

h) Flying over surfaces that can absorb sound waves (e.g., thick carpet). 

i ) Flying over surfaces without clear patterns or texture; 

j ) Flying over surfaces with identical repeating patterns or textures {e.g. tiles wtth same design); 

k) Flying over inclined surfaces that will deflect sound waves away from the aircraft 

6) In the event of loss of the remote controller's signal, the aircraft will hover for 8 seconds and then auto-land 

if it is in "P" mode. 

14 i .. \!1 
Compliance with Regulations & No-Fly Zones 

Regulations 

(Lh WARNING) 

To avoid non-compliant behavior, serious injury and property damage, observe the following rules: 

1) Do NOT operate in the vicinity of manned aircraft, regardless of altitude. (Land immediately if 

necessary) 

2) Do NOT fly the aircraft in densely populated areas, including cities, sporting events, exhibitions, 

performances, etc. 

3) Do NOT fly the aircraft above the authorized altitude. Remain well clear of and do NOT interfere 

with manned aircraft operations. Be aware of and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times. 

[CAUTION) 

To avoid non-compliant behavior, serious injury and property damage, observe the following rules: 

1) Do NOT fly the aircraft within, near, or otherwise inside no-fly zones specified by local laws and 

regulations. The no-fly zone list includes: airports, borders between two sovereign countries or regions, 

major cities, etc., and is continuously updated. 

2) Do NOT fly the aircraft above the authorized altitude 

3) ALWAYS keep your aircraft within visual line of sight (VLOS), and use an observer to assist ff needed. 

4) NEVER use the aircraft to carry illegal or dangerous goods/payloads. 

I NOTICE l 

1) Make sure you understand the nature/type of your flight operation (such as for recreation, for public use, or for 

commercial use) and have obtained corresponding approval and clearance from the related government 

agencies before flight. Consult with your local regulators for comprehensive definitions and specific 

requirements. For users operating their aircraft in the United States, please first visit http://www. 

knowbeforeyoufly.org/ and take action appropriate to your circumstances. 

2) Please note that remote controlled aircraft may be banned from conducting commercial activities in 

certain countries and regions. 

3) Do NOT fly around sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, 

correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, military zones, etc. 

4) Respect the privacy of others when using the camera. Do NOT conduct surveillance operations such 

as image capture or video recording on any person, entity, event, performance, exhibition, and property 

without authorization or where there is an expectation of privacy, even if the image or video is captured for 

personal use. 

5) Please be advised that in certain areas, the recording of images and videos from events, performances, 

exhibitions, or commercial properties by means of a camera may contravene copyright or other legal 

rights, even if the image or video was shot for personal use. In addition, aircraft are banned from 

conducting commercial activities in certain countries and regions. Check and follow all local laws and 

ordinances before flying as those rules rnay differ frorn those stated here. 

15 
No-Fly Zones 

( NOTICE ) 

DJI always stresses safety during flight, and has therefore developed various aids to help users comply with 

local rules and regulations while flying. We strongly recommend that you update the firmware to the latest 

version to ensure the the following features are fully updated: 

No-Fly Zones 

1) Na-Ry Zones include but are not limited to major airports around world, borders between two sovereign 

countries or regions, major cities/regions, etc. 

2) The complete list of No-Fly Zones is listed on the official DJI website at http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly and is 

subject to peliodic updates in line with the latest regulatory requirements without prior notice. 

3) Some Na-Ry Zones are comprised of several zones. Each zone features circles of various sizes. The 

aircraft will NOT be able to take off in the inner most zone of the No-Fly Zone, and will descend to the 

specified altitude when it approaches the edge of the inner most zone. Ground station functionality is 

disabled when the aircraft is within a Na-Ry Zone. 

4) Users are NOT able to set up waypoints within No-Fly Zones. 

Altitude Umit 

1) Fly NO higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level and stay away from any surrounding 

obstacles. 

If you intend to fly above the default altitude limit, you are required to accept the prompted disclaimer to 

enable the new altitude limit. II a new attitude limit is set, you further understand and agree that data including 

but not limited to flight telemetry data and altitude limit changes could be uploaded to and maintained on a 

DJI-designated server. 
TI1is content is subject to change. 

Download the latest version from 

www.dji.com/support 

U you have any q!JfrStions about this Uocument plea~ cuntact OJI by 

sencl~n-J a~ to Doc5upport@dji.com. 

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 
PHANTOM 3 

Quick Start Guide 

V1.0