© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 23

Remote Controllers

This chapter describes the features 

of the remote controller that includes 

aircraft and remote controller operations 

and dual remote controller mode.
24 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controllers

Remote Controller

Remote Controller Profile

The Inspire 1 Remote Controller is a multi-function wireless communication device that integrates the 

video downlink ground system and aircraft Remote Controller system. The video downlink and aircraft 

Remote Controller system operate at 2.4 GHz with maximum transmission distance of 2km. The remote 

controller features a number of camera functions, such as taking and previewing photos and video, and 

controlling gimbal motions. The remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery. The current 

battery level is displayed by LEDs on the front panel of the remote control.

Compliance Version: The Remote Controller is compliant with both CE and FCC regulations.

Operating Mode: Control can be set to Mode 1 , Mode 2. 

Mode 1: The right stick serves as the throttle.

Mode 2: The left stick serves as the throttle.

Do not operate more than 3 aircrafts within in the same area (size equivalent to a soccer field) to 

prevent transmission interference. 

Remote Controller Operations 

Powering On And Off The Remote Controller

The Inspire 1 remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery with a capacity of 6000mAh. The 

battery level is indicated by the Battery Level LEDs on the front panel. Follow the steps below to power on 

your remote controller:

1. When powered off, press the Power Button once and the Battery Level LEDs will display the current 

battery level. 

2. Then, press and hold the Power Button to power on the remote controller. 

3. The Remote Controller will beep when it powers on. The Status LED will blink green (slave remote 

controller blinks solid purple) rapidly, indicating that the remote controller is linking to the aircraft. The 

Status LED will show a solid green light when linking is completed.

4. Repeat step 2 to power off the remote controller after finish using it. 

Charging Remote Controller

Charge the remote controller via supplied charger.
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Remote Controllers

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Charger

Power Outlet

Power Button

Controlling Camera

Shoot videos or images and adjust camera settings via the Shutter Button, Camera Settings Dial, Playback 

Button and Video Recording Button on the remote control. 

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[1] Camera Settings Dial

Turn the dial to quickly adjust camera settings such as ISO and shutter speed without letting go of the 

remote controller. Move the dial button to left or right to view the pictures or videos in playback mode.

[2] Playback Button

Press to view images or videos that have already been captured.

[3] Shutter Button

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is activated, multiple photos will be taken with a single press.

[4] Recoding Button

Press once to start recording video, then press again to stop recording. 

Controlling Aircraft 

This section explains how to use the various features of the remote controller. The Remote Controller is set 

to Mode 2 by default. 
26 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controllers

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Remote 

Controller

(Mode 2)

Aircraft 

( indicates nose direction) Remarks 

Moving the left stick up and down changes the 

aircraft’s elevation.

Push the stick up to ascend and down to descend.

Push the throttle stick up to takeoff.

When both sticks are centered, the Inspire 1 will 

hover in place. 

The more the stick is pushed away from the 

center position, the faster the Inspire 1 will change 

elevation. Always push the stick gently to prevent 

sudden and unexpected elevation changes.

Moving the left stick to the left or right controls the 

rudder and rotation of the aircraft.

Push the sick left to rotate the aircraft counter 

clock-wise, and push the stick right to rotate the 

aircraft clockwise. If the stick is centered, the 

Inspire 1 will stay facing its current direction. 

The more the stick is pushed away from the center 

position, the faster the Inspire 1 will rotate.

Moving the right stick up and down changes the 

aircraft’s forward and backward pitch. 

Push the stick up to fly forward and down to fly 

backward. The Inspire 1 will hover in place if the stick 

is centered.

Push the stick further away from the center position for 

a larger pitch angle (maximum 35 ̊) and faster flight.

Moving the right stick control left and right changes 

the aircraft’s left and right pitch. 

Push left to fly left and right to fly right. The Inspire 1 

will hover in place if the stick is centered. 

Push the stick further away from the center position for 

a larger pitch angle (maximum 35 ̊) and faster flight.

Gimbal Dial: Turn the dial to the right, and the 

camera will shift to point upwards. Turn the 

dial to the left, and the camera will shift to point 

downwards. The camera will remain in its current 

position when dial is static. 

Stick Neutral/ mid point: Control sticks of the Remote Controller are placed at the central position.

Move the Stick: The control stick is pushed away from the central position.
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Remote Controllers

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Figure Flight Mode

F F mode

A A mode 

P P mode

Flight Mode Switch

Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode. 

You may choose between; P mode, F mode and A 

mode. F 

A 

P 

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

mode, which will be automatically selected by the Inspire 1 depending on GPS signal strength and Vision 

Positioning sensors:

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

P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but the GPS signal is not. Aircraft is using only Vision 

Positioning for hovering 

P-ATTI: Neither GPS or Vision Positioning available, aircraft is using only its barometer for positioning, 

so only altitude is controlled. 

A mode (Attitude): The GPS and Vision Positioning System is not used for holding position. The aircraft 

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

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

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

about IOC, refer to the IOC in Appendix.

The Flight Mode Switch is locked in P mode by default. To unlock the switch, launch the DJI Pilot app, 

enter the "Camera" page, tap "MODE", and then activate "Multiple Flight Mode" .

Transformation Switch / RTH Button

The Transformation Switch / RTH Button combination serves two functions. Toggle the switch up or down 

to raise or lower the landing gear. Or, press the button to activate the Return to Home (RTH) procedure. 

Transformation Switch

This switch has two positions. The effect of toggling the switch to any of these positions is defined below: 

1. Raise: Raise the landing gear to its upper most position. 

Lower Raise
28 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controllers

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

2. Lower: The landing gear will lower to its lowest position for landing. 

Connecting Mobile Device

Tilt the Mobile Device Holder to the desired position. Press the button on the side of the Mobile Device Holder 

to release the clamp, and then place your mobile device into the clamp. Adjust the clamp to secure your 

mobile device. Then connect your mobile device to the remote controller with a USB cable. Plug one end of 

the cable into your mobile device, and the other end into the USB port on the back of the remote controller. 

Do not raise the landing gear when the aircraft is on the ground. Ensure the landing gear is 

lowered before landing.

RTH button 

Press and hold this button to start the Return to Home (RTH) procedure. The LED around the RTH Button 

will blink white to indicate the aircraft is entering RTH mode. The aircraft will then return to the last recorded 

Home Point. Press this button again to cancel the RTH procedure and regain the control of the aircraft.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 29

Remote Controllers

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Optimal Transmission Range

The signal transmission between aircraft and remote controller perform best within the range that 

displayed in the picture shown below:

Ensure the aircraft is flying within the optimal transmission range. Adjust the distance and position 

between the operator and the aircraft to achieve optimal transmission performance. 

Dual Remote Controllers Mode

More than one remote controller can connect to the same aircraft in Dual Remote Controller mode. In 

Dual Controllers mode, the “Master” remote controller operator controls the orientation of the aircraft, while 

the “Slave” remote controller controls the movement of the gimbal and camera operation. When multiple 

“slave” remote controllers (max of 6) are connect to the aircraft, only the first connected “slave” remote 

controller is able to control the gimbal, the remaining “slave” remote controller can view the live feed video 

from the aircraft and set the camera parameters, but they cannot control the gimbal. 

Optimal Transmission Range

Master Remote 

Controller

Slave Remote 

Controller

Strong Weak
30 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controllers

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the pitch movement of the camera in the 

single remote controller mode, however, you cannot control the pan movement of the camera. 

Setting Up Dual Remote Controllers Mode

Dual Remote Controllers mode is disabled by default. Users must enable this feature on the “Master” 

remote controller by through the DJI Pilot app. Follow the steps below for setup:

“Master” Remote Controller:

1. Connect the remote controller to your mobile device and launch the DJI Pilot app. 

2. Go to the Camera page, and tap to enter the remote controller settings window.

3. Tap “Set RC Status” to enable Master-and-Slave mode. 

4. Select “Master” in the “Set RC Status” section to set the remote controller as “Master” remote controller.

RC Control Settings

Set RC Status

Slave RC List

Master and Slave

RC Settings

OFF Master

RC Name T12254 Connection Password 1234

Slave

“Slave” Remote Controller:

1. Tap “Search for Master Controller” to search the “Master” remote controller.

OFF Master Slave

RC Control Setting

Set RC Status

RC Name

Search for Master Controller

Request Control

Master RC List

Master and Slave

RC Settings

S88642

5. Enter the connection password for the “Slave” remote controller.
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Remote Controllers

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Remote controller cannot link to the aircraft if the remote controller is set as “Slave”. Meanwhile, 

the “Slave” remote controller cannot control the orientation of the aircraft. Reset the remote 

controller to “Master” in DJI Pilot app if you wish to link the remote controller to the aircraft.

2. Search the “Master” remote controller in the surrounding area in the “Request Control” section. 

3. Select the “Master” remote controller from the “Master RC List” and input the connection password to 

connect to the desired “Master” remote controller.

RC Control Settings

Set RC Status

Slave RC List

Master and Slave

RC Settings

OFF Master

RC Name T12254 Connection Password 1234

Slave

OFF Master Slav

RC Control Settings

Set RC Status

RC Name

Search for Master Controller

Request Control

Master RC List

Master and Slave

S88642

T12254

RC Settings

OFF Master Slave

RC Control Settings

Set RC Status

RC Name

Search for Master Controller

Request Control

Master RC List

Master and Slave

S88642

T12254

RC Settings

Master RC List

RTH LED

Status LED

Remote Controller Status LED

The Status LED reflects connection status between Remote Controller and aircraft. The RTH LED shows 

the Return to Home status of the aircraft. The table below contains details on these indicators. 
32 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controllers

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Status LED Alarm Remote Controller Status 

— Solid Red chime The remote controller set as "Master" but it is not 

connected with the aircraft. 

— Solid Green chime The remote controller set as "Master" and it is connected 

with the aircraft. 

— Solid Purple D-D- The remote controller set as "Slave" but it is not 

connected with the aircraft. 

— Solid Blue D-D- chime The remote controller set as "Slave" and it is connected 

with the aircraft. 

 Slow Blinking Red D-D-D...... Remote controller error. 

/

Red and Green/ Red and 

Yellow Alternate Blinks 

None HD Downlink is disrupted. 

RTH LED Sound Remote Controller Status.

— Solid White chime Aircraft is returning home.

 Blinking White D . . . Sending Return to Home command to the aircraft.

 Blinking White DD .. .. .. Aircraft Return to Home in progress. 

The Remote Status Indicator will blink red, sound an alert, when the battery level is critically low. 

Linking the Remote Controller

The remote controller is linked to your aircraft before delivery. Linking is only required when using a new 

remote controller for the first time. Follow these steps to link a new remote controller:

1. Power on the remote controller and connect to the mobile device. Launch DJI Pilot app.

2. Power on the Intelligent Flight Battery.

3. Enter “Camera” view and tap on and then tap “Linking Remote Controller” button as shown below. 

RC Control Setting

Remote Control Calibration

Stick Mode

C1 Gimbal Pitch/Yaw C2 Reset gimbal yaw

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. 

Do not change unless familiar with your new mode.

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the remote controller.

Linking Remote Controller
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Remote Controllers

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

RC Control Setting

Remote Control Calibration

Stick Mode

C1 Gimbal Pitch/Yaw C2 Reset gimbal yaw

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. 

Do not change unless familiar with your new mode.

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the remote controller.

Linking Remote Controller

C2

Searching for aircraft frequency, 

timeout in 54 seconds

Cancel

Press the linking button on the aircraft 

to link this remote controller

Remote controller cannot link to the aircraft if the remote controller is set as “Slave”. Meanwhile, 

the “Slave” remote controller cannot control the orientation of the aircraft. Reset the remote 

controller to “Master” in DJI Pilot app if you wish to link the remote controller to the aircraft.

Remote controller will disconnect from the linked aircraft if a new remote controller is linked to 

the same aircraft.

Remote Controller Compliance Version 

The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC requirements. 

5. Locate the Linking button on the front of the aircraft, as shown in the figure shown below. Press the 

Linking button to start linking. The Remote Controller Status Indicator will display solid green if Link is 

succeed. 

4. The remote controller is ready to link. The Remote Controller Status Indicator blinks blue and "beep" 

sound is emitted.
34 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Gimbal and Camera

This chapter provides the technical 

specifications of the camera and explains 

the working mode of the gimbal. 
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 35

Gimbal and Camera

Camera and Gimbal 

Camera Profile

The on-board camera supports 4K video capture up to 4096x2160p24 and 12M pixel photos capture by 

using the 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor. You may export the video in either MOV or MP4 format for editing. 

Available picture shooting modes include burst, continuous, and timer mode. A live preview of what the 

camera is seeing before you shoot videos and pictures is supported through the DJI Pilot App. 

Camera Micro-SD Card Slot

To store your photos and videos, plug in the micro-SD card into the slot shown below before powering on 

the Inspire 1. The Inspire 1 comes with a 16GB micro-SD card and supports up to a 64GB micro-SD card. 

A UHS-1 type micro-SD card is recommended, because the fast read and write capability of these cards 

enables you to store high-resolution video data. 

Do not remove micro-SD card from the Inspire 1 when it is powered on. 

Camera Data Port

Power on the Inspire 1 and then connect a USB cable to the Camera Data Port to download photos or 

videos from the camera to your computer. 

Power on the aircraft before attempting to download the files. 
36 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Gimbal and Camera

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Camera Operation

Use the Shutter and Record button on the remote controller to shoot the images or the videos through the 

DJI Pilot app. For more information about how to use these buttons, refer to “Controlling Camera” P25.

ND Filter

Attach an ND filter to the front of the camera to reduce over-exposure and “jello” effect.

Gimbal

Gimbal Profile

The 3-axis Gimbal provides a steady platform for the attached camera, allowing you to capture stabilized 

images and video. The Gimbal can tilt the camera up to 120 degrees and rotate 360 degrees.

-330°

+330°

+30°

-90°

0°

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control pitch movement of the camera by default. Note that 

you cannot control the pan motion of the camera by default. Enable the “Master-and-Slave” mode and 

set the remote controller to “Slave” state if you wish to control both the pan and pitch movement of the 

camera.

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the pitch movement of the camera in the 

single remote controller mode, however, you cannot control the pan movement of the camera. 

Pan Control

Follow the instructions below to use the gimbal dial to control the pan movement of the gimbal: 

1. Power on the aircraft and remote control, launch DJI Pilot app and enter “Camera” page.

2. Tap “RC Control Settings” icon and select either C1 or C2 customizable button as the gimbal pitch/

yaw switching button.

3. Select “Gimbal Pitch/Yaw” from the dropdown list. 
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Gimbal and Camera

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Press C1 or C2 button to switch from pitch mode to yaw mode. You may use the gimbal dial to pan the 

gimbal under yaw mode. Press C1 or C2 again to exit yaw mode.

Using DJI Pilot App to Control Gimbal

Follow the steps below to use DJI Pilot app to control the gimbal orientation:

1. Launch DJI Pilot app, enter “Camera” page.

2. Tap and press on the screen until a blue circle is shown. 

3. Slide to control the gimbal orientation within the “Camera” page as shown below.

RC Control Setting

Remote Control Calibration

Stick Mode

C1 Gimbal Pitch/Yaw C2 Reset gimbal yaw

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. 

Do not change unless familiar with your new mode.

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back 

of the remote controller.

Linking Remote Controller

Safe to Fly (GPS) MODE P-GPS CL

H: 39M D: 1039M V.S: 8.3M/S H.S:24.2M/S 1.2M

ISO 100 1/320 EV 0 4821 JPEG
38 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

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INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Follow Mode 

The angle between Gimbal’s orientation and aircraft’s nose remains 

constant at all times. One user alone can control the pitch motion of the 

Gimbal, but a second user is required to control the pan motion using a 

second remote controller.

FPV Mode The Gimbal will lock to the movements of the aircraft to provide a FirstPerson-View flying experience. 

Free Mode

The Gimbal’s motion is independent of the aircraft’s orientation. One user 

alone can control the pitch motion of the Gimbal, but a second user is 

required to control the pan motion using a second remote controller. 

Re-alignment 

Tap to force the Gimbal orientation to re-align with aircraft’s orientation 

by panning from gimbal’s current orientation. Pitch angle will remain 

unchanged during the re-alignment.

 

Gimbal motor error may occur in these situations: (1) Gimbal is placed on uneven ground. (2) 

Gimbal has received an excessive external force, e.g. a collision. Please take off from flat, open 

ground and protect the gimbal after powering up. 

Flying in heavy fog or cloud may make the gimbal wet, leading to a temporary failure. The 

gimbal will recover when it dries out.

Pitch Pan

Gimbal Operation Modes

Three Gimbal operation modes are available. Switch between the different operation modes on the 

Camera page of the DJI Pilot App. Note that your mobile device must be connected to the remote 

controller for changes to take effect. Refer to the table below for details: 
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 39

DJI Pilot App 

This chapter describes the four main 

GUI of the DJI Pilot app.
40 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

Safe to Fly (GPS) MODE P-GPS CL

H: 39M D: 1039M V.S: 8.3M/S H.S:24.2M/S 1.2M

ISO 100 1/320 EV 0 4821 JPEG

DJI Pilot App

The DJI Pilot app is a new mobile app designed specifically for the Inspire 1. Use this app to control the 

gimbal, camera and other features of your flight system. The app also comes with Map, Store a User Center, 

for configuring your aircraft and sharing your content with friends. It is recommended that you use a tablet 

for the best experience.

United States

Mountain View

CAMERA DIRECTOR STORE DISCOVERY

Camera

The Camera page contains a live HD video feed from the Inspire 1’s camera. You can also configure 

various camera parameters from the Camera page. 

[19]

[18]

[17]

[16]

[15]

[14]

[13]

[12] [11]

[10]

[9]

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
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DJI Pilot App 

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

[1] Flight Mode

: The text next to this icon indicates the current flight mode. 

Tap to configure the MC (Main Controller) Settings. These settings allow you to modify flight limits and 

set the gain values. 

[2] GPS Signal Strength

: This icon shows the current strength of GPS signals. Green bars indicate adequate GPS 

strength. 

[3] IOC Settings

CL : This icon displays the IOC setting when the aircraft has entered F-mode. Tap to view the IOC 

settings menu and select the desired IOC setting.

[4] System Status

 : This icon indicates the current aircraft system status and GPS signal strength.

[5] Battery Level Indicator 

 : The battery level indicator provides a dynamic display of the battery level. The colored 

zones on the battery level indicator represent the power levels needed to carry out different functions.

[6] Remote Controller Signal 

 : This icon shows the strength of remote controller’s signal.

[7] HD Video Link Signal Strength 

: This icon shows the strength of the HD video downlink connection between the aircraft and 

the remote controller.

[8] Battery Level

: This icon shows the current battery level.

Tap to view the battery information menu, set the various battery warning thresholds, and view the 

battery warning history.

[9] General Settings

 : Tap this icon to view the General Settings page. From this page, you can set flight parameters, 

reset the camera, enable the quick view feature, adjust the gimbal roll value, and toggle the flight 

route display.

[10] Camera Operation Bar

 Shutter and Recording Settings

 : Tap to enter various camera value settings, including color space for the recording, resolution 

of the videos, image size and so on. 

 Shutter

 : Tap this button to take a single photo. Press and hold this button to select single shot, triple shot 

or time-lapsed shooting modes.
42 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Record

 : Tap once to start recording video, then tap again to stop recording. You can also press the 

Video Recording Button on the remote controller, which has the same functionality.

Playback

: Tap to enter the playback page. You can preview photos and videos as soon as they are 

captured.

Camera Settings

 : Tap to set ISO, shutter and auto exposure values of the camera.

[11] Vision Positioning

 : This icon shows the distance between the surface and the Vision Positioning System’s sensors.

[12] Flight Telemetry

H: 39M D: 1039M V.S: 8.3M/S H.S:24.2M/S 1.2M

The Vision Positioning Status icon is highlighted when the Vision Positioning is in operation.

Flight attitude is indicated by the flight attitude icon. 

(1) The red arrow shows which direction the aircraft is facing.

(2) Light blue and dark blue areas indicate pitch.

(3) The angle of the boundary between the light blue and dark blue areas indicates the roll angle.

[13] Map

Display the flight path of the current flight. Tap to switch from the Camera GUI to the Map GUI.

[14] Home Point Settings

 : Tap this button to reset the current home point. You may choose to set the aircraft take-off 

location, the remote controller’s current position, or the aircraft’s current position as the Home Point.

[15] Return to Home (RTH)

 : Initiate RTH home procedure. Tap to have the aircraft return to the latest home point.

[16] Gimbal Operation Mode

Refer to "Gimbal Operation Mode" P38 for more information.
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DJI Pilot App 

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[17] Auto Takeoff/Landing 

/ : Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing.

[18] Livestream 

 : Livestream icon indicates the current video feed is broadcasting live on YouTube. Be sure the 

mobile data service is available on the mobile device. 

[19] Back

 : Tap to return to the main GUI.

Director 

Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI Pilot app. After recording several video clips, simply 

tap “Director” from the app’s home screen. You can then select a template and a specified number of 

clips, which are automatically combined to create a short film that can be shared immediately.

Store

Tap “Store” to visit the official DJI Online Store to see the latest information about DJI products and easily 

buy new products.

Discovery

Sync pictures and videos to your mobile device, view flight logs, and check your DJI account status in 

"Discovery". Use your registered DJI account to login to "Discovery".
44 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

This chapter describes the flight safety 

and flight restrictions.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 45

Flight

Flight

Once pre-flight preparation is complete, it is recommended to use the flight simulator to learn how to fly 

safely. Ensure that all flights are carried out in a suitable location. 

Flight Environment Requirements

1. Do not use the aircraft in severe weather conditions. These include wind speed exceeding 10m/s , 

snow, rain and smog.

2. Only fly in open areas. Tall buildings and steel structures may affect the accuracy of the on-board 

compass and GPS signal.

3. Avoid from obstacles, crowds, high voltage power lines, trees or bodies of water.

4. Minimize electromagnetic interference by not flying in area with high levels of electromagnetism, 

including mobile phone base stations or radio transmission towers. 

5. Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environment factor such as air density and temperature. 

Be very careful when flying 14700 feet (4500 meters) or more above sea level as battery and aircraft 

performance may be reduced.

6. The Inspire 1 cannot operate within the polar areas in “P” mode.

Flight Limits and Flight Restriction Area 

Flight limits on height and distance can be set. The details of these flight limits are described in the following 

section.

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

the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), FAA and their own national airspace regulations. For 

safety reasons, the flight limits function is enabled by default to help users use this product safely and 

legally. The flight limits function includes height limits, distance limits and No Fly Zones.

When operating in P Mode, height, distance limits and No Fly Zones work together to manage flight. In A 

mode only height limits work and flights cannot go higher than 120 meters.

Max Height & Radius Limits

Max Height & Radius limit flying height and distance, and the user may change these settings in the 

DJI Pilot App. Once complete, your Inspire 1 will fly in a restricted cylinder that is determined by these 

settings. The tables below show the details of these limits. 

Max Height Max Radius

Home Point

Height of aircraft 

when powered on
46 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

GPS Signal Weak Blinking Yellow

Flight Limits DJI Pilot App Aircraft Status Indicator 

Max Height Flight height restricted to 

120m and under. 

Warning: Height limit 

reached. None.

Max Radius No limits

 If you fly out of the limit, you can still control the Inspire 1, but cannot fly it further. 

 If the Inspire 1 flies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back within 

range automatically. 

No-Fly Zones

All No-Fly Zones are listed on the DJI official website at http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly. No-Fly Zones are 

divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and flying fields where manned 

aircraft operate at low altitudes. Restricted Areas include borders between countries or sensitive sites. 

The details of the No-Fly Zones are explained below:

Airport: 

(1) Airport No-Fly Zones are comprised of Takeoff Restricted Zones and Restricted-Altitude Zones. Each 

zone features circles of various size. 

(2) R1 depends on the size and shape of the airport, and is an area around the airport that is a Takeoff 

Restricted Zone, inside of which take-off and flight is prevented. 

(3) From R1 to R1+1 mile around the airport, the flight altitude is limited on a 15 degree incline, starting at 

65 feet (20 meters) from the edge of airport and radiating outward. The flight altitude is limited to 1640 

feet (500 meters) at R1+1 mile.

(4) When the aircraft is within 320 feet (100 meters) of the No-Fly Zones, a warning message will appear 

in the DJI Pilot app. 

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green 

Flight Limits DJI Pilot App Aircraft Status Indicator 

Max Height Flight altitude must be under 

the set height. 

Warning: Height 

limit reached. None.

Max Radius Flight distance must be within 

the max radius.

Warning: Distance 

limit reached.

Rapid red flashing 

 when close to the 

max radius limit.
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 47

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Restricted Areas: 

(1) Restricted Areas do not have a flight altitude restriction. 

(2) R around the designated Restricted Area is a Take-off Restricted area. Aircraft cannot takeoff within 

this zone. The value of R varies depending on the definition of the Restricted Area. 

(3) A “warning zone” has been set around each Restricted Area. When the aircraft is within 0.6 miles (1 

km) of this zone, a warning message will appear in the DJI Pilot app. 

Restricted Areas

R1

66 feet

1 mile

320 feet R2

100m R

1640 

feet

Restricted Areas

R1

66 feet

1 mile

320 feet R2

100m R

Airports

1640 

feet
48 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green 

Zone Restriction DJI Pilot App Prompt 

Aircraft 

Status 

Indicator

 No-fly Zone

Motors will not start. Warning: You are in a No-fly 

zone. Take off prohibited.

Red flashing

If the aircraft enters the 

restricted area in A mode but 

P mode activates the aircraft 

will automatically descend to 

land then stop its motors after 

landing. 

Warning: You are in a No-fly 

zone, automatic landing has 

begun. (If you are within 1.5 mile 

radius)

Restrictedaltitude flight 

zone

If the aircraft enters the 

restricted area in A mode but P 

mode activates, it will descend 

to a safe altitude and hover 15 

feet below the safe altitude.

Warning: You are in a restricted 

zone. Descending to safe 

altitude. (If you are between the 

range of 1.5 mile and 5 mile 

radius)

Warning: You are in a restricted 

zone. Max flight height restricted 

to between 10.5m and 120m. Fly 

Cautiously.

Warning zone No flight restriction applies, but 

there will be warning message.

Warning: You are approaching a 

restricted zone, Fly Cautiously.

Free zone

No restrictions. None. None.

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

during the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing. 

When flying in the safety zone, aircraft status indicator will blink red quickly and continue for 3 

seconds, then switch to indicate current flying status and continue for 5 seconds at which point 

it will switch back to red blinking.

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

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

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Preflight Checklist

1. Remote controller, aircraft battery, and mobile device are fully charged.

2. Propellers are mounted correctly and firmly.

3. Micro-SD card has been inserted if necessary.

4. Gimbal is functioning as normal.

5. Motors can start and are functioning as normal.

6. DJI Pilot app connected to the aircraft.

Calibrating the Compass

IMPORTANT: Make sure to calibrate the compass in every new flight location. The compass is very 

sensitive to electromagnetic interference, which can cause abnormal compass data leading to poor flight 

performance or even failure. Regular calibration is required for optimum performance.

 DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is a chance of strong magnetic interference, such 

as magnetite, parking structures, and steel reinforcements underground.

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

phones.

 DO NOT calibrate beside massive metal objects.

Calibration Procedures

Choose an open space to carry out the following procedures. 

1. Ensure that the compass is calibrated. If you did not calibrate the compass as part of your pre-flight 

preparations, or if you have moved to a new location since the last calibration, tap Aircraft Status 

Indicator bar in the app and select “Calibrate”, then follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Hold and rotate the aircraft horizontally 360 degrees, and the Aircraft Status Indicator will display a 

solid green light. 
50 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

3. Hold the aircraft vertically with nose pointing downward, and rotate it 360 degrees around the center 

axis. Recalibrate the compass if the Aircraft Status Indicator show solid red.

If the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks red and yellow after the calibration, move your aircraft to a 

different location to carry out compass calibration.

Calibrate the compass before each flight. Launch DJI Pilot App, follow the on-screen instruction 

to calibrate the compass.

When to Recalibrate

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

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

3. When the mechanical structure of the Inspire 1 has changed, i.e. changed mounting position of the 

compass.

4. When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the Inspire 1 does not fly in straight lines.

Auto Take-off and Auto Landing

Auto Take-off

Use auto take-off to take off your aircraft automatically if the Aircraft Status Indicator displays blinking 

green. Follow the steps below to use auto take-off:

1. Launch DJI Pilot app, enter “Camera” page. 

2. Ensure the aircraft is in “P” mode.

3. Go through the pre-flight checklist. 

4. Tap“ ”, and confirm flight condition. Slide to confirm and take-off. 

5. Aircraft takes off and hovers at 1.2 meters above ground. 
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Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

Auto-Landing 

Use auto-landing to land your aircraft automatically if the Aircraft Status Indicator displays blinking green. 

Follow the steps below to use auto-landing:

1. Ensure the aircraft is in “P” mode.

2. Check the landing area condition before tapping “ ”, to perform landing. 

3. Aircraft lowers the landing gear and proceed to land automatically. 

Landing gear will automatically raise when the aircraft reaches an altitude of 1.2m for the first 

time, and automatically lower every time it descends to 0.8m. Users can turn this feature ON/OFF 

in the Pilot app.

Starting/Stopping the Motors

Starting Motors

The Combination Stick Command (CSC) listed below are used to start the motors instead of simply pushing the stick up. Ensure that you perform the CSC in one motion.

Flight Test 

Take off/Landing Procedures 

1. Place the aircraft on open, flat ground with battery indicators facing towards you.

2. Power on the remote controller and your mobile device, then the Intelligent Flight Battery.

3. Launch the DJI Pilot App and enter the Camera page.

4. Wait until the Aircraft Indicator blinks green. This means the Home Point is recorded and it is safe to fly 

now. If it flashes yellow, it means Home Point is not recorded, and you should not take off.

5. Push the throttle up slowly to take off or using Auto Take-off to take off.

Stopping Motors

There are two methods to stop the motors.

Method 1: When the Inspire 1 has landed, push the throttle down , then conduct CSC . Motors will stop 

immediately. Release both sticks once motors stop.

Method 2: When the aircraft has landed, push the throttle down and hold. The motors will stop after 3 

seconds.

Do not perform CSC when aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will be stopped. 

OR

OR
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Flight

INSPIRE 1 User Manual

6. Shoot photos and videos using the DJI Pilot app. 

7. To land, hover over a level surface and gently pull down on the throttle slowly to descend.

8. After landing, execute the CSC command or hold the throttle at its lowest position for 3 seconds or 

more until the motors stop.

9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first, followed by the Remote Controller.

When the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe 

mode. 

A low battery level warning is indicated by the Aircraft Status Indicator blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. 

Watch video tutorials about flight for more flight information.

Video Suggestions and Tips

1. Work through the checklist before each flight.

2. Select desired gimbal working mode in the DJI Pilot app.

3. Aim to shoot when flying in P mode only.

4. Always fly in good weather, such as sunny or windless days.

5. Change camera settings to suit you. These include photo format and exposure compensation.

6. Perform flight tests to establish flight routes and scenes.

7. Push the sticks gently to make aircraft movements stable and smooth.