CYNERGY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS LLC

SAL BADALAMENTE

3431 CLARKS BRIDGE XING

GAINESVILLE, GA 30506

(706) 499-7585

Petitioning for Exemption under 

Section 333
FAA Exemption Rulemaking – Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 Prepared 

by: 

Sal Badalamente, Manager

U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, D.C. 20590 

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

Aviation Regulations from 14 CFR Part 21; 14 CFR Part 36; 14 CFR 45.23(b); 14 CFR 

61.113 (a) & (b); 91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 91.103; 91.105; 91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151 

(a); 91.173; 91.203 (a) & (b); 91.207; and 14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E 

Dear Mr. Secretary, 

The purpose of this letter is to petition the Federal Aviation Administration for an 

exemption, pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(the Reform Act) and 14 CFR Part 11. Cynergy Unmanned Aircraft Systems LLC 

(“Cynergy UAS”), a Georgia Limited Liability Company and operator of small 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“UAS”) is equipped to conduct aerial photography and 

videography missions for the purpose of providing aerial photography and videography 

services to the general public, realtors, real estate brokers, and property managers; and 

hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) 

to allow commercial operation of its UAS, so long as such operations are conducted 

within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as 

required by Section 333. 

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

small, unmanned and relatively inexpensive UAS under controlled conditions in airspace 

that is 1) limited 2) predetermined and 3) controlled as to access. Approval of this 

exemption would thereby fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the responsibilities to 

“...establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national 

airspace system.” Section 333(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act. 

Additionally, this exemption should be eligible for the summary grant process, as the 

FAA has already granted many previous exemptions similar to this new request. 

Identity of Petitioner and Counsel to the Petitioner: 

Petitioner: 

Sal Badalamente

3431 Clarks Bridge Xing

Gainesville, GA 30506

(706) 499-7585

sal@cynergyuas.com
This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing 

Section 333 (a) through (c) of the Reform Act. This directs the Secretary of 

Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely 

in the national airspace system (“NAS”) before completion of the rulemaking required 

under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is 

required to determine which types of UAS do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or 

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

• The UAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability

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

• Operation of the UAS within Visual Line of Sight (“VLOS”) of the Pilot and 

Visual observers. See Reform Act §333(a). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that 

such vehicles “may operate safely in the NAS, the Secretary shall establish 

requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the national airspace 

system.” Id. §333(c). The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the 

authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority by its terms includes 

exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act; that 

includes UAS, 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 

in the public interest. 49 U.S.C. §44704; 14 CFR §91.203(a)(1). 

• Cynergy UAS operates a small quadcopter(s), specifically the 3DR Solo (Smart 

Drone), weighing no more than 3.9lbs including gimbal and camera. 

• Under normal conditions the 3DR Solo is capable of reaching 48 knots maximum 

forward speed. Cynergy UAS governs speed via flight control software and 

operates at a speed of 17 to 18 knots. Normal flight operations during filming, 

speed ranges from 4 to 7 knots. 3DR’s Solo has the capability to hover (loiter), 

and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. Cynergy UAS will 

manually operate only in VLOS, below 400ft AGL, and will operate only within 

the operating parameters as described in the User Manual attached as Exhibit A to 

this Petition. 

• Adherence to the User Manual will insure that the UAS will “not create a hazard 

to the national airspace system or the public.” 

• Given the small size and weight of the UAS involved and the restricted sterile 

environment within which the UAS will operate, the Petitioner falls within that 

zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that 

the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial operations of the UAS to 

commence immediately. Also due to the size of the UAS and the areas in which 

the relevant UAS 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 significant 

public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction in environmental impact, 

including reduced emissions associated with allowing UAS for educational and 

marketing operations, (as opposed to full scale aircraft), the granting of the 

requested exemptions are in the public interest. Accordingly, the Petitioner 

respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay. 

Granting this Exemption is in the Public Interest

An exemption of the following FAR’s for Cynergy Unmanned Aircraft Systems 

LLC/Cynergy UAS is in the public interest because the services Cynergy UAS will be 

providing to local real estate owners, brokers, agents and commercial contractors will 

allow for these parties to provide better and more cost effective services to their clients. If 

this exemption is not granted, Cynergy UAS will not be unable to provide such services 

to the public and this will reduce the number of options everyone has to receive accurate 

and affordable aerial photographs and video of real estate. 

UAS Equivalent Level of Safety & Operating Parameters 

The Petitioner proposes that the exemption requested apply to civil aircraft that have the 

characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed in this Petition. These 

limitations provide for at least an equivalent or possibly higher level of safety to 

operations under the current regulator structure because the proposed operations represent 

a safety enhancement to the already safe filming operations conducted with conventional 

aircraft. These limitations and condition to which Cynergy UAS agrees to be bound when 

conducting commercial operations under an FAA issued exemption include: 

1. Cynergy UAS will be operating a 3DR Solo UAS. 

2. All UAS will weigh less than 5 lbs. 

3. Flights will be operated manually within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the UAS 

Pilot and Visual Observer. 

4. Cynergy UAS will establish a fixed location where the portable ground station of 

the UAS will be positioned and will post a sign near the ground stations stating 

“Aerial Photography in Progress – Remain Back 150 feet.” 

5. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 20 minutes. Flights 

will be terminated at 25% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 20

minute limit. 

6. Flights will be operated at an altitude up to but not including 400 feet AGL, 

though typical operations will be conducted within 50 feet of the ground. 

7. Minimum two (2)-person crew for each UAS operation will consist of the Pilot

and Visual Observer. 
8. The Cynergy UAS Pilot in Command (PIC) will hold a valid 3rd Class Medical

Certificate. 

9. The Cynergy UAS Pilot in Command (PIC) will maintain a standard of education 

and training consistent with the requirements of 14 CFR §61.3: A minimum of 40 

hours of flight training under a Certified Flight Instructor; endorsed under 14 CFR 

§ 61.87(b), 14 CFR § 61.87(c); 14 CFR § 61.35(a)(1), and 61.105(b)(1) through 

(13).

10. The UAS will only operate within the limitations as defined in the User Manual.

Additionally, the UAS will only operate under 400 feet AGL, and outside a 5

statute mile radius of any airport. The UAS will never enter any MOA or 

Restricted Airspace, nor shall it violate any TFR as outlined by the FAA. 

11. A pre-flight briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned UAS operation 

prior to each day’s flying /recording activities. It will be mandatory that all 

personnel who will be performing duties as “flight crew” be present for this 

briefing. 

12. The Operator will obtain the consent of all persons involved in the filming and 

ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight 

operation, and this radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent 

level of safety determination. 

13. Pilot, and Visual observer will have been trained in operation of UAS generally 

and received up-to-date information on the particular UAS to be operated as 

required. 

14. The visual observer and Pilot will at all times be able to communicate by voice or 

two- way radio.

15. PIC will reference appropriate sectional charts relative to flight mission, and 

monitor local air traffic via CTAF as indicated in the sectional. 

16. Written permission from the relevant property owners will be obtained. 

17. Prior to the start of a flight, the PIC will activate and use the UAS GPS flight 

safety procedure(s) and RTH (Return to Home) procedure to ensure that the UAS 

is returned to a pre-determined home base in the event of a lost signal or 

compromised communication. 

18. The UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles 

or emergencies. 

19. In the event that any flight would ever occur within the airspace of a specific 

airport, or controlled airspace, Cynergy UAS will obtain the permission of that 

control tower to operate in that airspace or from the appropriate control authority. 

20. In the event that any flight will occur within five (5) miles of an airport, Cynergy 

UAS will ensure that the airport is notified of the estimated flight time, flight 

duration, elevation of flight, and pertinent information. 

21. Cynergy UAS will conduct all flights in permissible weather, and during daylight 

hours. 
Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 

14 CFR Part 21 Certification procedures for products and parts, Airworthiness 

Certificates 

14 CFR Part 36 Noise standards: Type and airworthiness 

14 CFR 45.23 (b) Display of marks, general 

14 CFR 61.3 (a) & (i) Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations 

14 CFR 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness 

14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking and placard requirements 

14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action 

14 CFR 91.105 Flight crewmembers at stations 

14 CFR 91.109 Flight instruction 

14 CFR 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes 

14 CFR 91.121 Altimeter settings 

14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flights in VFR conditions 

14 CFR 91.173 ATC clearance and flight plan in IFR conditions 

14 CFR 91.203 Civil aircraft: Certifications required 

14 CFR 91.207 Emergency locator transmitters 

14 CFR Part 91, 

Subpart E Maintenance Inspections 

14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 

Part 21 establishes the procedures for issuance of certificates of airworthiness, as 

mandated by 49 U.S.C. § 44704 and as required by FAR §91.203 (a)(1). Given the size 

and limited operating area associated with the UAS to be utilized by the Petitioner, an 

exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety 

under Part 11 and Section 333 of the Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C. 

§44701(f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft 

from the requirement capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the 

particular UAS. 

The Petitioner requests an exemption from the requirements of this Part because the size, 

weight, speed, operational capability and proximity to airports in which the Subject UAS 

pose significantly less of a risk that the risks posed by conventional aircraft. Manned 

aircraft pose risks to the life and safety of the crew; that is not a consideration with a 

UAS. Risks to third parties are also minimized given the lightweight and slow speed at 

which a UAS would operate. Nor are there risks of fuel spillage or fire in the event of an 

accident. Thus, Cynergy UAS requests that the FAA waive the requirement that the 

Subject UAS, particularly the aircraft portion, require an airworthiness certificate. 
The UAS to be operated by Cynergy UAS is less than 5 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a 

pilot nor passenger, carries no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates 

exclusively within a limited radius area as set out in the pre-flight briefing / VLOS 

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

controlled and monitored by both the Operator, pursuant to safety requirements, and 

under the requirements and in compliance with local public safety requirements, to 

provide security for the area of operation as is now done with conventional aircraft. 

These safety enhancements, which already apply to civil aircraft operated in connection 

with video production, provide a greater degree of safety to the public and property 

owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates issued 

under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria 

demonstrates that there is no credible threat to national security posed by the UAS, due to 

its size, speed of operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or 

flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial external load. 

14 CFR Part 36: Noise Standards 

FAR Part 36, Subparts A, F and O, establish certain noise standards for certification of 

various aircraft types. Because the UAS would not have an airworthiness certificate, and 

given its small size and negligible noise impact, the petitioner requests an exemption 

from FAR Part 36. 

14 CFR §45.23 (B): Marking of the Aircraft 

The regulation requires: 

When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is

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

provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each 

entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more 

than 6 inches high, the words “limited,” “restricted”, “light-sport,” “experimental,” or 

“provisional,” as applicable. 

Even though the UAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be 

needed as the UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which 

the word “Experimental” can be placed. Given the size of the UAS, two-inch lettering 

will be impossible. The word “Experimental” will be placed on the fuselage in 

compliance with §45.29 (f). 

The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the UAS marked on its fuselage 

as required by §45.29 (f) where the Pilot, Visual Observer and others working with the 

UAS will see the identification of the UAS as “Experimental.” The FAA has issued the 

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

and 11438. 
14 CFR §61.3 (a) & (i): Requirement for certificates, 

ratings, and authorizations

14 CFR §61.3 require: (a) pilot certificate for operating a civil aircraft of The United 

States. 

The Petitioner holds a Medical Certificate Third Class and Student Pilot Certificate GX1268402, and has completed in excess of 50 hours of flight instruction under a CFI 

(Certified Flight Instructor), and 20 hours of formal ground instruction within the past 12 

calendar months. Flight experiences include over 100 landings, day and night flight 

operations in SEL, SES, Turboprop and Rotorcraft. In addition to completing solo 

flight(s), the petitioner has logged over 15 hours of cross-country, and begun solo crosscountry training. Cross county experiences include flight operations in Class A (FL260), 

Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E Airspace. The petitioner is endorsed under 14 

CFR § 61.87(b), 14 CFR § 61.87(c); 14 CFR § 61.35(a)(1), and 61.105(b)(1) through 

(13).

Cynergy UAS will perform operations in Class G Airspace: (AIM 3-3-1) Class G 

airspace (uncontrolled) is that portion of airspace that has not been designated as Class A, 

Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E Airspace. Flight operations will at all times occur 

outside Class E transition areas, below 400 feet AGL, and will not present a hazard to 

aircraft utilizing the National Airspace System, or to persons on the ground. 

The Petitioner requests an exemption from the requirements of this Part because through 

education, training and practice the petitioner has achieved an equivalent level of safety 

as that provided, and consistent with 14 CFR §61.3.

An exemption under this requirement for Cynergy UAS is in the public interest because 

the services Cynergy UAS will be providing to local real estate owners, brokers, agents 

and commercial contractors will allow for these parties to provide better and more cost 

effective services to their clients. If this exemption is not granted, Cynergy UAS will be 

unable to provide such services to the public and this will reduce the number of options 

everyone has to receive accurate and affordable aerial photographs and video of real 

estate.

14 CFR §91.7 (a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness 

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy 

condition. As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, should this 

exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining 

airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements contained in the 

Operating Manual for maintenance and use of safety checks prior to each flight, as set 

forth in the Operating Manual, an equivalent level of safety will be provided. 
To the extent that "airworthy" is defined as requiring an airworthiness certificate, the 

Petitioner would request an exemption from this FAR for the same reasons identified in 

its request for an exemption of 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H. Cynergy UAS and the PIC 

will not, however, operate the Subject UAS if it is not in a condition for safe flight, as 

required under FAR 91.7(b). 

14 CFR §91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the 

Aircraft

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

(2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this 

chapter, unless there is available in the aircraft a current approved Airplane or Rotorcraft 

Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination 

thereof. 

The UAS, given its size and configuration has no ability or place to carry such a flight 

manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but because there is no 

room or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft. 

The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by keeping the Operating Manual at the 

ground control point where the pilot flying the UAS will have immediate access to it. The 

FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 

8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A 10602, 32827, 10700 and 11434. 

Petitioner requests exemption from the requirement of FAR 91.9, for the same reasons as 

stated in its request for exemption under 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, and for a deviation 

from the marking requirements of 14 CFR Part 36, Subparts A, F, and O. 

14 CFR §91.103: Preflight Action 

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to 

insure the safety of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be 

provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will 

be provided as set forth in the Operating Manual. The PIC will take all actions including 

reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft 

performance data before initiation of flight but requests an exemption from this 

requirement insofar as it is interpreted as requiring pre-flight actions appropriate to 

manned aircraft only (e.g., that flights be from an airport, etc.). 

14 CFR § 91.105: Flight crewmembers at stations 
Section 91.105 mandates that crewmembers be at designated stations have safety belts 

fastened, etc. Petitioner would be at a designated ground station for each mission, but 

requests an exemption to accommodate the fact that the UAS is unmanned. 

14 CFR §91.109: Flight Instruction 

Section 91.109 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free 

balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning 

dual controls. UAS and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully 

functional dual controls. Flight control is accomplished through the use of a remote 

control device that communicates with the aircraft via WiFi and 2.4Ghz frequency. The 

FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual controls 

for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. See Exemption 

Nos. 5778K & 9862A. The equivalent level of safety provided by the fact that aircraft 

will be piloted by an individual who has received training consistent with FAA 

certification requirements under 14 CFR §61.3; and who has previously trained in remote 

flight areas before attempting flight within filming distance of structures. 

14 CFR §91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes 

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 91.119 (d) 

allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the 

person operating the helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for 

helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption is for a UAS, Cynergy UAS requests authority 

to operate at altitudes up to 400 feet AGL; an exemption may be needed to allow such 

operations. As set forth herein, the UAS will never operate at higher than 400 feet AGL. 

It will however be operated in a controlled area where buildings and people will not be 

exposed to operations without their pre-obtained consent. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, and speed of the 

UAS as well as location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the 

permission of the property owner. Because of the advance notice to the property owner 

and participants in the photographic activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the 

planned flight operations as set forth in the Operating Manual. Compared to flight 

operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum 5 lbs. 

proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations 

is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below 

500 feet AGL. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the UAS will ensure separation

between these small UAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must 

comply with Section 91.119. 

14 CFR §91.121: Altimeter Settings 

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

reference to an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure airport or an 
appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.” As the UAS will not have a 

barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator, pursuant to the Operating 

Manual, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator 

before flight. 

14 CFR §91.151 (a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR 

Conditions 

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under 

VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is 

enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising 

speed – (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly 

after that for at least 45 minutes.” 

The battery powering the UAS provides approximately 20 minutes of powered flight. To 

meet the 30-minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, UAS flights would not be 

possible. Given the limitations on the UAS’s proposed flight area and the location of its 

proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in 

daylight or night VFR conditions is reasonable. 

Petitioner believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 

20 minutes or 25% of battery power, whichever should occur first. This restriction would 

be more than adequate return the UAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its 

limited operating area. Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, 

including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 10673, 10808 and 11434. 

19 CFR § 91.173: ATC clearance and flight plan in IFR 

conditions 

Petitioner requests an exemption from the IFR-clearance requirement for flights into 

controlled airspace. It is possible that Cynergy UAS may operate the UAS in conditions 

that are operating under IFR within controlled airspace. It would request that, after 

contacting ATC for the controlled airspace, it would be allowed to operate in what might 

be IFR conditions, but where the PIC still has a complete and unfettered line of sight 

visibility with the UAS. 

14 CFR §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft 

Certification and Registration 

The regulation provides in pertinent part: 
(a) Except as provided in §91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has 

within it the following: 

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate... 

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by 

paragraph (b) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is 

displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew. 

The UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 5 lbs. and is operated without an onboard 

Pilot. As such, there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents 

or to display them on the UAS. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground 

control point where the pilot flying the UAS will have immediate access to them, to the 

extent they are applicable to the UAS, and should they be issued. The FAA has issued 

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

includes Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 

9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 10700. 

14 CFR § 91.207: Emergency Locator Transmitter 

Section 91.207 prohibits operation of a US-registered aircraft unless it is equipped with 

an emergency locator transmitter. Given the limited distance of flights of the UAS, 

Cynergy UAS requests and exemption from this FAR. 

14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E: Maintenance Inspections 

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner “shall have that aircraft 

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

except as provided in paragraph C of this section, have discrepancies repaired as 

prescribed in Part 43 of this chapter...,” and others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in 

compliance with Part 43. Given that these section and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with 

an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the Petitioner. 

Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator; pursuant to the Operating manual. An 

equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small UAS are very limited in 

size and will carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited periods

of time. If mechanical issues arise the UAS can land immediately and will be operating 

from no higher than 400 feet AGL. As provided in the Operating Manual, the PIC 

(operator) will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, and 

perform required maintenance. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with 
the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide 

the equivalent level of safety. 

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

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

Petitioner seeks an exemption from the following rules: 

Petition for Exemption. 

Federal Aviation Regulations from which Petitioner seeks exemption: 14 CFR 14 CFR Part 21, 

Subpart H; Part 36; § 45.23; Part 61; §§ 91. 7; 91.9; 91.103; 91.105; 91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 

91.151; 91.173; 91.203; 91.207; and 14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E. 

Description of Relief Sought: The Petitioner is seeking an exemption from the abovereferenced Federal Aviation Regulations to conduct photography using a light, unmanned 

aerial vehicle for homeowners, real estate brokers and other real estate professionals 

seeking to provide aerial images of real estate. 

Privacy

All flights will occur over private or controlled access property with the property owner’s 

prior consent and knowledge, or over remote public land. Image capture of people will 

rarely take place, but in the event they are, any person whose image is captured will have 

consented prior to being filmed or otherwise have agreed to be in the area where data 

collection will take place. 

Summary 

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012 – size, 

weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and 

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

justification for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing commercial operation of 

Petitioner’s UAS in the real estate industry pursuant to the User Manual attached as 

Exhibit A. 

Sincerely,

Sal Badalamente, Manager

Cynergy UAS

Exhibit A
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 V5

© 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 Overview1

1.2 Aircraft Overview2

1.3 Controller Overview3

1.4 Operating Parameters4

1.5 Autopilot5

1.6 Propulsion5

1.7 LED Meanings5

2 Setup6

2.1 In the Box6

2.2 Battery6

2.3 Controller8

2.4 Propellers9

2.5 Camera9

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 38
8 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 Motor Pods 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: : Camera Configuration Process 10

Figure 2.5.2.1: Attach Camera 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 12

Figure 2.6.4.2: App - Software Update 12

Figure 2.6.4.3: App - Connect Instructions 12

Figure 2.6.4.4: App - Connect Instructions List 13

Figure 2.6.4.5: App - Download Update 13

Figure 2.6.4.6: App - Begin Update 13

Figure 2.6.4.7: Controller - Updating 13

Figure 2.6.4.8: App - Update Disconnection 13

Figure 2.6.4.9: Controller Update 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 3.12.5.1: 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 29

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 32

Figure 6.1.1.2: Controller - Uneven Surface Alert 32

Figure 6.1.1.3: Controller - Re-Calibration Required 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 - Disconnected Aler 34

Figure 6.2.3.2: 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 - 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 New Leg with Exist. Antenna 43

Figure 9.4.2.3: Attaching Exist. 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 9.5.3.1: LED Cover Removal 45

Figure 9.5.3.2: Motor Pod Removal 45

Figure 9.5.3.3: Motor Pod Disconnection 46

Figure 9.5.3.4: Motor Pod Connection 46

Figure 9.5.3.5: Motor Pod and LED Cover Attachment 46

Figure 9.6.1.1: Pair Button 47

Figure 9.6.1.2: LED Pairing Indicator 47
1

1 Introduction

We designed Solo to be the perfect aerial-video tool. It’s powerful, simple and reliable with intuitive Smart Shots 

inspired by our favorite cinema pilots. With Solo, you don’t need a professional camera crew, you can get the 

perfect shot every time. We’re excited to share our passion with you and help you see your world from a new 

perspective. Join us in capturing the next evolution of creative videography.

1.1 System Overview

The Solo system includes Solo, the Controller, and the Solo App. As the operator, you interact with the controller 

and app on the ground, and the controller communicates with Solo during flight.

1.1.1 Solo

Solo is a small unmanned aerial vehicle powered by four motors and four propellers. Solo’s onboard computers 

control navigation, attitude, and communications in flight while sending real-time telemetry and video output and 

receiving control inputs over the 3DR Link secure Wi-Fi network. Solo is optimized for capturing aerial video using a 

GoPro® HERO camera.

1.1.2 Controller

The controller provides control mechanisms and displays in-flight data on a full-color screen. Using twin longrange antennas, the controller acts as the central hub for all communication on the 3DR Link network, receiving all 

communications from Solo and the app, forwarding telemetry outputs to the app, and managing the transmission of 

all control inputs to Solo.

1.1.3 App

The Solo App outputs a live video stream from an onboard GoPro® camera to an Android or iOS device. The App 

allows you to view the live video with overlaid telemetry and access a simplified graphic interface for controlling 

Solo’s advanced functions. The App also connects to the 3DR Link network to receive video and telemetry outputs 

and send control inputs.

Figure 1.1.3.1: Solo System Context Diagram

Video output

Telemetry output

Control input

Operator

3DR Solo

Controller

3DR Solo

3DR Solo

App

Ground Air

3DR Link 

Secure WiFi 

Network
2

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; when armed for flight, 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 

use with Smart Shots. 

1.3.3 Screen

The controller’s full-color screen provides live in-flight data and prompts for certain Solo functions.

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 Solo 

logo followed by a single vibration 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 GPS 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 

to set camera position 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 may vary significantly 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

Options
5

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 Kv 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 04
6

2 Setup

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

2.1 In the Box

Solo includes the Solo Vehicle, the Solo Controller, propellers (four plus two spares), the Solo Smart Battery, the 

Solo Smart Battery charger, and a charger for the Solo Controller. 

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 charge is indicated by the lights below the power button. Press the power button once to 

display the current power level. The Solo Smart 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%.

Storing the Solo Smart Battery at an excessively depleted charge (7 percent and under) for an extended period of 

time may result in a shortened battery life or permanent damage to the battery. The optimal storage charge for the 

Solo Smart Battery is 50%. 

Solo Three silver-top props

& three black-top props

Controller

Solo Smart Battery charger

Controller charger
7

Figure 2.2.1.1: Solo Smart Battery Charging

2.2.2 Powering

To power Solo, insert the battery into Solo’s battery bay and slide the battery forward until it clicks into place. Press 

and hold the battery power button to turn on Solo. When Solo powers on, the battery will display an LED animation 

and you will hear the startup tone. Only power Solo using the designated 3DR Solo Smart Battery; using a different 

battery can permanently damage Solo.

Figure 2.2.2.1: Powering Solo

Charge indicator

Charge indicator

Make sure Solo is level before powering on and keep Solo still during 

startup and while the sensors initialize. Moving Solo during this 

process causes the sensors to calibrate incorrectly and can create a 

preflight error or affect in-flight performance.

1. Slide to connect

2. Hold to power
8

2.3 Controller

The Solo controller includes a pre-installed rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery.

2.3.1 Charging

Charge the controller using the designated controller charger only; using a different charger can damage the 

controller or cause a fire. 

To charge the controller, connect the controller charger to the barrel jack on the side of the controller and to a 

wall outlet. To check the battery level of the controller, press the power button. A fully charged controller lasts for 

approximately 6 hours. Always check the controller’s battery level before you fly, and recharge when prompted by 

the controller. The controller takes approximately 3 hours to charge to 100%.

Figure 2.3.1.1: Controller Charging

2.3.2 Powering

To power on the controller, press and hold the controller power button until you see the Solo logo, followed by a 

single vibration.

Figure 2.3.2.1: Power On Controller
9

2.4 Propellers

Solo uses two types of self-tightening propellers, indicated by the color of the circle at the center of the propeller. 

2.4.1 Attaching

Attach the propellers with silver tops to the motors with a silver dot on the top of the motor shaft, and attach the 

black-top propellers to the motors with black dots. Make sure to remove the paper labels from the motors before 

attaching the propellers.

Silver-top propellers tighten clockwise; black-top propellers tighten counterclockwise. Check the lock and unlock 

icons on each propeller to see the correct directions for tightening and removing.

Figure 2.4.1.1: Attach Propellers

2.5 Camera

Solo includes a fixed GoPro® The FrameTM mount for your GoPro® HERO 3, 3+ or 4.

2.5.1 Camera Settings

For best results, first 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.) 

remove motor labels remove motor labels
10

Figure 2.5.1.1: : Camera Configuration Process

2.5.2 Attaching

To attach the camera to the GoPro® The FrameTM fixed mount, insert your GoPro® upside down and connect the 

Solo HDMI cable to the camera.

GoPro® The FrameTM

Your GoPro®

HERO 3, 3+ or 4 Mount your GoPro®

upside down.

Connect the HDMI 

cable.

Figure 2.5.2.1: Attach Camera 

Make sure that the Wi-Fi on your GoPro® is turned OFF. It can interfere 

with Solo’s communication signals and cause unexpected behavior.

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

SETUP ORIENTATION

OFF

:OFF

:UP

:VIDEO

ORIENTATION

OFF

:OFF

:AUTO

:VIDEO

EXIT

EXIT

RESET CAM

SETUP ORIENTATION

OFF

:OFF

:UP

:VIDEO

ORIENTATION

OFF

:OFF

:AUTO

:VIDEO

EXIT

EXIT

RESET CAM
11

2.6 Mobile App

The Solo App provides a streaming video link to a mobile device and a simple graphic interface for interacting with 

Smart Shots and other advanced Solo features.

2.6.1 Install

Visit 3dr.com/soloapp or download “3DR Solo” from the App Store or Google Play Store. 3DR Solo works with iOS 

8.0 or later and Android 4.3 or later. For Android, you must also install the “3DR Services” app to your device.

2.6.2 Connect to Solo

To connect the app to Solo’s 3DR Link Wi-Fi network, access the Wi-Fi settings on the mobile device and select 

Solo_Link-####. Enter the temporary password “sololink”. Once connected, return to the app to continue. Both Solo 

and the controller must be powered on to connect to the app.

Figure 2.6.2.1: Connect to Solo Link

2.6.3 Change SoloLink Password

Once connected to Solo Wi-Fi (“SoloLink_XXXX”), change your password to secure your SoloLink network. Select 

the Settings menu from the top-left drop-down, and choose Solo to access the options for your drone.

Figure 2.6.3.1: App - Settings Menu

Settings

Airplane Mode

WI-FI

Bluetooth

Cellular

Solo_Link-####

On

Notifications

Control Center

Do Not Disturb

LTE 7:34 PM
12

In the Solo menu, select Wi-Fi Settings, and set a new password. The password should be between 8 and 32 

characters with no spaces. Select Apply to enable your changes. If you forget your SoloLink password, perform the 

factory reset procedure in Section 9.7 to reset the password to the temporary password (sololink).

Figure 2.6.3.2: App - Wi-Fi Settings

2.6.4 Update

Before your first flight, use the App to perform the required first-flight update of Solo and the Controller. The 

Controller will prompt you for the update with the preflight update alert. Ensure that both the Controller and Solo 

are powered, the controller has at least 50% battery remaining, and the app is connected to Solo Wi-Fi. The total 

update process can take up to 10 minutes.

Figure 2.6.4.1: Controller Preflight Update Prompt

To start the update, open the Settings menu in the App, and select Software Update. 

Figure 2.6.4.2: App - Software Update

Because your mobile device has never connected to this Solo before, you will need to link your device with Solo 

Wi-Fi (SoloLink). Select Connect Instructions for steps on how to connect.

Figure 2.6.4.3: App - Connect Instructions

preflight update

Required before first flight!

Use 3DR Solo App to update
13

Then follow these instructions to connect to Solo W-Fi.

Figure 2.6.4.4: App - Connect Instructions List

Once connected, return to the App and you will be notified of the current version you are about to update to. Select 

Download Update to continue. For this step you will need an internet connection, either cellular data or Wi-Fi. If you 

opt to use Wi-Fi, you’ll need switch from SoloLink to your Wi-Fi network.

Figure 2.6.4.5: App - Download Update

When the App detects an active connection with the controller, it will prompt you to begin the update. (Solo and the 

controller must be powered on to connect to Solo Wi-Fi.) Select Begin to start the update.

Figure 2.6.4.6: App - Begin Update

While the update is in progress, the controller will show the controller updating display. The controller will complete 

a full restart as part of the update process, which can take up to 5 minutes.

Figure 2.6.4.7: Controller - Updating 

Because the controller must restart as part of the update process, your device will lose its connection to Solo Wi-Fi. 

When you see the display below, select Next to continue.

Figure 2.6.4.8: App - Update Disconnection Confirmation

Controller updating

Update will take about 5 minutes

Please ensure charger is connected

Controller may go dark while updating
14

The controller will restart and display a green check mark to indicate that the controller was updated successfully. 

When you see the green check mark on the controller, re-connect to Solo Wi-Fi in the App and press A on the 

controller to continue the update.

Figure 2.6.4.9: Controller Update Complete Displays

After pressing A, Solo will restart to complete the update. The controller will display waiting for Solo while Solo 

restarts.

Figure 2.6.4.10: Controller - Waiting for Solo

When the update is complete, Solo’s LEDs will turn green, the controller will return to the standard takeoff screen, 

and the app will show that the software is up to date. After displaying green, Solo’s LEDs will return to the standard 

white-and-red pattern. If you do not see white-and-red LEDs after a few minutes following the update, restart Solo.

Figure 2.6.4.11: App - Update Success

2.6.5 View Video

After the update is complete, select Fly Solo to view video from your GoPro in the App. Solo, the controller, and the 

GoPro must be powered to view video. Verify that you can view video before your first flight. If the video is inverted, 

see section 2.5.2.

Figure 2.6.5.1: App - Viewing Video

Controller updated Please reconnect to Sololink wifi 

Press to continue

Press when LEDs are green

waiting for Solo
15

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 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 conditions such as rain, high winds, snow, or fog. Extreme weather conditions can 

permanently damage Solo, cause instability in flight, or limit visibility.

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

Read and understand these important safety instructions before your 

first flight to help reduce the risk of accident and serious injury.

Physical obstructions can also block communication signals with the controller, 

causing Solo to attempt to Return Home along an obstructed path
16

3.5 Propellers

To avoid hazardous contact with Solo’s high-speed propellers, always power off Solo before handling Solo or 

the propellers. When prompted to start motors before takeoff, always ensure that the propellers are clear of any 

obstructions and at least 20 feet away from any people, animals, or property before activating. Do not touch moving 

propellers or approach Solo while the propellers are spinning. See Section 3.9.5 for instructions on how to manually 

shutoff the propellers. 

After landing or returning home, Solo will automatically detect the landing and stop the motors. Do not approach 

Solo until the propellers stop spinning, and always power off Solo before picking it up.

3.6 GPS

Solo requires an active GPS signal for flight. After powering on, Solo can take up to 5 minutes to acquire a strong 

GPS lock. Always choose a flying location with a clear view of the sky to improve GPS signal strength. The following 

requirements define a GPS lock:

• Reported horizontal position accuracy < 16 ft. (5 m)

• Reported speed accuracy < 2 mph (1 m/s)

• Number of satellites ≥ 6

• Difference between GPS and inertial navigation vertical velocity < 2 mph (1 m/s)

If satellite coverage drops beneath a reliable threshold during flight, Solo will automatically switch to FLY:Manual 

mode. This mode does not provide the flight stabilizing GPS functionality, but it still allows you to retain control of 

Solo. 

3.7 Home Position

Solo’s home position is the latitude and longitude coordinates of the launch point and is used by the autopilot as 

the end point of a return-home command. The autopilot saves the home position location to where the motors are 

started, assuming GPS lock has been achieved. If Solo has taken off without GPS lock and then achieves GPS lock 

mid-flight, the home position will be set to wherever GPS lock was acquired. The location of the home position 

depends on GPS signal strength and is usually within 1 to 2 meters of accuracy. Always take off from an open 

location with a clear path for Solo to return home safely. For home position safety in advanced mode, see Section 

7.4.

3.8 Altitude Limit

Always fly at appropriate altitudes for your flying location and local regulations. Solo cannot avoid obstacles on its 

own, so always select altitudes that avoid any obstacles, such as trees, buildings, and power lines.

Solo includes a safety fence enabled by default at 150 ft. (46 m). If Solo reaches the altitude limit, Solo will stop 

ascending and limit throttle input to stay below the altitude limit. To adjust the altitude limit, see Section 7.7. FAA 

regulations mandate a maximum altitude of 400 ft. to avoid potential conflicts with manned aircraft and represents a 

safe line-of-sight altitude. 

Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. Never touch moving 

propellers or place any objects in the way of the propeller arcs while 

Solo is powered.
17

3.9 Emergency Procedures

If you experience a problem in flight, use one of the following emergency procedures to stop Solo, end your flight, or 

shut off the motors.

3.9.1 Pause

The controller’s Pause button allows you to stop Solo mid-air. Solo will hover at the paused location until given 

another command. Use the Pause button to stop Solo from hitting an obstacle or to re-orient Solo for navigation. 

Press Pause during Return Home or Land to pause Solo and stop the landing. Pause is available only with GPS 

lock.

3.9.2 Regain Manual Control 

Keep the controller easily accessible at all times during flight, including during Smart Shots, and be prepared to 

regain manual control at any time. To return to standard flight during Smart Shots, Return Home, or Land, press the 

Fly button.

3.9.3 Return Home

If Solo acquired GPS lock prior to takeoff, press the controller’s Return Home button to return Solo to the launch 

point and land. Use return home after receiving a low battery notification or to end your flight easily. Solo will not 

avoid obstacles while returning home; always verify that the return path is clear before activating Return Home.

3.9.4 Land

To land Solo at its current position, press and hold the Fly button. Lift the throttle at any time to exit the landing 

procedure. If Solo does not have GPS lock, there will be no automatic positioning as Solo descends, and drifting 

may occur depending on environmental conditions.

3.9.5 Motor Shutoff

In the event that Solo’s motors do not stop after landing or for an emergency in-flight kill switch, Solo includes 

an emergency motor shutoff procedure. To shut off the motors at any time, either in flight or on the ground, hold 

the A, B, and Pause buttons at the same time. An initial screen will appear on the controller to confirm the shutoff 

command; continue to hold A, B, and Pause buttons to activate motor shutoff. Use the emergency motor shutoff 

only as a last resort.

Figure 3.9.5.1: Controller - Motor Shutoff

Spot lock

Hold + 

 to shut off motors

FLY 12

Spot lock

Hold + 

 to shut off motors

FLY 12
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 Solo Smart battery in a 64° F to 82° F environment, between 45-85% relative 

humidity, at a 50% battery charge. Avoid storing the Solo Smart battery at underneath a 10% charge, as this low 

charge may damage the battery’s longevity. 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. If 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°
19

4 First Flight

This section covers basic Solo flight procedures, including takeoff, landing, and manual control.

4.1 Preflight Checklist

Before flying, check the following conditions.

4.1.1 Location

» Your current location and environmental conditions are suitable for flight. (Section 3.1)

» Solo is on a level surface at a clear launch point a sufficient distance from yourself and others. 

4.1.2 Components

» The propellers are correctly attached. (Section 2.4)

» The propellers can spin smoothly and without obstruction when turned.

» No components on Solo appear loose or damaged.

4.1.3 Power

» The controller is powered on with at least 50% charge. (Section 2.3)

» Solo is powered on with a fully charged battery. (Section 2.2)

4.1.4 Video (Optional)

» The Solo app is connected to Solo and streaming video. (Section 2.6)

» The GoPro® is recording.

4.2 Takeoff

The takeoff process has two steps: start motors then take off. Always place Solo at a clear launch point for takeoff, 

at least 20 feet away from you, other people, and structures.

4.2.1 Activating Motors

When Solo is ready to fly, the controller will prompt you to hold the Fly button to start Solo’s motors. Hold Fly until 

the propellers spin. Solo is now active, ready for takeoff, and needs to be treated with appropriate caution to avoid 

safety hazards. Press the Pause button anytime Solo is on the ground with the motors spinning to stop the motors.

Figure 4.2.1.1: Controller - Start Motors Prompt

Flying close to obstacles like buildings and trees can reduce GPS 

accuracy and may result in unexpected flight behavior.

Cable Cam Orbit

FLY 12

Hold FLY to start motors
20

4.2.2 Initiating Takeoff

Hold Fly again to initiate takeoff. Solo will rise to 10 feet (3 m) and hover until receiving further control inputs.

Figure 4.2.2.1: Controller - Takeoff Prompts

4.3 Landing

Hold the Fly button to land Solo at its current location.

Figure 4.3.2.1: Controller - User-Initiated Landing

After landing, the propellers will stop spinning automatically; wait until the propellers stop spinning before 

approaching Solo. If the propellers do not stop, press the controller’s Pause button or use the emergency shutoff 

option described in Section 3.9.5.

When commanded to land, Solo will land at the current location, 

wherever it is. Always make sure there is a clear path to a safe landing 

point directly below Solo before landing. 

Never approach Solo while the propellers are spinning. After an 

auto-landing or return-to-home, always wait until the propellers stop 

before approaching or touching Solo. 

Cable Cam Orbit

FLY 12

Hold FLY to take off

Cable Cam Orbit

FLY 12

Hold FLY to take off

Spot lock Rewind

FLY 12

Hold FLY to land

Cable Cam Orbit

5FT

0FT

HOME

30%

FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE

LAND 12

LANDING COMPLETE

Be aware of Solo’s orientation before takeoff so you can safely navigate Solo 

up and away from you once it’s in the air. If Solo is facing towards you at 

takeoff, move the right stick back; if Solo is facing away from you, move the 

right stick forward.

Spinning propellers can cause serious injury! Always make sure 

Solo is clear of any obstructions and all people and animals are away 

from Solo before spinning the props.

Cable Cam Orbit

101FT

47FT

HOME

33%

FLIGHT B ATTERY

ALTITUDE

LAND 12

LANDING IN PROGRESS
21

4.4 Return Home

The Return Home button ends your flight automatically by returning Solo to the home position (launch point) and 

landing. 

When commanded to Return Home, Solo:

1 Achieves a minimum altitude of 49 feet (15 m) or maintains current altitude if above 49 feet.

2 Moves over launch point and hovers for 5 seconds.

3 Lands at the home point.

Figure 4.4.2.1: Return Home Behavior

4.5 In-Flight Data

Use the controller’s main data display to monitor Solo’s status in flight.

Figure 4.5.2.1: Controller - In-Flight Data

1 Flight battery percentage remaining 

2 GPS signal strength and number of active satellites

3 Active mode or Smart Shot (“Fly” indicates standard flight.)

4 Controller battery level 

5 Solo Wi-Fi signal strength

6 Horizontal distance from the home position (launch point)

7 Current altitude

8 Currently assigned functions of controller A and B buttons

home

49 feet hover 5 seconds

2

3 4

5

6

7

8

1

Always verify that there is a clear path to the home point before activating 

Return Home.
22

4.6 Joystick Control

The controller’s two joysticks allow you to navigate Solo in flight. The left stick controls Solo’s altitude and rotation.

Figure 4.6.2.1: Controller Left Joystick

Move the left stick vertically to control Solo’s altitude and acceleration.

Figure 4.6.2.2: Throttle Joystick Behaviors

Move the left stick back from 

center to decrease altitude. 

Set the left stick to center to 

maintain the current altitude.

Set the left stick fully back to 

land once Solo is a few inches 

above the ground.

To take off and to gain altitude, 

move the left stick slightly past 

the center position.

UP

DOWN

ROTATE

LEFT

ROTATE 

RIGHT
23

Move the left stick horizontally to rotate Solo and control orientation.

Figure 4.6.2.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior

Use the right stick to fly Solo forward, back, left, and right. These movements are relative to Solo’s current 

orientation, so always maintain awareness of Solo’s forward-facing direction before using right-stick controls.

Figure 4.6.2.4: Controller Right Joystick Controls

Move the stick to the left to 

rotate counterclockwise.

Move the stick to the right to 

rotate clockwise.

Release the stick to stop 

rotating the maintain the 

current orientation

LEFT RIGHT

FORWARD

BACK
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 

tart spinning.

Take-off + Lift

Raise just slightly 

or take off

Hover + Land

ower just slightly

o hover

Left Yaw

Left

Back

Forward

Right

Right Yaw

Deactivate

Hold until propellers

top spinning

Activate

Hold until propellers 

tart spinning.

Take-off + Lift

Raise just slightly 

or take off

Hover + Land

ower just slightly

o hover

Left Yaw

Left

Back

Forward

Right

Right Yaw

Deactivate

Hold until propellers

top spinning

Move the right stick 

forward to fly forward.

Move the right stick 

back to fly backward.

ctivate

old until propellers 

art spinning.

ake-off + Lift

aise just slightly 

r take off

over + Land

ower just slightly

 hover

eft Yaw

Left

Back

Forward

Right

ght Yaw

eactivate

old until propellers

op spinning

ctivate

old until propellers 

art spinning.

ake-off + Lift

aise just slightly 

r take off

over + Land

ower just slightly

 hover

eft Yaw

Left

Back

Forward

Right

ight Yaw

eactivate

old until propellers

op 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

11
26

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 Solo 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 (in the direction of the rear red orientation LEDs) 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 (front white orientation 

LEDs facing the subject), 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.
27

Figure 5.1.2.1: App - Selfie Control

To control Selfie using the controller, use the right stick to move Solo forward and back along the Selfie path. Press 

Pause at any time to stop Solo; press Fly to exit to standard flight. 

Figure 5.1.2.2: Controller - Selfie Control

5.1.3 Settings

To access the settings from the in-flight Selfie interface, select the option icon with the three dots in the bottomright. Use the sliders to adjust distance out, altitude up, and cruise speed. Select Selfie How-To for instructions and 

tips.

Figure 5.1.3.1: App - Selfie Settings

5.2 Cable Cam

Cable Cam creates a smooth shot by flying Solo along an invisible cable between any two preset points.

5.2.1 Starting Cable Cam

Press A on the controller, or select Cable Cam from the Shot List on the app. Both devices will prompt you to fly 

Solo to your first point and press A to save it as the first Cable Cam point. Then fly to your second point and press B 

to save the second point. Try adding a difference in altitude or orientation between the two points for an impressive 

cinematic effect.

Move along 

flight path
28

Figure 5.2.1.1: App - Cable Cam Setup

5.2.2 Cable Cam Operation

To control Cable Cam through the app, tap the right arrow to move towards point A and tap the left arrow to move 

towards point B. Cable Cam’s default cruise speed is set to 9 mph (4 m/s).

Figure 5.2.2.1: App - Cable Cam Controls

To operate Cable Cam using the controller, move the right stick to the left to fly towards point A and to the right to 

fly towards point B. Release the right stick to pause along the cable. Use the left stick to temporarily override the 

camera and look left and right. Press Pause at any time to stop Solo; press Fly to exit to standard flight. 

Figure 5.2.2.2: Controller - Cable Cam Controls

5.2.3 Cable Cam Settings

To adjust Cable Cam’s options, select the settings menu in the bottom-right corner. Automatic view lock prevents 

left-stick camera control during Cable Cam. Choose Fly Counterclockwise and Fly Clockwise to customize the 

direction Solo rotates between your A and B points. Select Cable Cam How-To for instructions and tips.

Figure 5.2.3.1: App - Cable Cam Settings

Always ensure that there is a clear path between points A and B before 

starting Cable Cam.

Camera Cable
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.

Figure 5.3.2.2: Orbit Controls

Orbit

Altitude Adjust radius

Camera

Subject altitude

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.
30

5.3.3 Orbit Settings

Select the Orbit Settings Menu to adjust Solo’s default cruise speed in Orbit. 

Figure 5.3.3.1: App - Orbit Settings

5.4 Follow

Follow creates a virtual tether between Solo and your mobile device, allowing Solo to track you as you move. If 

the Follow subject is engaged in an activity that prevents them from using the controller, you are required to use a 

safety pilot during Follow. The subject will carry the mobile device and be followed by Solo, and the safety pilot will 

hold the controller and be ready to regain manual control at any time. 

Don’t allow more than 500 feet of distance between the controller and the mobile device; however, specific range 

limits depend on the device being used. If too much distance is allowed between the controller and the mobile 

device, the device could lose connection with the controller.

5.4.1 Follow Setup

To start Follow, select Follow from the Shot List in the app and navigate Solo to face the subject. Tap the 

instructional bar to begin following.

Figure 5.4.1.1: App - Follow Setup

Always ensure that there is a clear path for Solo during Follow. It 

will not avoid obstacles that come into the flight path as a result of 

following the subject. 
31

5.4.2 Follow Operation

Once activated, Solo will automatically follow the mobile device wherever the subject carries it. In the App, the 

subject can press the left and right arrows to maneuver Solo around them. On the controller, move the right stick up 

and down to adjust the following distance, and move the right stick left and right to orbit around the subject. Use the 

left stick to adjust Solo’s altitude during Follow and to override the camera tracking and temporarily pan the camera 

left and right. At any time during Follow, press Pause to stop Solo and the camera will continue to track the subject. 

Press Fly to return to standard flight.

Figure 5.4.2.1: Follow Controls

5.4.3 Follow Settings

Select the Settings menu to adjust the default cruise speed during Follow. Follow’s default cruise speed is set to 2.2 

mph (1 m/s).

Figure 5.4.3.1: App - Follow Settings

Orbit

Adjust following 

Altitude distance

Camera
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

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

?

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)

Calibrating 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 senso

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 che

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)

Calibrating 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 ch

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)

Calibrating 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

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

Control sticl error

Persists until:

Controller starts with stick values in range. 

Control stick error

Contact 3DR customer support
33

In the case of a calibration or sensor error during startup, restart Solo to clear the following alerts.

Figure 6.1.1.4: Controller - Calibration Error Alert

6.1.2 Service Alerts

The following alerts indicate a system error that requires service. Use the app to submit a trouble ticket with 3DR 

Support or contact an authorized Solo Service Center to service Solo and clear the alert. A control stick error can 

occur either in flight or before takeoff. If the control stick error is received in flight, Solo will return home and land. 

Figure 6.1.2.1: Controller - Service Alerts

6.2 In-Flight Errors

During flight, the controller monitors Solo’s GPS signal, controller signal, flight battery level, and controller battery 

level.

6.2.1 Altitude Limit

If Solo reaches the altitude limit during flight, it will maintain and not exceed that altitude and the controller will 

display the following alert. 

Figure 6.2.1.1: Controller - Altitude Limit Alert

6.2.2 App Connection

The controller will display the following banner-style alerts in the event that the Solo App is disconnected from or 

connected to Solo. We recommend having an active connection to the Solo App at all times during flight. Refer to 

Section 2.6 for connecting to Solo Wi-Fi with the App. Solo will not return home if the connection to the App is lost 

during flight.

Calibration error Please restart Solo

Sensor error

Please try and restart Solo

Service required

Use 3DR Solo app to log a trouble 

ticket with customer support

Control stick error

Contact 3DR customer support

Control stick error Solo will return home

Maximum altitude Preset max altitude reached
34

Figure 6.2.2.1: Controller - App Connection Alerts

6.2.3 Controller Signal Alerts

Flying behind solid objects, like buildings and trees, blocks communication signals between Solo and the controller. 

Always maintain visual contact with Solo to ensure that the signal is unobstructed. Cell phone towers and nearby 

Wi-Fi signals can cause interference with the communication system and decrease its range. Avoid flying in 

populated areas to avoid sources of interference.

If the controller becomes unpaired from Solo during flight, the controller will display the following alert and Solo will 

Return Home. See Section 9.3 for pairing instructions.

Figure 6.2.3.1: Controller - Controller Disconnected Alert

If the signal between Solo and the controller is lost during flight, the controller will display the controller signal lost 

alert and Solo will Return Home. If signal is recovered while returning home, the controller will display the signal 

recovered alert and provide the option to regain manual control by pressing the Fly button.

Figure 6.2.3.2: Controller - Controller Signal Alerts

6.2.4 GPS Signal Alerts

If GPS is lost during flight, Solo will switch into Fly:Manual (Section 7.1). In the event of a loss of GPS, we 

recommend landing Solo and waiting to acquire GPS lock before taking off again.

In Fly:Manual, Solo uses the same joystick controls as in standard flight (displayed as “Fly”), but it does not include 

any GPS positioning. Therefore, in Fly:Manual, Solo will not hold its position when the right stick is released, and 

you must maintain close control over roll, pitch, and yaw. Without GPS, Pause, Return Home, and Smart Shots are 

not available. During Land, Solo will not be able to maintain position due to the lack of GPS positioning and will drift 

according to wind and other environmental conditions. 

324FT

84FT

HOME

48%

FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE

FLY 12

3DR Solo app disconnected

324FT

84FT

HOME

48%

FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE

FLY 12

3DR Solo app connected

324FT

84FT

HOME

48%

FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE

Disconnected 12

Disconnected from Solo

Controller signal lost Solo will return home

Signal recovered
35

If GPS is recovered in flight, Solo will switch from Fly:Manual to standard flight (Fly), and GPS positioning will 

activate. The following displays show (from left to right) the GPS lost alert, Solo in Fly:Manual, and GPS recovered 

alert. Always choose a location with a clear view of the sky to improve GPS signal strength.

Figure 6.2.4.1: Controller - GPS Signal Alerts

6.2.5 Flight Battery Alerts

The controller monitors the Solo battery during flight and provides alerts when the battery reaches critical levels. At 

25% and 10% power remaining, the controller will provide a land-soon alert recommending that you end your flight 

to prevent an automatic landing.

Figure 6.2.5.1: Controller - Low Battery Alerts

Solo will Return Home automatically to prevent a crash once the battery drains down to approximately 10% (actual 

percentage can vary slightly since Return Home trigger is based off voltage reading). After landing, turn off Solo 

immediately; if the battery level reaches 0% at any time, irreversible damage can occur and the battery should be 

recycled.

Figure 6.2.5.2: Controller - Critical Battery Alert

6.2.6 Controller Battery Alerts

When the controller battery reaches 10% of its remaining charge, the controller will display an alert to notify you to 

charge the controller at your next opportunity. At 5%, the controller will prompt you to end your flight and charge 

the controller. If the controller battery reaches a critical level in flight, Solo will Return Home. The following displays 

show (left to right) the 10%, 5%, and 0% alerts.

Figure 6.2.6.1: Controller - Controller Battery Alerts=

Cable Cam Orbit

324FT

84FT

HOME

48%

FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE

FLY:Manual 6

GPS lost

Switching to manual control

charge soon Low controller battery

Dismiss

land soon

Controller Battery at 5%

(If GPS Lock is present)

In-flight: At 0%, Solo returns to home location 

Returning home

Controller battery at 0%
36

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 by 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 Limit
39

8 Support

3DR Support is here to help you get the most out of Solo. If you have any questions, please contact us at 

support@3dr.com or give us a call at 1 (855) 982-2898 (toll free in the US and Canada) or direct at +1 (858) 225-

1414. To submit a support request through our website, visit 3dr.com/support.

Use the Solo App to submit a trouble ticket and your flight logs will automatically be sent to 3DR Support. To submit 

a support request within the Solo app, select Support from the main menu, and select Log Trouble Ticket.

Figure 8.7.5.1: App - Submit Trouble Ticket

9 Maintenance

This section covers basic operational maintenance procedures for Solo. For repairs not covered in this manual, 

contact 3DR Support or an authorized Solo Service Center.

Solo’s exterior components are designed to absorb impact from hard landings and protect the core electronics. 

If damage is sustained to Solo’s legs or motors, replace them with official 3DR parts from store.3dr.com or an 

authorized retailer. 3DR offers an extended controller battery upgrade with double the capacity so you can fly more 

between charges. Before opening the controller battery bay or performing any maintenance on Solo, always ensure 

that Solo is powered off with the battery removed. 

9.1 Controller Battery Replacement

To replace the controller battery, open the battery door on the back of the controller. Remove the foam block and 

disconnect the battery from the port in the side of the battery compartment. To install a battery, connect the battery 

to the controller, and, for standard-size controller batteries, use the foam block to pad the empty space in the 

compartment. See Section 3.11 for information on safely storing spare controller batteries.

Figure 9.1.5.1: Controller Battery Installation
40

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 Calibration
41

9.3 Pairing

As part of the reset procedure, 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 while powering on Solo. (Make sure you feel the Pair 

button click down underneath the paperclip to verify you have properly activated the Pair button.) Continue holding 

the Pair button for at least 15 seconds.

Figure 9.3.2.1: Solo Pair Button

Bellow the Accessory Port and adjacent to the Pair button is small orange LED Pair indicator light, once this light 

starts flashing rapidly (strobing about 5 times per second), you can release the Pair button.

Figure 9.3.2.2: Controller Pairing Procedure
42

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

Standard
43

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

1

2

3

2

1

3

2 1

5 mm between 

antenna and foot
44

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.
45

9.5 Motor Pods

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 9.5.3.1: LED Cover Removal

Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the pod to the arm.

Figure 9.5.3.2: Motor Pod Removal

Gently extract the motor pod by pulling upward on the motor. Disconnect the red wire and the black wire. 

To remove the wide beige connector, carefully lift the edges of the connector away from the pod using a flat 

screwdriver until they pop out, then remove the connector. Don’t disconnect by pulling on the wires! The connector 

can break easily if force is used to remove it.
46

Figure 9.5.3.3: Motor Pod Disconnection

Gently pull the wires about 1 inch outside of the arm to facilitate reattachment as shown in the Figure 5.2.2.A below. 

Connect the 3 cables from the arm to the new motor pod. Feed the cables inside the arm and set pod into place.

Figure 9.5.3.4: Motor Pod Connection

Turn over Solo and replace the 4 screws (apply Loctite) to secure the new motor pod into place. Snap the LED cover 

back into place.

Figure 9.5.3.5: Motor Pod and LED Cover Attachment

1

2
47

9.6 Factory Reset

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.

Contact customer support before performing a Factory Reset. It is 

possible this procedure may result in software incompatibility if not 

performed under the right circumstances. 

9.6.1 Solo

As part of the reset procedure, Solo will be un-paired from the Controller. Start by powering off Solo. Use a paper 

clip or similar tool to press and hold Solo’s Pair button while powering on Solo. (Make sure you feel the Pair button 

click down underneath the paper clip to verify you have properly activated the Pair button.) Continue holding the 

Pair button for at least 15 seconds.

Figure 9.6.1.1: Pair Button

Bellow the Accessory Port and adjacent to the Pair button is small orange LED Pair indicator light, once this light 

starts flashing rapidly (strobing about 5 times per second), you can release the Pair button.

Figure 9.6.1.2: LED Pairing Indicator 
48

9.6.2 Controller 

As part of the reset procedure, Solo will be un-paired from the controller. Start by powering off Solo. Use a paper 

clip 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 adjacent 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 KV 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.