# EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 Petition for Exemption 3 

# COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION 3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR EXEMPTIONS 3 EXEMPTIONS REQUESTED 4 RELIEF SOUGHT 9 EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFICATIONS 9 PUBLIC BENEFIT 9 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 12 SUMMARY FOR FEDERAL REGISTER 12 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 13

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# EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the “Reform Act") and 14 C.F.R Part 11, SkyCropper LLC (SkyCropper) seeks an exemption from Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs”) detailed below for the Solo Unmanned Aircraft System manufactured by 3DRobotics (the “3DR Solo”)

. The requested exemption would support an application for a commercial Certificate of Authorization to use the system to support agriculture in the ways outlined in the petition. The 3DR Solo system consists of a lightweight (3.9 lbs.) battery operated aircraft, a PC-based ground control station, and associated communications equipment. The aircraft carries onboard geo-referenced still and video cameras that allow it to conduct precision photogrammetry and crop scouting at the resolutions necessary for precision agriculture. This high resolution imagery can direct variable seeding rates as well as the precise application of fertilizer and chemicals reducing their use. It will also help ranchers manage the status of their cattle and other livestock through use of RFID monitoring. This data helps farmers to identify and eliminate potential yield limiters while reducing their costs. By approving these exemptions, the FAA will create a benefit to agriculture and ultimately the farmers' ability to continue to feed a growing global population. The aircraft will be operated in the field with both a Pilot in Command (PIC) and a ground based Visual Observer (VO) in accordance with FAA Policy N 8900.227 Section 14 “ Operational Requirements for UAS" with the following restrictions:

• All operations will occur in Class G airspace at no more than 400' AGL

• Operations will be operated over private property with the permission of the land owner

• All required permits will be obtained from state and local government prior to operation

• The aircraft WILL NOT be operated over urban or populated areas

• The aircraft WILL NOT be operated at air shows or over and open-air assembly of humans

• The aircraft WILL NOT be operated over heavily traveled roads

• The aircraft WILL NOT be operated within 5NM of an airport or heliport

• Operations will be limited to daytime hours in visual meteorological conditions

• Aircraft will remain within visual line of sight at no greater than 1/2 NM of the PIC

• While the aircraft is airborne, the VO will be positioned within voice distance of the PIC The PIC and VO will meet the requirements outlined in FAA Policy N 8900.227 Section 16 Personnel Qualifications. Additionally, the Chief Aviation Officer will be acting as PIC of this aircraft and possesses in good standing an FAA

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### issued Pilot Certificate (cert # 2875639). All flights conducted pursuant to this exemption shall be conducted under the supervision and direction of the Chief Pilot. 

# PETITION FOR EXEMPTION Company Contact Information SkyCropperLLC is a Texas-based company engaged in developing and deploying UAS systems in support of precision agriculture activities and in training users to operate the USA in a safe manner consistent with regulations and standards of safety. Contact information for the applicant is: SkyCropperLLC 600 E. Sonterra Blvd, #145 San Antonio, TX 78258 PH: 512-940-9330 Chief Executive Officer: Trey Gramann: tgramann@skycropper.com Chief Aviation Officer: Jacob A. Pugh: jpugh@skycropper.com 

### Statutory Authority For Exemptions The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under 40101 of the Act, including sUASs, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate. The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702-44716 of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption ion the public interest. 49 U.S.C. 44701(f) See also 49 USC 44711(a); 49 USC 44704; 14 CFR 91.203(a)(1). Section 333(b) of the Reform Act assists the Secretary in determining whether sUASs may operate in the National Airspace System (NAS) without creating a hazard to the user, the public, or a threat to national security. In making this determination, the Secretary must consider:

• The sUAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

• Whether the sUAS operates within the visual line of sight of the operator

• Whether the sUAS operated outside of highly populated areas and away from close proximity to airports. Reform Act 333(a). If the Secretary determines that a sUAS “may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. 333(c). SkyCropper’s sUASs are multi-rotator vehicles, weighing 55 or fewer lbs. including payload. They operate under normal conditions at a speed of no more than 50 knots and have the capability to hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. The sUASs will operate only in the pilot’s visual line of sight at all times. Such

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### operations will insure that the sUASs will “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.“ Reform Act Section 333 (b). Given the small size of the sUASs involved and the restricted environment within which they will operate, our application falls squarely within the zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial operations of sUASs to commence immediately. Also due to the small size of the sUASs and the low altitudes and restricted areas in which our sUASs will operate, approval of the application presents no national security issue. Given the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations, and the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety, the grant of the requested exemptions is in the public interest. Accordingly, SkyCropper respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay. 

### Exemptions Requested Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 14 C.F.R. Part 21 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 14 C.F.R. 61.113 (a) & (b) 14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b) (2) 14 C.F.R 91.103 14 C.F.R. 91.109 14 C.F.R. 91.119 14 C.F.R. 91.121 14 C.F.R. 91.151 (a) 14 C.F.R. 203 (a) & (b) 14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a) 14 C.F.R. 407 (a) (1) 14 C.F.R. 409 (a) (2) 14 C.F.R. 417 (a) & (b) 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates This part establishes the procedures for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate. While the FAA continues to work to develop airworthiness standards for UAS, we request an experimental certificate be issued for the 3DR Solo under either or both of the following provisions: 21.191 Experimental certificates. Experimental certificates are issued for the following purposes:

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### (a) Research and development . Testing new aircraft design concepts, new aircraft equipment, new aircraft installations, new aircraft operating techniques, or new uses for aircraft. (b) Showing compliance with regulations. Conducting flight tests and other operations to show compliance with the airworthiness regulations including flights to show compliance for issuance of type and supplemental type certificates, flights to substantiate major design changes, and flights to show compliance with the function and reliability requirements of the regulations. Since the experimental certificate can be used for commercial purposes such as market surveys, sales demonstrations, and customer crew training, we would expect that an experimental certificate would permit our commercial purpose as well. The aircraft will not carry persons or property, will not carry fuel, and will only fly under strict operational requirements. Combined with the fact that the aircraft weighs only 3.9 pounds, we propose that the 3DR Solo will be at least as safe, if not safer, than a conventionally certificated aircraft performing the same mission. If an experimental airworthiness certificate is not appropriate for this application, then we request an exemption of 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, and the requirement for an airworthiness certificate in general, citing the equivalent level of safety outlined in the previous paragraph.
14 CFR 91.203(a) & (b) Civil aircraft: Certifications required. The regulation provides that an airworthiness certificate, with the registration number assigned to the aircraft and a registration certificate must be aboard the aircraft. Additionally, subparagraph (b) provides that the airworthiness certificate be "displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew." At 3.9 lbs, the 3DR Solo is too small to carry documentation, does not have an entrance, and is not capable of carrying passengers or crew. To obtain an equivalent level of safety and meet the intent of 91.203, we propose that documents deemed appropriate for this aircraft by the FAA will be co-located with the crew at the ground control station and available for inspection upon request. 14 CFR 45.23 Display of marks; general and 45.29 Size of marks. These regulations provide that each aircraft must display "N" and the aircraft's registration number in letters at least 3 inches high. Additionally, the aircraft must display the word "EXPERIMENTAL" in letters at least 2 inches high near the entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station. The 3.9 pound 3DR Solo does not have an entrance in which the word "EXPERIMENTAL" can be placed, and may not have a registration number assigned to it by the FAA. We propose to achieve an equivalent level of safety by including the word "EXPERIMENTAL" on the top of the aircraft, where the PIC, VO and others in the vicinity of the aircraft while it is preparing for launch will be able to see the designation. Additionally, we feel that the permanent placard discussed in the previous paragraph will provide the aircraft's registration information should it be found on the ground. Finally, we will display at the ground station a high contrast flag or banner that contains the words "Unmanned Aircraft Ground Station" in letters 3 inches high

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### or greater. Since the aircraft will operate within 1/2 NM of the ground station, the banner should be visible to anyone that observes the aircraft and chooses to investigate it's point of origin. 14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements. This regulation provides that no person may operate an aircraft unless a current, approved flight manual is in the aircraft. We assume that the intent of this requirement is to ensure that flight manual information is available to the aircrew while operating the aircraft. We request an exemption to this requirement since the aircraft is not only too small to carry documentation, the documentation would not be available to the crew. 14 CFR 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in Command and 61.133 Commercial pilot privileges and limitations

. The regulation provides that no person that holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. Subparagraph (b) allows a private pilot to act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. Our proposed operations meet the requirements of 8900.227 para 16(c)(2)(c) "Operations without a pilot certificate" in which the PIC is required to complete "FAA private pilot ground instruction" and pass "the FAA Private Pilot written examination." Since there are currently no means available for the pilot of a UAS to gain the experience in an equivalent category and class in order to apply for a commercial pilot's license, we propose to generate an equivalent level of safety by requiring our pilots to complete, at a minimum, FAA commercial pilot ground instruction and pass the FAA Commercial Pilot written examination in addition to completing the private pilot requirements. Since the aircraft cannot carry passengers or property, we feel we meet the intent of 61.113 Subparagraph (b) even though the intent of this application is to conduct a business.
14 CFR 91.109 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests The regulation provides that "No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls." The 3DR Solo ground control station is based on a small hand-held computer and while it does not offer a second set of "controls", both the student and instructor can, and will, operate the single set of controls simultaneously. With both student and instructor having "hands-on" the controls during flight, we feel that this technique meets the intent 91.109 and provides an equivalent level of safety.

14 CFR 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General. The regulation provides that over sparsely populated areas the aircraft cannot be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Since the aircraft will be operating at a maximum of 400 feet AGL, we cannot comply with this requirement. To provide an equivalent level of safety we will only fly over private property with the permission of the land owner. The land owner will be briefed of the expected route of flight and the associated risks to persons and property on

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### the ground. We maintain that due to the small size of the 3DR Solo, the hazard to persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures is not comparable to manned aircraft and should be considered in granting the exemption. The aircraft will not be operated over congested areas nor over any open air assembly of persons. The aircraft will be operated at an altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. 14 CFR 91.121 Altimeter settings. The regulation provides that aircraft shall maintain cruising altitudes by reference to an altimeter setting available within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft. The aircraft will fly below 400 feet AGL and will not need to maintain hemispherical cruising altitudes in order to de-conflict with other aircraft. As such, an appropriate altimeter measurement presented to the pilot should be Above Ground Level and should be based on the barometric pressure at the point of launch. To provide an equivalent level of safety, the UAS's AGL altimeter will be set to zero on the ground prior to every flight. Since the aircraft will fly no more than 30 minutes, even rapid changes in barometric pressure will have limited affect on the safety of the flight

. 14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. The regulation provides that no person may begin a flight in an airplane under day-VFR conditions unless there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and to fly after that for at least 30 minutes. We feel the intention of this paragraph is to provide a reserve of energy as a safety buffer for go-arounds and other delays to landing. The 3DR Solo is battery operated and the maximum duration of flight from a single battery charge is 30 minutes. Since the aircraft will never fly more than 1/2 nm from the point of intended landing, a full battery charge at launch will ensure that we meet the reserve energy requirement of this paragraph. We request an exemption to the word "fuel" and ask for an equivalent interpretation with the word “energy”.
14 CFR Subpart E (91.401 - 91.417) - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations The regulation provides that the operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 and 43. Paragraphs 91.407 and 91.409 require that the aircraft be "approved for return to service by a person authorized under 43.7" after maintenance and inspection. It is our intention that the PIC perform maintenance and inspection of the aircraft and "be authorized to approve the aircraft for return to service." As provided in the attached Maintenance Procedures, the PIC will ensure that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition prior to flight and conduct detailed inspections after every 10 hours. Maintenance performed by the PIC is limited to repairing small cracks, replacing a propeller, and updating software and firmware. All other maintenance will be performed by the manufacturer. The PIC will document work performed in accordance with 91.417. We feel that due to the size, construction, and simplicity of the aircraft, the PIC can ensure an equivalent level of safety.

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### 14 CFR § 91.103: Preflight Action Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. (a) Flight under IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, and any known traffic delays of which the pilot in command has been advised by ATC; (b) For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the following takeoff and landing distance information: (1) For civil aircraft for which an approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing distance data is required, the takeoff and landing distance data contained therein; and (2) For civil aircraft other than those specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, other reliable information appropriate to the aircraft, relating to aircraft performance under expected values of airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross weight, and wind and temperature. SkyCropper will not operate sUAS’s under IFR conditions or when the ceilings are below 1000 feet and the visibility is below 3 statute miles. 3DR ’s sUAS’s do not have published approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing distance data. Located in SkyCropper Operations Manual are procedures describing steps the PIC along with the person having operational control must follow to assure that the weather will be adequate to complete the mission in VFR condition.
14 CFR § 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) and (b): Maintenance Inspections These regulations specify maintenance and inspection standards in reference to 14 CFR Part 43. 14 CFR 91.405(a) (stating that each owner or operator of an aircraft "shall have the aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections ...have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter"). An exemption to these regulations is needed because Part 43 and these sections only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, which the sUAS will not have. Equivalent Level of Safety An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in accordance with the SkyCropper Operations Manual and 3DR User’s Manuals. As provided in the Operations Manual, the operator will ensure that the sUAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. The operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. If mechanical issues arise, the sUAS's size and carrying capacity, and the fact that flight operations will only take place in restricted areas for limited periods of time during daylight hours, creates less risk than that associated with conventional rotorcraft performing the same operation.

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### Relief Sought To permit commercial operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUASs) for operations conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333. Said exemption would permit the operation of sUASs under controlled conditions in limited, predetermined and controlled airspace. Upon granting of this proposed exemption request, PAL would conduct commercial operations of sUASs meeting or exceeding all operational and safety requirements per Section 333. 

### Equipment and Specifications 3DR SOLO KIT ~ 3DR solo, 3DR Solo Gimbal, 3DR Solo Controller, 3DR Solo Propeller Set – Black, 3DR Solo Battery Charger, 3DR Solo Controller Charger Specifications: Up to 26 minutes of flight time (20 with camera and Solo Gimbal), HD video streaming to mobile Top speed: 55 mph Max Altitude: 400ft, per FAA rules Weight: 3.6 lbs; 3.9 lb with Solo Gimbal and GoPro Wifi range: up to a half a mile, depending on environment Controller with color screen and live flight data Pixhawk 2 flight controller software Customizable color LEDs for orientation Solo Battery: 14.8 V LiPo (5200mAh) Rechargeable controller batter: 2600 mAh/7.2 Vdc; lasts 4 hours (extendable battery available) 10x4.5 self tightening props 880 kV motors Plug and play with 3-axis Solo Gimbal from 3DR

SEE ATTACHED PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION FOR FULL SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES 

### Public Benefit SkyCropperproposes to utilize sUASs in support of agriculture activities in the following manner, with corresponding identified public benefit:

• Health and Estrus Monitoring in Cattle: Working with universities and current offerings SkyCropper will streamline the process to monitor the heath in Dairy and Beef Cattle. This will include cloud software applications and hardware on the cattle. This ability will allow Producers to monitor the inventory of their cattle. Producers will have real-time insight on the health of their herd, understand the herding patterns and be able to detect in they are in estrus. This will prevent cattle rustling and will improve efficiencies of their cattle operation by decreasing the cost to monitor the herd.

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### • Pivot Irrigation Monitoring: SkyCropper will develop hardware and software which can be attached to Pivot irrigation systems that will monitor the flow, direction, and operation of pivot irrigation systems. Producers spend large quantities of money in fuel and time monitoring pivot irrigation systems. With the addition of pivot monitoring a Producer can stay in one location and send a UAV to monitor the systems at a reduced cost that manual or what is on the market today. With a visual representation the customer can see any issues that may be in the middle of the field and take the necessary tools and parts to fix the issue which would save time and money.

• HD video and Still Photography: SkyCropper will develop packages for producers to capture HD still and Video photography in order to assess their current operations. With this ability a Producer can monitor and benchmark changes in their operation. Practical uses include Looking at their grain bins to see if anything is broke before sending a person to fix it which would put a human’s life in danger. It would also allow customers to monitor their equipment in the prevention from theft which would take the loss of human lives out of the equation. It would also save the customer money in the decreased cost of fuel.

• Cotton Root Rot Monitoring: Cotton Root Rot is a clear reoccurring issue that has affected many cotton farmers. SkyCropper plans to develop a platform that consistently monitors for the signs of cotton root rot. SkyCropper will work with leading universities to test a viable model that will provide an efficient solution for scouting. With the ability of predicting the location of cotton root rot Growers will have the ability to spray chemical applications that will keep this noxious environment from robbing yield in our cotton crops.

• Commodity Bin Monitoring: SkyCropper will Develop and train Producers to monitor the levels of remote grain bins. This offering will consist of hardware and software that collects real time levels of what commodity is in the grain bins. Current methods to monitor commodity bins include visual, cellular monitoring, and simple subtraction. This leaves producers in a bind if their calculations are off or the cell signal is not strong enough. With the ability to send a UAV to collect and return with the data it will assist producers in the inventory, ordering and planning of their commodities. This will also prevent theft on those remote bins.

• Row Crop Aerial Imagery: SkyCropper will develop applications that use imagery to monitor the health, growth stage, and water needs of the crops surveyed. These applications will monitor crop status, allow the grower to develop real time fertilizer and chemical prescriptions, area crop damage and evaluate drainage practices. Real time information will allow the Producers to become economically efficient moving forward. They will have the ability to know Profit maximization techniques and stay profitable and sustainable for the future. Customer will visually see distressed spots and have the ability to develop an efficient scouting plan.

• Imagery for Pasture Management: Using NDVI imagery and specialized pasture software producers can remotely monitor the health of their pasture. Producers can also develop prescriptions to apply fertilizer, fungicides and insecticides to prevent forage loss. This ability will allow Producers to target the problematic areas in order to reduce input costs for their forage program. It will also allow for better irrigation management. Producers will have the ability to know when a pasture is ready for cattle movement either off on onto the pasture. This will prevent overconsumption, and promote proper rotation.

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### • Wildlife Monitoring: SkyCropper will develop software that can detect migration patterns in beneficial animals that will allow for the proper management of deer herds. Income for Ranchers is generated by the ability to sell hunting packages and or lease out land to hunters. This is a huge boost for the rural economies and surrounding cities. With the use of SkyCropper technology Wildlife managers will have the ability to properly count deer herds in order to develop the best management practices in order to prevent overhunting or disease due to high deer counts.

• Remote liquid application Row Crop and Vegetables: SkyCropper will develop hardware that will attach to UAVs to deliver Treatments for noxious pests. Spot applications on a small scale is difficult due to the current equipment not being suited for this application. With the Technology SkyCropper will develop we will attach a Pod onto a UAV which will deliver treatments to remote and individual locations in a crop. This will allow producers to safely deliver proper treatment economically and prevent human contamination.

• Remote insecticide application for Cattle: SkyCropper will develop hardware that will attach to UAVs to deliver Biting fly deterrent to cattle that are remotely located. Currently Biting Fly prevention applications are done in two ways, either through walk through methods or by corralling all cattle and applying the treatment one by one. This application technique will have the ability to spread insecticide to cattle on a mass level and remotely which will decrease the need to round up the cattle. This application can spread to other immunizations in the future which will allow producers to efficiently manage the health of their cattle.

• Remote delivery of feed and Hay to cattle: SkyCropper will develop hardware that will attach to UAVs to deliver Hay and feed to cattle that cannot be reached. In the event of a weather disaster or inability to access cattle SkyCropper will develop methods to deliver hay and feed to cattle. This will prevent the loss of cattle in flooded situations where they would otherwise starve. In Snowy conditions where it is impossible to access herds SkyCropper will have the ability to salvage a herd until conditions improve.

• Noxious Wildlife Monitoring: SkyCropper will develop software that can detect migration patterns in noxious animals entering and exiting fields. Feral Hogs are becoming a large pest in the production of crops. With SkyCropper’s Technology producers will be able to find, time, and set extermination times that will reduce the impact noxious animals have on row crop and pasture development. Producers will also have a reduced cost in managing this pest.

• General Security Monitoring: In the event of theft monitors on the farm will alert Producers to send a UAV out and monitor their operation. Theft in remote locations is difficult to monitor. Sensors placed on remote equipment can alert a Producer the need to send a UAV and monitor for theft at a safe location. This will allow the producer to alert the authorities with evidence as well as prevent future theft.

• Feed Bin Monitoring: SkyCropper will develop the software and hardware that will monitor remotely feed bins. This hardware and software will alert in real time feed levels. With the ability to know in real time the levels of feed producers can ensure their cattle always have enough feed in order to maximize growth. Producers will also have to ability to realize theft is occurring and provide for proper inventory management.

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### Safety Considerations Proposed operations using sUASs provide increased safety enhancement especially when compared with helicopters and aircraft for the following reasons: 1. The sUASs will weigh less than fifty-five (55 ) pounds; 2. Flights will be operated within the visual line of sight of the pilot; 3. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be thirty (30) minutes. Flight times may be less than thirty (30) minutes as the UAS will continuously monitor battery reserve and return to the ground station with at least 20% battery power reserved; 4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of 200 feet AGL. Flights will never exceed 400 feet AGL; 5. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS pilot and a Visual Observer; 6. A briefing will be conducted daily by all personnel working with said sUAS; 7. All onsite personnel and client employees will be required to execute a waiver. Verbal/written consent will be required of all persons within 100 feet of flight operation; 8. Written and/or oral permission from relative property owners will be obtained prior to operating the sUAS; 9. All permits, permissions, etc. will be obtained from local government offices as required; 10. The sUAS operated will weigh less than 55 pounds including payload (camera, lens, gimbal, etc.); and 11. The sUAS will operate at speeds less than 50 knots, hover and simultaneously move vertically and horizontally; 12. The sUAS will have the capability to return and land at the pre-determined location with the Security Perimeter should the sUAS lose communication or GPS signal during any operations; 13. The sUAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies; 14.Operations will not be conducted over densely populated areas or heavily traffic highways; and 15. Operations will not be conducted within five (5) NM of an airport or heliport. 

### Summary for Federal Register Pursuant to 14 CFR Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed:
SkyCropper LLC seeks an exemption from the following rules: 14 CFR Part 61.113 (a) and (b); 14 CFR 91.103; 14 CFR 91.113; 14 CFR 91.119; 14 CFR 91.121; 14 CFR 91.151(a); 14 CFR 91.405(a); 14 CFR 91.407(a)(1); 14 CFR; 91.409(a)(2); 14 CFR 91.417 (a) & (b).
Approval of this exemption request allows SkyCropper to conduct commercial operations with small and lightweight unmanned aerial systems. SkyCropper uses sUAS, weighing less than 55 pounds and powered primarily by batteries. This eliminates virtually all of that risk given the reduced mass and lack of large amounts of combustible fuel carried on board as compared manned aircraft. The sUAS is transported to the designated

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### mission area and set up there. The sUAS will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with manned aircraft flights. The operation of this small UAS will provide an equivalent level of safety, supporting the grant of the exemptions requested herein, Including exempting the applicant from the requirements of several regulations and allowing commercial operations. These lightweight sUAS’s operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a sterile environment. As a result, they are far safer than conventional aerial survey and inspection operations conducted with fixed wing aircraft or helicopters. 

### Additional Information If additional information is required, or if you have any questions regarding this Petition forExemption,please contact the undersigned at:

Jacob A. Pugh Chief Aviation Officer SkyCropperLLC Mobile: 512-781-0422 Email: jpugh@skysropper .com

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# User Manual 

# TM

# 3DR Support
Contact 3DR Support for questions and technical help. online: 3dr.com/support email: support@3dr.com call: +1 (858) 225-1414 (direct) +1 (855) 982-2898 (toll free in the US and Canada) Support line hours: Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm PST

3D Robotics (3DR) 1608 4th Street, Suite 410 Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel. +1 (858) 225-1414

3dr.com

Solo User Manual V4 © 2015 3D Robotics Inc. Solo is a trademark of 3D Robotics, Inc.
GoPro, HERO, the GoPro logo, and the GoPro Be a HERO logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc.

# Contents

1 Introduction 1 1.1 System Overview 1 1.2 Aircraft Overview 2 1.3 Controller Overview 3 1.4 Operating Parameters 4 1.5 Autopilot 5 1.6 Propulsion 5 1.7 LED Meanings 5 2 Setup 6 2.1 In the Box 6 2.2 Battery 6 2.3 Controller 8 2.4 Propellers 9 2.5 Camera 9 2.6 Mobile App 11 3 Safety 15 3.1 Location 15 3.2 Environmental Awareness 15 3.3 Visual Line of Sight 15 3.4 Flight School 15 3.5 Propellers 16 3.6 GPS 16 3.7 Home Position 16 3.8 Altitude Limit 16 3.9 Emergency Procedures 17 3.10 Flight Battery 18 3.11 Controller 18 3.12 Antenna Configuration 18 4 First Flight 19 4.1 Preflight Checklist 19 4.2 Takeoff 19 4.3 Landing 20 4.4 Return Home 21 4.5 In-Flight Data 21 4.6 Joystick Control 22 4.7 App Interface Overview 25 5 Smart Shots 26 5.1 Selfie 26 5.2 Cable Cam 27 5.3 Orbit 29 5.4 Follow 30 6 Alerts 32 6.1 Preflight Errors 32 6.2 In-Flight Errors 33 7 Advanced Settings 36 7.1 Advanced Flight Modes 36 7.2 Enabling Advanced Flight Modes 37 7.3 Accessing Advanced Flight Modes 37 7.4 Home Position Safety 37 7.5 Performance Adjustment 38 7.6 Units 38 7.7 Maximum Altitude Adjustment 388 Support 39 9 Maintenance 39 9.1 Controller Battery Replacement 39 9.2 Calibrations 40 9.3 Pairing 41 9.4 Legs 42 9.5 Battery Tray 45 9.6 Motors 46 9.7 Factory Reset 48 10 Appendix 49 10.1 Specifications 49 10.2 Warranty 50 10.3 Regulatory Compliance 50

# Figures

Figure 1.1.3.1: Solo System Context Diagram 1 Figure 1.2.4.1: Solo Overview 2 Figure 1.3.10.1: Controller Overview 4 Figure 1.4.10.1: Solo Operating Parameters 4 Figure 1.6.10.1: Solo Motor Order 5 Figure 2.1.10.1: Solo Parts 6 Figure 2.2.1.1: Solo Battery Charging 7 Figure 2.2.2.1: Powering Solo 7 Figure 2.3.1.1: Controller Charging 8 Figure 2.3.2.1: Power On Controller 8 Figure 2.4.1.1: Attach Propellers 9 Figure 2.5.1.1: Attach Camera 10 Figure 2.5.2.1: Camera Configuration Process 10 Figure 2.6.2.1: Connect to Solo Link 11 Figure 2.6.3.1: App - Settings Menu 11 Figure 2.6.3.2: App - Wi-Fi Settings 12 Figure 2.6.4.1: Controller Preflight Update Prompt 12 Figure 2.6.4.2: App - Software Update 12 Figure 2.6.4.3: App - Download Update 12 Figure 2.6.4.4: App - Update Download in Progress 13 Figure 2.6.4.5: App - Reconnect to Solo Wi-Fi 13 Figure 2.6.4.6: App - Start Update 13 Figure 2.6.4.7: Controller - Updating 13 Figure 2.6.4.8: App - Update Disconnection Confirmation 13 Figure 2.6.4.9: Controller Update Complete Displays 14 Figure 2.6.4.10: Controller - Waiting for Solo 14 Figure 2.6.4.11: App - Update Success 14 Figure 2.6.5.1: App - Viewing Video 14 Figure 3.4.5.1: App Flight School 15 Figure 3.9.5.1: Controller - Motor Shutoff 17 Figure 3.11.5.1: Controller Antenna Orientation 18 Figure 4.2.1.1: Controller - Start Motors Prompt 19 Figure 4.2.2.1: Controller - Takeoff Prompts 20 Figure 4.3.2.1: Controller - User-Initiated Landing 20 Figure 4.4.2.1: Return Home Behavior 21 Figure 4.5.2.1: Controller - In-Flight Data 21 Figure 4.6.2.1: Controller Left Joystick 22 Figure 4.6.2.2: Throttle Joystick Behaviors 22 Figure 4.6.2.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior 23 Figure 4.6.2.4: Controller Right Joystick Controls 23 Figure 4.6.2.5: Pitch Joystick Controls 24 Figure 4.6.2.6: Roll Joystick Controls 24 Figure 4.7.2.1: App - Main Interface 25 Figure 4.7.2.1: App - Shot List 25 Figure 5.1.2.1: Selfie Path and Settings 26 Figure 5.1.1.1: App - Selfie Activation 26 Figure 5.1.2.1: App - Selfie Control 27 Figure 5.1.2.2: Controller - Selfie Control 27 Figure 5.1.3.1: App - Selfie Settings 27 Figure 5.2.1.1: App - Cable Cam Setup 28 Figure 5.2.2.1: App - Cable Cam Controls 28 Figure 5.2.2.2: Controller - Cable Cam Controls 28 Figure 5.2.3.1: App - Cable Cam Settings 28 Figure 5.3.1.1: App - Orbit Setup 29 Figure 5.3.2.1: App - Orbit Controls 29 Figure 5.3.2.2: Orbit Controls 30 Figure 5.3.3.1: App - Orbit Settings 30 Figure 5.4.1.1: App - Follow Setup 30 Figure 5.4.2.1: Follow Controls 31 Figure 5.4.3.1: App - Follow Settings 31 Figure 6.1.1.1: Controller - Calibration in Progress Alerts 32 Figure 6.1.1.2: Controller - Uneven Surface Alert 32 Figure 6.1.1.3: Controller - Re-Calibration Required Alerts 32 Figure 6.1.1.4: Controller - Calibration Error Alert 33 Figure 6.1.2.1: Controller - Service Alerts 33 Figure 6.2.1.1: Controller - Altitude Limit Alert 33 Figure 6.2.2.1: Controller - App Connection Alerts 34 Figure 6.2.3.1: Controller - Controller Disconnected Alert 34 Figure 6.2.3.2: Controller - Controller Signal Alerts 34 Figure 6.2.4.1: Controller - GPS Signal Alerts 35 Figure 6.2.5.1: Controller - Low Battery Alerts 35 Figure 6.2.5.2: Controller - Critical Battery Alert 35 Figure 6.2.6.1: Controller - Controller Battery Alerts 35 Figure 7.2.5.1: App - Advanced Settings 37 Figure 7.3.5.1: App - A and B Presets 37 Figure 7.5.5.1: App - Performance Sliders 38 Figure 7.6.5.1: App - Change Units 38 Figure 7.7.5.1: App - Altitude Limit 38 Figure 8.7.5.1: App - Submit Trouble Ticket 39 Figure 9.1.5.1: Controller Battery Installation 39 Figure 9.2.1.1: App - Compass Calibration Setup 40 Figure 9.2.1.2: App - Compass Calibration Procedure 40 Figure 9.2.2.1: App - Level Calibration 40 Figure 9.3.2.1: Solo Pair Button 41 Figure 9.3.2.2: Controller Pairing Procedure 41 Figure 9.4.2.1: Leg Types 42 Figure 9.4.1.1: Standard Leg Replacement Process 42 Figure 9.4.2.1: Detaching the Antenna from the Leg 43 Figure 9.4.2.2: Attaching a New Leg with an Existing Antenna 43 Figure 9.4.2.3: Attaching an Existing Antenna to a New Leg 43 Figure 9.4.3.1: Compass Connector on Mainboard 44 Figure 9.4.3.2: Insert New Leg with Compass 44 Figure 9.5.1.1: GPS Cover Removal 45 Figure 9.5.2.1: Battery Tray Removal 45 Figure 9.5.2.2: Battery Tray Detachment 45 Figure 9.6.2.1: LED Cover Removal 46 Figure 9.6.2.2: Motor Pod Removal 46 Figure 9.6.2.3: Motor Pod Disconnection 47 Figure 9.6.2.4: Motor Pod Connection 47 Figure 9.6.2.5: Motor Pod and LED Cover Attachment 472 

# 1.2 Aircraft Overview

1.2.1 Smart Battery The battery connects to Solo’s battery bay. Solo’s power button is located on the battery; Solo can only be powered when the battery is connected.

1.2.2 Motors and Propellers Solo’s arms are labeled one through four on the ends of the arms. Motors on arms #1 and #2 spin counterclockwise and use clockwise-tightening propellers with silver tops. Motors on arms #3 and #4 spin clockwise and use counterclockwise-tightening propellers with black tops.

1.2.3 Orientation LEDs Each arm contains an LED for ground-to-air directional awareness; the two front arms (#1 and #3) display white, and the two rear arms (#2 and #4) display red. This LED scheme mimics the headlight and taillight style of a car.

1.2.4 Fixed Camera Mount and HDMI Cable Solo includes a GoPro ® The Frame fixed mount to mount a GoPro ® HERO camera. The HDMI cable connects to the GoPro ® to output video during flight.

Figure 1.2.4.1 : Solo Overview Silver-top propeller
Power button Battery
Rear orientation LEDs Black-top propeller
Motor Arm numbering
Front orientation LEDs

Fixed camera mount
HDMI cable Height: 10.2” Motor-to-motor: 18.1” Weight (no camera): 3.3 lbs.3 

# 1.3 Controller Overview

1.3.1 Mobile-Device Holder Mount an Android or iOS device to run the Solo app and effortlessly integrate the app into the controller’s operational flow. A user-supplied smartphone or tablet is required to initialize Solo and use Smart Shots.

1.3.2 Joysticks The controller’s left and right joysticks provide direct manual control of Solo and physical control mechanisms for using Smart Shots.

1.3.3 Screen The controller’s full-color screen provides live in-flight data and prompts for correct operation of Solo.

1.3.4 Power Button Press the power button once to check the controller’s battery level. Hold the power button until you see the controller startup screen to power on the controller.

1.3.5 Fly Button The Fly button lets you control Solo’s main flight functions: starting motors, takeoff, land, and activating standard flight.

1.3.6 Return Home The Return Home button allows you to end your flight automatically at any point by returning Solo to its original launch point and landing.

1.3.7 Pause Button The Pause button is Solo’s emergency air brake. Press Pause to stop Solo and hover in place at any time.

1.3.8 Option Buttons The A and B buttons change functionality based on where you are in the operational flow. The screen will show the currently assigned functions of A and B at all times. You can program A and B to specific functions using the app. By default, the A button is assigned to Cable Cam and the B button is assigned to Orbit.

1.3.9 Antennas The controller’s long-range dipole antennas communicate with Solo during flight. See Section 3.12 for proper antenna configuration.

1.3.10 Gimbal Controls The paddle, buttons, and dial on the top of the controller are used to control the Solo Gimbal. They can also be used in some Smart Shots.4 Figure 1.3.10.1 : Controller Overview 

# 1.4 Operating Parameters The following operating parameters apply to Solo. Always operate Solo within these parameters. Solo’s performance and behaviors are not guaranteed when conditions violate the parameters listed below. Figure 1.4.10.1 : Solo Operating Parameters

*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity, flying style, and pilot skill. Listed flight time applies to elevations less than 2,000 ft above sea level. **See Section 7.7 to adjust maximum altitude. ***Depending on environmental conditions ****This top speed corresponds to Solo when operating in Fly mode. Maximum speeds for advanced modes may vary, see Section 7.1 for more information. Estimated flight time up to 25 minutes* Default maximum altitude 150 ft. (46 m) above ground level** Range .5 miles*** (.8 km) Payload capacity 1 lb. (450 g) Cruise speed 18 mph (8 m/s) Maximum speed 33 mph (15 m/s)**** Wind speed limitation 25 mph (11 m/s) Operating temperature 32° F - 113° F (0° C to 45° C) Antennas

Mobile-device holder

Gimbal controls
Joysticks

Screen

Pause Return home Fly Power Options5 

# 1.5 Autopilot Solo uses a Pixhawk 2 autopilot running ArduPilot Copter software. ArduPilot is open-source flight control based on the MAVlink communication protocol. Pixhawk 2 runs an ARM Cortex-M4 STM32F427 processor with 2 MB of flash memory and 256 KB of RAM. Combined with an array of CAN, I2C, SPI, PWM, and UART interfaces, Pixhawk 2 uses a suite of onboard sensors to calculate Solo’s orientation and motion in flight. This data is input into ArduPilot’s inertial navigation and position estimation algorithms and combined with control inputs to send commands to Solo’s propulsion system. 

# 1.6 Propulsion

Solo uses four brushless 880 K v motors and four self-tightening propellers for propulsion. For control and aerodynamic efficiency, two motors spin clockwise and two motors spin counterclockwise. Navigation in the air is achieved by mixing propulsion of the four motors to actuate flight control along the roll, pitch, and yaw axes. Each of the four motors is numbered by the marking on the arm. These numbers correspond to the autopilot calculations for these commands and are used for indicating motor replacement procedures. Each motor is controlled by an ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) that regulates the rotation of the motors to achieve the speed commanded by the autopilot.

Figure 1.6.10.1 : Solo Motor Order 

# 1.7 LED Meanings Solo’s four LEDs indicate its status during startup and in flight.

• Solid white (front) and red (back): Ready to fly, standard flight configuration

• Pulsing white (front) and red (back): Solo is flying under autopilot control

• Flashing red alternating front and back: Controller signal lost

• Flashing rainbow: Update in progress

• Solid green, then turning off one-by-one: Startup successful

• Solid green without turning off automatically: Startup unsuccessful, please restart Solo 03 01

02 046 

# 2 Setup This sections covers everything you need to set up Solo out of the box. 

# 2.1 In the Box Solo includes the drone, controller, propellers (four plus two spares), Solo charger, and controller charger.

Figure 2.1.10.1 : Solo Parts 

# 2.2 Battery Solo is powered by the rechargeable Solo Smart Battery that provides up to 25 minutes of flight time per full charge. (Keep in mind that flight time depends on payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity, flying style and pilot skill, so the actual flight time may vary.) As a lithium polymer battery, the Solo Smart Battery requires specific handling practices to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents. For more information about battery safety, see Section 3.10.

2.2.1 Charging The level of the battery is indicated by the lights below the power button. Press the power button once to display the current power level. The Solo battery ships with approximately 50% charge, so charge fully before your first flight for maximum flight time. Remove the battery from Solo before charging by holding the release button and sliding the battery towards the back of Solo. Charge the battery using the designated Solo charger only; using a different charger can damage the battery or cause a fire. To charge the battery, connect the Solo charger to the battery and a wall outlet. While charging, the indicator lights pulse at the current level. There is an additional indicator on the battery charger that turns from red to green when the battery is fully charged. The battery takes approximately 1.5 hours to charge to 100%. Solo Three silver-top props & three black-top props

Controller

Solo charger Controller charger10 Figure 2.5.1.1 : Attach Camera

2.5.2 Settings For best results, adjust the camera settings for inverted orientation and medium field of view. (Setting the field of view to medium ensures that you won’t see the propellers in the frame.)

Figure 2.5.2.1 : Camera Configuration Process

Make sure that the Wi-Fi on your GoPro ® is turned OFF. It can interfere with Solo’s communication signals and cause unexpected behavior. GoPro ® The Frame TM Your GoPro ® HERO 3, 3+ or 4 Mount your GoPro ® upside down. Connect the HDMI cable.

Set the GoPro ® HERO3 to inverted orientation:

Enable GoPro ® HERO4 auto-orientation:

Set the GoPro ® to medium field of view: GoPro ® Settings Camera Orientation

GoPro ® Settings ORIENTATION

SETUP OFF

:OFF :UP :VIDEO ORIENTATION OFF

:OFF :AUTO :VIDEO EXIT

EXIT RESET CAM

ORIENTATION SETUP OFF

:OFF :UP :VIDEO ORIENTATION OFF

:OFF :AUTO :VIDEO EXIT

EXIT RESET CAM15 

# 3 Safety
The following best practices will help ensure safe, successful flights and help reduce the risk of accident and serious injury. Always fly under adult supervision and with your full attention at all times. Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when your ability to operate Solo safely is impaired. Use your common sense to avoid unsafe situations and always operate Solo responsibly.



# 3.1 Location Don’t fly Solo indoors. Always fly outside in clear, open areas at a safe distance from yourself, other people, power lines, animals, vehicles, trees, and buildings. When flying in areas with potential hazards, maintain 100 feet (30 m) from any people, vehicles, or structures. As the operator, you are responsible for navigating Solo to avoid obstacles, including during Smart Shots. Don’t fly within 5 miles of an airport or within any airspace restricted by your local, state, or national airspace authority. As the operator, you are responsible for knowing and understanding the regulations that govern small unmanned aircraft like Solo in your jurisdiction. 

# 3.2 Environmental Awareness Don’t fly Solo in extreme weather conditions such as rain, high winds, snow, or fog. Extreme weather conditions can permanently damage Solo or cause instability in flight. Before flying, determine the boundaries of the safe flying area at your location. Be aware of any risks, including bodies of water, structures, trees, power lines, etc, and designate a few areas where you can land Solo in case of an unsafe situation. Throughout your flight, be prepared to recover Solo manually or use an emergency procedure if Solo flies outside the safe flying area. 

# 3.3 Visual Line of Sight Always fly Solo within your visual line of sight. Don’t let Solo get so far away from you that you cannot see its orientation or so that any physical obstructions block your view of Solo.



# 3.4 Flight School If you’re new to flying, review the video tutorials in the Flight School area of the app before your first flight. Flight School provides useful tips for learning to operate Solo safely and correctly.

Figure 3.4.5.1 : App Flight School Physical obstructions can also block communication signals with the controller, causing Solo to attempt to Return Home along an obstructed path Read and understand these important safety instructions before your first flight to help reduce the risk of accident and serious injury.18 

# 3.10 Flight Battery Use caution when handling the Solo Smart Battery; lithium polymer batteries can cause a fire if handled incorrectly. Never alter, puncture, throw, bend, or impact the battery. Keep the battery away from liquids, fire, microwaves, and other hazardous or combustible materials. Don’t expose the battery to extreme temperatures. If the battery is hot to the touch, wait for it to cool before using or charging. Inspect the battery before and after each flight. It is possible for the battery to be damaged in shipping, use or charging. If you notice any abnormal features such as damage to the exterior shell, swelling, deformation of the battery, abnormal smell, leakage, or other unexpected behavior, do not use the battery! These can be signs of serious damage that can cause the battery to catch fire. To prevent a hazard in case of fire or explosion, disconnect the battery, and place the battery in a safe area outside of any buildings or vehicles and away from flammable materials. Do not dispose of the battery in the trash; dispose of the battery at local battery recycling center as soon as possible. In the US and Canada, visit call2recycle.org to find a location. For long term storage, store the battery in an 64° F to 82° F environment, between 45-85% relative humidity and with 50% charge. Always make sure to store the battery in a place where it won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. 

# 3.11 Controller The controller’s rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery is housed inside the controller, accessible by the battery door on the back of the controller. The controller battery is pre-attached to the controller, and shouldn’t be disconnected unless:
• You plan to store the controller for over three months without using it. In this case, disconnect the battery from the controller and leave the battery inside the controller to store it.
• You need to replace or upgrade the controller battery. Upgraded controller batteries with double the capacity are available from store.3dr.com or an authorized retailer. In the case where you need to store the extra controller battery, store it in location where it will not come into contact with metal objects or other batteries. If the battery’s connector comes into contact with a metal object, it can short circuit the battery and cause a fire. Keep the controller away from liquids, fire, microwaves, and other hazardous or combustible materials. Don’t expose the controller to extreme temperatures. If the controller is hot to the touch, wait for it to cool before using or charging. Perform periodic visual inspections of the controller battery to check for any damage, and handle the controller battery using the same safety precautions as the flight battery. 

# 3.12 Antenna Configuration For the strongest connection to Solo, position the antennas down and away from the controller so they are approximately perpendicular with Solo in flight, and tilt each antenna out and away from one another at a 20° angle.

Figure 3.12.5.1 : Controller Antenna Orientation 

### 20°24 Move the right stick vertically to control pitch.

Figure 4.6.2.5 : Pitch Joystick Controls
Move the right stick horizontally to control roll.

Figure 4.6.2.6 : Roll Joystick Controls 

## Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Move the right stick forward to fly forward.

Move the right stick back to fly backward. 

## Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Move the right stick left to fly left.

Move the right stick right to fly right.

If you’re new to drones, take some time to learn the basics before your first flight. Visit 3dr.com/solo/info or check out Flight School in the Solo app to learn about flight controls and best practices.25 

# 4.7 App Interface Overview The Solo app provides a simplified interface for viewing Solo’s video feed and managing Smart Shots.

Figure 4.7.2.1 : App - Main Interface
1 Live video feed 2 Main menu 3 Horizontal distance from home 4 Altitude 5 Shot List 6 Flight battery percentage remaining 7 Controller signal strength 8 Hide telemetry bar 9 Map view 10 Start/stop recording to mobile device 11 Alerts and instructions

4.7.1 Map View To access the small map view, swipe left from the right edge of the app. Swipe left again to full-screen the map, and tap the video display to hide the map. The map view is available only with GPS lock and on devices with cellular Internet.

4.7.2 Shot List To access the Shot List, select the active mode or shot from the title bar. Choose from Selfie, Cable Cam, Orbit, and Follow to start a shot, or select Fly for standard flight.

Figure 4.7.2.1 : App - Shot List 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1

9 10

1126 

# 5 Smart Shots Solo’s Smart Shots automate video capturing to make it easy to get stunning aerial video. Cable Cam and Orbit are automatically assigned to the controller’s A and B buttons. Use the app to access Selfie or Follow. Smart Shots are available only with the Solo app. When using Smart Shots without a Solo Gimbal, Solo cannot ensure that the subject is in the frame at all times. When attempting Smart Shots without a Solo Gimbal, adjust the camera mount so the camera is fixed at an appropriate angle to improve the chances of keeping the subject in the frame. 

# 5.1 Selfie In Selfie, Solo flies a smooth up-and-back path to capture a subject in a cinematic establishing shot. Before starting a selfie, always ensure that there is a clear path 200 feet (61 m) behind and above Solo. Once Selfie is activated, Solo will fly up and away from the subject to a point 164 feet (50 m) from the subject at 82 feet (25 m) altitude.

Figure 5.1.2.1 : Selfie Path and Settings
1 Distance out (default 164 ft.) 2 Altitude up (default 82 ft.) 3 Flight path

5.1.1 Selfie Setup To start Selfie, fly Solo to a starting point, facing the subject from approximately 10 feet away, and select Selfie from the Shot List. The app will prompt you to press the right arrow to start the selfie.

Figure 5.1.1.1 : App - Selfie Activation

5.1.2 Selfie Operation Tap the forward and back arrows in the app to fly Solo along the Selfie path. The default cruise speed when using the app to control Solo in Selfie is set to 9 mph (4 m/s). 2
1 3

Always ensure that there is a clear path 200 feet (30 m) behind and above Solo before starting Selfie. Press Pause at any time during Selfie to stop Solo. Press Fly at any time to switch to manual control.29 

# 5.3 Orbit Use Orbit to fly Solo along a preset circle while fixing the camera on a central target.

5.3.1 Starting Orbit Select Orbit from the Shot List. The app will display the currently set radius of the orbit and show the location of the subject on the map. Fly Solo to correct the subject’s position on the map if necessary then press A on the controller to lock onto the subject. The app will display a Subject Locked confirmation once the orbit subject is set. To adjust the position of the subject during Orbit, move the center point on the map.

Figure 5.3.1.1 : App - Orbit Setup

5.3.2 Orbit Operation Tap the left and right arrows to fly Solo along the Orbit path. The default cruise speed for Orbit is 2.2 mph (1 m/s).

Figure 5.3.2.1 : App - Orbit Controls To control Orbit using the controller, move the right stick left and right to fly Solo along the Orbit path. Move the right stick up to reduce the radius of the orbit and move Solo closer to the subject; move the right stick down to increase the radius and move Solo away from the subject. Move the left stick left and right to temporarily override the camera’s lock on the subject and look left and right. Move the left stick up and down to adjust Solo’s altitude. Use the paddle on the top of the controller to raise and lower the altitude of the target. Press Pause at any time to stop Solo; press Fly to exit to standard flight. Solo will orbit at a constant altitude relative to its launch point, not taking into account changes in ground level. Be aware of any elevations changes at your location that would affect Solo. Always ensure there is a clear path for Solo before starting Orbit.32 

# 6 Alerts The following alerts will appear on the controller in the event of a preflight or in flight error. Always monitor the controller for alerts and perform the recommended actions. 

# 6.1 Preflight Errors Before starting the motors, Solo runs a series of automatic checks to ensure that the system is ready for flight.

6.1.1 Calibration The following errors indicate that a preflight check is in progress: altitude calibrating, calibrating solo, and calibrating compass. Please wait for the error to clear before continuing.

Figure 6.1.1.1 : Controller - Calibration in Progress Alerts If Solo is not placed on a level surface, you will receive the following alert to move Solo to a level surface for takeoff.

Figure 6.1.1.2 : Controller - Uneven Surface Alert If Solo requires manual calibration, the following alert messages show the displays for compass and level calibrations. Refer to Section 9.2 for compass and level calibration instructions.

Figure 6.1.1.3 : Controller - Re-Calibration Required Alerts In the case of a calibration or sensor error during startup, restart Solo to clear the following alerts. PREARM SENSOR ERRORS

Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Altitude calibrating
Please wait

Compass error User asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Compass error Please calibrate compass using the 3DR Solo app

Level error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate Alert persists until: User complete calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Level error Please calibrate level using the 3DR Solo app

Sensor error screen For sensor errors requiring user-initiated restart



### Sensor error Please try and restart Solo

Battery unknown Displayed if Artoo is powered on with a battery has an ID resistor unknown to Artoo. (Not logged in current software version’s index.) HAPTIC: Strong feedback, 40 millisecond pulse After Solo is disconnected, Artoo should display “waiting for Solo” 

### Unknown battery

Battery % not be accurate ?

Dismiss Control sticl error

Persists until: Controller starts with stick values in range. 

### Control stick error Contact 3DR customer support ARMING ALERTS

Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Calibration error Please restart Solo

Compass error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (system then continues sensor check) User powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Calibrating compass Please wait

Level error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate Alert persists until: User complete calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Uneven surface Move Solo to a level surface Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Calibrat ing Solo
Please wait

Compass error User asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Throttle too high This flight mode requires low throttle before starting motors

Catch-All Remaining rare but problematic APM errors will be captured under a catch-all for logging trouble tickets 

### Service required Use 3DR Solo app to log a trouble

ticket with customer support ARMING ALERTS

Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Calibration error Please restart Solo

Compass error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (system then continues sensor check) User powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Calibrating compass Please wait

Level error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate Alert persists until: User complete calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Uneven surface Move Solo to a level surface Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Calibrat ing Solo
Please wait

Compass error User asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Throttle too high This flight mode requires low throttle before starting motors

Catch-All Remaining rare but problematic APM errors will be captured under a catch-all for logging trouble tickets 

### Service required Use 3DR Solo app to log a trouble

ticket with customer support PREARM SENSOR ERRORS

Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Altitude calibrating
Please wait

Compass error User asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Compass error Please calibrate compass using the 3DR Solo app

Level error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate Alert persists until: User complete calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Level error Please calibrate level using the 3DR Solo app

Sensor error screen For sensor errors requiring user-initiated restart



### Sensor error Please try and restart Solo

Battery unknown Displayed if Artoo is powered on with a battery has an ID resistor unknown to Artoo. (Not logged in current software version’s index.) HAPTIC: Strong feedback, 40 millisecond pulse After Solo is disconnected, Artoo should display “waiting for Solo” 

### Unknown battery

Battery % not be accurate ?

Dismiss Control sticl error

Persists until: Controller starts with stick values in range. 

### Control stick error Contact 3DR customer support PREARM SENSOR ERRORS

Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Altitude calibrating
Please wait

Compass error User asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Compass error Please calibrate compass using the 3DR Solo app

Level error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate Alert persists until: User complete calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Level error Please calibrate level using the 3DR Solo app

Sensor error screen For sensor errors requiring user-initiated restart



### Sensor error Please try and restart Solo

Battery unknown Displayed if Artoo is powered on with a battery has an ID resistor unknown to Artoo. (Not logged in current software version’s index.) HAPTIC: Strong feedback, 40 millisecond pulse After Solo is disconnected, Artoo should display “waiting for Solo” 

### Unknown battery

Battery % not be accurate ?

Dismiss Control sticl error

Persists until: Controller starts with stick values in range. 

### Control stick error Contact 3DR customer support ARMING ALERTS

Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Calibration error Please restart Solo

Compass error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (system then continues sensor check) User powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Calibrating compass Please wait

Level error User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate Alert persists until: User complete calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Uneven surface Move Solo to a level surface Altitude calibration System self-calibrates altitude after altitude disparity Alert persists until: System self-calibrates (sys then continues sensor check) Timeout: after 1 minute (?) (results in “sensor error” screen) 

### Calibrat ing Solo
Please wait

Compass error User asked to use Solo app to calibrate.
Alert persists until: User completes calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check) Powers off controller, or Solo Controller auto-shutdown Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo. 

### Throttle too high This flight mode requires low throttle before starting motors

Catch-All Remaining rare but problematic APM errors will be captured under a catch-all for logging trouble tickets 

### Service required Use 3DR Solo app to log a trouble

ticket with customer support36 

# 7 Advanced Settings This section provides instructions for accessing and using Solo’s advanced features and settings. 

# 7.1 Advanced Flight Modes Are you a quadcopter pro? We designed Solo to be simple and reliable, but also really fun to fly. Solo includes five advanced flight modes: FLY:Manual, stabilize, acro, sport, and drift.

7.1.1 Fly:Manual Fly:Manual mode is a version of standard flight without GPS lock. In Fly:Manual, the throttle stick controls altitude the same way as standard flight (Fly mode). However, Fly:Manual includes no GPS positioning so that, when you release the right stick, Solo will not hold its position; it will drift according to wind conditions and existing momentum. When flying in Fly:Manual, make constant adjustment to the right stick to control Solo’s position and use the left stick to maintain Solo’s orientation.

7.1.2 Stabilize Stabilize mode provides full manual control without autopilot assistance. In stabilize, the autopilot regulates Solo’s roll and pitch angles so that Solo returns to level when you release the right stick. The throttle stick controls power and acceleration directly; it does not correspond to altitude. Stabilize requires fine-tuned control of both the left and right sticks to fly Solo. Stabilize does not require GPS lock.

7.1.3 Drift Drift modes requires GPS lock and provides a plane-like flying experience. Drift is ideal for navigating Solo using the video feed. This is known as first-person view (FPV) and provides an immersive flying experience. In drift, Solo combines roll, pitch, and yaw onto the controller’s right stick. To navigate Solo in drift, move the right stick to initiate a coordinated turn in that direction. Releasing the right stick will cause Solo to drift to a stop over a two-second period. Solo does not automatically control altitude in drift, and will require constant adjustments to the throttle stick when flying in drift.

7.1.4 Acro Acro is the most advanced of Solo’s flight modes. It provides unrestricted control over Solo’s roll and pitch angles. Acro is intended for performing aerial acrobatics, flips, and maneuvers requiring extreme angles. There is no altitude or position assistance in acro, so be prepared to make constant adjustment to both sticks. Acro is a copter-frame oriented mode, meaning that, in acro, Solo will always respond to controls relative to its own orientation. Acro does not require GPS lock. Advanced flight modes are for experienced operators only. Do not attempt to fly in any advanced modes unless you are comfortable flying multicopters without positioning and altitude assistance.

Do not fly in acro unless you are an extremely experienced operator. Without the proper skills, crashes in acro are highly likely.37 7.1.5 Sport Sport mode in a modified version of acro that includes altitude assistance and earth-frame orientation. With altitude assistance, the throttle stick behaves the same in sport as it does in standard flight (Fly mode). Earth-frame orientation differs from copter-frame orientation in that the direction of yaw rotation is in relation to the earth instead of in relation to the copter itself. For example, if Solo is pitched forward in sport mode and left yaw is applied, Solo will maintain the same pitch angle and rotate around the vertical axis. As opposed to in acro’s copter-frame orientation, in which, in the same situation, Solo will perform a cartwheel. Sport does not require GPS lock. 

# 7.2 Enabling Advanced Flight Modes To unlock Solo’s advanced flight modes, use the app to select Advanced Settings from the Settings menu. Toggle the Enable Advanced Flight Modes option to gain access to Solo’s advanced modes.

Figure 7.2.5.1 : App - Advanced Settings 

# 7.3 Accessing Advanced Flight Modes Once enabled, advanced flight modes can be accessed only be assigning them to the controller’s A and B buttons using the app. In the app, select Preset A or Preset B from the Solo menu. (The app must be connected to Solo to apply button assignments.) Once assigned, use the controller to activate advanced modes during flight.

Figure 7.3.5.1 : App - A and B Presets 

# 7.4 Home Position Safety Fly:Manual, stabilize, acro, and sport modes do not require GPS lock. To take off without GPS lock, Solo must be set to one of these modes. Without an active GPS signal, Return Home, Pause, and Smart Shots will be disabled. If you choose to take off without GPS lock, Solo will not save a home position at the launch point. If Solo acquires GPS lock mid-flight, the autopilot will save a home position at that location. To prevent a potentially unsafe situation, do not use Return Home if Solo did not acquire GPS prior to takeoff.
If Solo did not acquire GPS lock prior to takeoff, do not use Return Home.38 

# 7.5 Performance Adjustment The Solo app includes options to adjust Solo’s performance to suit your flying style. To access the performance sliders, select Performance from the Solo menu. The flight slider controls how fast Solo flies and how responsive it is to controls. The camera pan slider regulates the speed that Solo rotates. Move the slider towards the turtle for slower, more cushioned movement, or move the slider towards the rabbit for faster, more responsive movement.

Figure 7.5.5.1 : App - Performance Sliders 

# 7.6 Units To change the units in the Solo app from imperial to metric, select Units from the Settings menu.

Figure 7.6.5.1 : App - Change Units 

# 7.7 Maximum Altitude Adjustment To adjust the altitude limit, select Altitude Limit from the Solo menu. If you choose to select No limit, ensure that you always operate Solo within your visual line of sight and in compliance with local regulations.

Figure 7.7.5.1 : App - Altitude Limit40 

# 9.2 Calibrations Use the Solo app to perform compass and level calibrations when prompted by the controller. Remove Solo’s propellers before performing calibrations.

9.2.1 Compass Calibration To calibrate Solo’s compass, connect the app to Solo Wi-Fi and select Compass Calibration from the Solo menu. Ensure that Solo and the controller are powered on with the propellers removed. Solo requires an interference-free environment for compass calibration, so ensure that you are away from metal buildings, reinforced concrete, or other metal structures before starting calibration.

Figure 9.2.1.1 : App - Compass Calibration Setup The app will prompt you to rotate Solo end-over-end multiple times until the bar at the top of the screen is completely green. If the calibration fails, move to a different location and try again.

Figure 9.2.1.2 : App - Compass Calibration Procedure

9.2.2 Level Calibration A level calibration zeroes Solo’s accelerometers to recognize static states. To perform a level calibration, remove the propellers from Solo and connect the app to Solo Wi-Fi. Select Level Calibration from the Solo menu, and follow the prompts to place Solo perfectly still on each side in turn. In each step, wait a few seconds after moving Solo to press Next.

Figure 9.2.2.1 : App - Level Calibration42 

# 9.4 Legs Solo uses three unique types of legs: 2 legs with an antenna module (#1 and #2), a leg without any electronic components (leg #3), and a leg with a compass module (leg #4). Replacements for all types of leg can be purchased from store.3dr.com or an authorized retailer.

Figure 9.4.2.1 : Leg Types

9.4.1 Leg #3 To replace a standard leg, use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws, detach the old leg, and attach the new leg using the provided screws.

Figure 9.4.1.1 : Standard Leg Replacement Process

9.4.2 Legs #1 and #2 with Antennas To replace a leg with an antenna module where the antenna is physically undamaged, you’ll need to remove the antenna from the old leg before replacing it. To detach the antenna, remove the plastic sheet from the leg (1) and detach the antenna from the Velcro by carefully pulling the cable (2). Follow the standard leg replacement procedure to detach the old leg (3). 1
Compass

Antenna Antenna

Standard43 Figure 9.4.2.1 : Detaching the Antenna from the Leg
Attach the new leg by threading the antenna cable through the notch in the top of the leg (1) and securing the leg using the provide screws (2).

Figure 9.4.2.2 : Attaching a New Leg with an Existing Antenna
To secure the antenna to the new leg, use the provided Velcro to attach only the yellow-backed Velcro strip to the Velcro on the antenna. Then remove the backing and attach the Velcro and antenna to the inside of the leg, placing the tip of the antenna 5 mm from the edge of the rubber foot (1) as shown below. Fold the ends of a provided plastic sheet at right angles (2), remove the adhesive backing, and stick the plastic sheet to the leg so it secures the antenna in place (3).

Figure 9.4.2.3 : Attaching an Existing Antenna to a New Leg 3 2 1 1 2

3



### 2 1

5 mm between antenna and foot44 9.4.3 Leg #4 with Compass Solo’s right-rear leg (#4) contains the compass module. Start by detaching the leg from the arm as you would a standard leg, but the leg will not be removable until you disconnect the compass from Solo. To access the compass connector, you’ll need to remove the battery tray from Solo. See Section 9.5 for battery tray removal instructions. With the battery tray removed, locate the compass connector in the corner of the board closest to the leg being replaced. Disconnect the compass connector from the board by holding down the tab on the far side of the connector and lifting up the connector. Since the space between the arm and the connector is limited, it may help to use a screwdriver to press the tab.

Figure 9.4.3.1 : Compass Connector on Mainboard
With the compass disconnected, remove the old leg and cable from Solo. Place the new leg into position and thread the new compass cable through the arm where it can connect to the board. Connect the compass connector in the same place as the old compass.

Figure 9.4.3.2 : Insert New Leg with Compass
Secure the new leg in place and replace the battery tray.46 

# 9.6 Motors
Replacement motors are available as clockwise and counterclockwise Motor Pods. Use a counterclockwise Motor Pod to replace motors #1 and #2, and use a clockwise Motor Pod to replace motors #3 and #4. Replace motor pods every 150 hours of flight or when they can no longer turn smoothly. To replace a Motor Pod, first, use a small, flat prying tool to remove the LED cover form the underside of the arm.

Figure 9.6.2.1 : LED Cover Removal
Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the pod to the arm.

Figure 9.6.2.2 : Motor Pod Removal
Disconnect the wide beige connector, the red wire and the black wire to remove the old motor pod. To remove the wide beige connector (DF13), carefully lift the edges of the connector away from the pod until they pop out, then remove the connector. Don’t pull on the wires! The connector can break easily if force is used to remove it.47 Figure 9.6.2.3 : Motor Pod Disconnection
Connect the 3 cables from the arm to the new motor pod. Tuck the cables inside the arm and set the new pod into place.

Figure 9.6.2.4 : Motor Pod Connection
Turn over Solo and secure the new motor pod into place using the 4 provided screws. Do not reuse the screws from the old Motor Pod. Finally, snap the LED cover back into place.

Figure 9.6.2.5 : Motor Pod and LED Cover Attachment 

### 1 248 

# 9.7 Factory Reset
Contact customer support before performing a Factory Reset. This procedure can cause irreparable damage to Solo. Performing a factory reset restores Solo and the controller to their state prior to the first flight update. Use a factory reset if you forget your Solo Wi-Fi password or need to restore Solo’s factory settings.

9.7.1 Controller To reset the controller, start with the controller powered off. Hold the power and Fly buttons simultaneously until you see the controller-updating display (Figure 2.6.4.7). The controller will restart, taking up to 5 minutes, then display the green checkmark and prompt you to press A to continue (Figure 2.6.4.9). When the reset procedures is complete, the controller will display the preflight-update display (Figure 2.6.4.1). Complete the update process described in Section 2.6.4 to prepare Solo for flight.

9.7.2 Solo As part of the reset procedure for Solo, Solo will be un-paired from the controller. Start by powering off Solo. Use a paperclip or similar tool to press and hold Solo’s pair button (Figure 8.3.2.1) while powering on Solo. Release the pair button after you see the internal LED adjescent to the Pair button start rapidly flashing orange. This signals the factory reset procedure is now underway. After a few minutes, Solo’s main LEDs will start flashing different colors in a rotating pattern as the reset nears completion. Once Solo emits an initialization tone, the factory reset is complete, and Solo is now ready to be paired with the controller; follow the instructions in Section 9.3 to pair Solo with the controller. If the rotating light pattern stops, but Solo doesn’t emit an initialization tone, power off and power on Solo and follow the pairing instructions in Section 9.3.49 

# 10 Appendix 10.1 Specifications Solo is a quad-rotor aerial vehicle powered by the 3DR Pixhawk 2 autopilot system and APM:Copter flight control software. Solo communicates with the controller and Solo app over the 3DR Link secure Wi-Fi connection.
Autopilot: 3DR Pixhawk 2 Flight code: ArduPilot Copter Control: 3DR Solo Controller Wireless communication: 3DR Link 1.0 Frequency: 2.4 GHz Height: 10 in. (25 cm) Motor-to-motor dimension: 18 in. (26 cm) Propulsion: 880 K V motors, two clockwise rotating motors and two counterclockwise rotating motors Propeller: 10 in. x 4.5 in. (25 cm x 11.4 cm) Weight with battery: 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) Controller battery life: 3 hours Extended controller battery life: 6 hours Controller battery: Li-ion 2600 mAh 7.2 Vdc (5200 mAh for extended battery) Power: Electric (rechargeable lithium polymer battery) Battery: Lithium polymer, 5200 mAh, 14.8 Vdc Battery weight: 1 lb. (.5 kg) Estimated flight time: 25 minutes* Maximum altitude: 328 ft. (100 m) Range: .5 miles** (.8 km) Payload capacity: 1.1 lbs. (500 g) Cruise speed: 5.7 mph (2.5 m/s) Maximum speed: 55 mph (25.5 m/s) Maximum climb rate: 11 mph (5.0 m/s) Maximum descent rate: 5.5 mph (2.5 m/s) Headwind limitation: 25 mph (11 m/s) Crosswind limitation: 25 mph (11 m/s) Camera: Streaming video compatible with GoPro® HERO 3, 3+ or 4 Full compatibility with GoPro® HERO 3+ or 4 Solo app compatibility: iOS 8.0 or later / Android 4.3 or later Operating temperature: 32° F - 113° F (0° C - 45° C) Operating relative humidity: 0-85% RH

*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity, flying style, and pilot skill. Listed flight time applies to elevations less than 2,000 ft above sea level. **Range varies with location, antenna orientation, background noise and multi-path.50 

# 10.2 Warranty

3D Robotics warrants to the original retail purchaser of Solo (the “Product”) that at the time of purchase that this product is free from material defect in materials and workmanship. Should this Product fail during normal consumer usage and conditions due to defective material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, or such longer period as is required by applicable law (“Warranty Period”), such defect(s) will be repaired or replaced at 3D Robotics’ option, without charge for parts or labor directly related to the defect(s). The complete terms of the limited warranty applicable to Solo can be found at 3dr.com/terms. This Warranty extends only to consumers who purchase the product from a 3D Robotics authorized reseller and is not transferable or assignable. This Warranty does not apply to: (1) Product subjected to abnormal use or conditions, accident (including without limitation, collision, crash or fire), alteration, or improper repair; (2) damage from exposure to moisture or extreme environmental conditions; (3) damage from use with any accessory, software or other product not expressly authorized by 3D Robotics; (4) damage from external causes such as dirt, sand, battery leakage, blown fuse, or improper usage of any electrical source; (5) commercial use; or (6) use in violation of law or ordinances in effect in the jurisdiction in which the Product is used. 3D Robotics assumes no liability for any accident, injury, death, loss, or other claim related to or resulting from the use of this product. 3D Robotics makes no other warranties for Solo, and makes no warranties whatsoever for service, software, maintenance or support for non-3D Robotics branded products. Such products, service, software, maintenance or support is provided by 3D Robotics “As Is” and any third-party warranties, products, software, services, maintenance or support are provided by the original manufacturer or supplier, not by 3D Robotics. Software is subject to the separate software license agreement accompanying or made available to you in connection with the software. A portion of the software contains or consists of open-source software, which you may use under the terms and conditions of the specific license under which the open-source software is distributed. You agree that you will be bound by any and all such license agreements, and that your usage of this product indicates your acceptance of those agreements. Title to software remains with the applicable licensor(s). In no event will 3D Robotics be liable to you for damages, including any general, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the software. THE EXTENT OF 3D ROBOTICS’ LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROVIDED ABOVE AND, IN NO EVENT, SHALL ITS LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY PURCHASER FOR THE PRODUCT. 

# 10.3 Regulatory Compliance

10.3.1 U.S. - FCC (Federal Communication Commission) 3DR Solo FCC: 2ADYD-S111A 3DR Solo Controller FCC: 2ADYD-AT11A 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 3D Robotics could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Radiation Exposure Statement: The Solo system has been tested to ensure compliance with FCC-mandated limits for general population radio frequency (RF) exposure for an uncontrolled environment. These limits ensure that no harmful effects will result from operating Solo according to the standard operating procedures described in this manual.51 The body’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for the Solo controller is 1.33 watts per kilogram (W/kg) in compliance with the FCC limit of 1.6 W/kg. To reduce exposure to RF energy, hold Solo at least 20 cm away from your body at all times during operation. Do not operate the Solo controller co-located or in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

10.3.2 Canada - Industry Canada 3DR Solo IC: 12768A-S114A Model number: S110A 3DR Solo Controller IC: 12768A-AT14A Model number: AT10A This device complies with Industry Canada license-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 présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement. IC Radiation Exposure Statement: The Solo system has been tested to ensure compliance with IC-mandated limits for general population radio frequency (RF) exposure for an uncontrolled environment. These limits ensure that no harmful effects will result from operating Solo according to the standard operating procedures described in this manual. To reduce exposure to RF energy, hold Solo at least 20 cm away from your body at all times during operation. Do not operate the Solo controller co-located or in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by 3D Robotics could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.