10120 W. Broad Street, Suite G

Glen Allen, VA 23060

804.359.3620

 Fax 757.282.2615

email: info@newmediasystems.net

web site: www.newmediasystems.net

DJI INNOVATIONS

INSPIRE 1

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL

Revised November 2, 2015
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DJI INNOVATIONS INSPIRE 1 AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

This Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) was written by New Media Systems, Inc. in conjunction with technical information provided 

by DJI Innovations in order to provide the Pilot In Command (PIC) with the necessary information for the safe operation of the 

DJI Inspire 1. This Manual includes the material required to be furnished to the PIC and must be present at the ground control 

point at all times. 

The information in this manual is based on data available at the time of publication, and is supplemented and kept current by 

New Media Systems, Inc.. New Media Systems, Inc. has established a reputation for safe and reliable flight operations and this 

AFM demonstrates its commitment to this goal.

DESCRIPTION

The DJI Inspire 1 is a small and compact “flat four” multi-rotor unmanned aircraft (UA), an electric vertical takeoff and landing 

(VTOL) platform with superior stability in windy and turbulent flight conditions. It has an integrated gimbal and camera.

SPECIFICATIONS

AIRFRAME SPECIFICATIONS 

Diagonal Wheelbase ................. 581 mm

Dimensions ................................ 438 x 451 x 301 mm

Total Weight .............................. 2935 grams

MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS

Stator Size ................................. 35 mm x 10 mm

kV ............................................... 415

Weight ...................................... 108 grams

PROPELLER SPECIFICATIONS

Material ..................................... Nylon

Diameter ................................... 13” x 4.5”

FLIGHT PARAMETERS

Battery Capacity ........................ 4500 mAh

Battery Voltage ......................... 22.2 volts

Hovering Accuracy .................... Vertical: .5 M/Horizontal: 2.5 m

Hovering Time .......................... 18 minutes

Op. Environment Temp ........... -10°C to 40°C
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SECTION 2: LIMITATIONS

The DJI Inspire 1 must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to 

use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.

All flight operations must utilize a Visual Observer. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement, as long as the PIC 

always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times.

Flights must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures 

specified in the operator’s manual. 

Each flight of the DJI Inspire 1must be completed within 25 minutes flight time or with 25% battery power remaining, 

whichever occurs first.

The DJI Inspire 1 shall not be operated at night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual 

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

The DJI Inspire 1 cannot be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

FLIGHT LIMITATIONS 

Airspeed: ................................... 35 mph 

Max Crosswind:.......................... 10 mph

Max Yaw Angular Velocity.......... 150°/second

Max Tilt Angle:........................... 35°

Max Ascent Speed:.................... 20 feet/second

Max Descent Speed:.................. 7 feet/second

Operating Env. Temp:................ -10°C to 40°C

BRUSHLESS MOTOR LIMITATIONS

Motor Manufacturer:.................. DJI Innovations

Motor Model: ............................ DJI 3510

Maximum Current: ..................... 30 amps

Maximum Power: ...................... 180 watts

WEIGHT LIMITS

Aircraft Weight w/Batteries: ...... 2935 grams 
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POWER FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF

1. Throttle – DECREASE

2. Motors – STOP

3. UA Power – DISCONNECT

4. Auxiliary Power – DISCONNECT

5. Transmitter – OFF

POWER FAILURE DURING FLIGHT

1. Throttle – DECREASE

2. Land – IMMEDIATELY

3. Communicate – NOTIFY VO

4. Motors – STOP

5. UA Power – DISCONNECT

6. Auxiliary Power – DISCONNECT

7. Transmitter – OFF

SMOKE OR FIRE DURING START ON GROUND

1. Throttle – DECREASE

2. Motors – STOP

3. Communicate – DECLARE EMERGENCY

4. Fire Extinguisher - DISCHARGE

5. UA Power – DISCONNECT

6. Auxiliary Power – DISCONNECT

7. Transmitter – OFF

IN-FLIGHT SMOKE OR FIRE 

1. Throttle – DECREASE

2. Land - IMMEDIATELY

2. Motors – STOP

3. Fire Extinguisher - DISCHARGE

3. UA Power – DISCONNECT

4. Auxiliary Power – DISCONNECT

5. Transmitter – OFF

LOST LINK OR LOSS OF CONTROL

1. Mode – AUTO “RETURN TO HOME”

2. Communicate – NOTIFY VO

3. Landing – AUTO

4. UA Power – DISCONNECT

5. Auxiliary Power – DISCONNECT

6. Transmitter - OFF

LOSS OF VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT

1. Communicate – NOTIFY VO

If VO has also lost VLOS:

2. Mode – SWITCH TO “RETURN TO HOME”

3. Landing - AUTO 

4. UA Power – DISCONNECT

5. Auxiliary Power – DISCONNECT

6. Transmitter – OFF

LOSS OF ORIENTATION - PIC

1. Flight Controls – CENTER GIMBAL STICKS

2. Mode – SWITCH TO “HOME LOCK”

3. Communicate – NOTIFY VO

F. Navigate – FLY CRAFT TOWARDS PIC

LOSS OF ORIENTATION – VO

1. Communicate – CONFIRM WITH PIC

2. Flight Controls – CENTER GIMBAL STICKS

3. Mode – SWITCH TO “HOME LOCK”

4. Navigate – FLY CRAFT TOWARDS PIC

SECTION 3: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In-flight emergencies caused by component failures are extremely rare if proper preflight inspections and scheduled 

maintenance are practiced. A power failure may be caused by low battery voltage or capacity. A ground telemetry alarm should 

provide ample warning before this situation develops, unless a failure happens within the cells of the Lithium Polymer battery 

pack. 

Emergency landings are based on the nature of problem and available landing areas. Should an emergency arise, the term 

“land immediately” means the nearest clear area where a safe landing can be performed. The term “land as soon as practical” 

means that the landing site is one of the alternate landing sites designated in the “Plan of Activities.” 
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SECTION 4: NORMAL PROCEDURES

Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a 

condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance 

has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. 

The preflight inspection must account for all discrepancies, i.e. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not covered 

in the relevant preflight inspection sections of the operator’s manual. Any discrepancies that are found by the PIC must be 

documented in the manual.

The telemetry onscreen display (OSD) should be monitored during normal flight operations to verify GPS status, altitude, 

airspeed and distance from home.

Each UAS operation must be completed within 25 minutes flight time or with 25% battery power remaining, or whichever 

occurs first.

PREFLIGHT INSPECTION CHECKLIST 

1. Check the Aircraft Discrepancy Log to confirm there are no discrepancies.

2. Check the flight operations area to confirm it is clear of non-participating personnel.

3. Inspect the airframe, landing gear, and gimbal for signs of damage and loose fittings. 

4. Inspect the motors for smooth movement.

5. Inspect all propellers for chips, cracks, looseness and delamination.

6. Check the tightness and orientation of the propellers.

7. Ensure the camera is properly secured to the airframe.

8. Check the settings and power on the camera. 

9. Confirm the flight battery is fully charged and in good physical condition.

10. Install the battery pack into the airframe.

11. Confirm that the transmitter battery is fully charged.

12. Confirm the movement of the gimbals and switches on the transmitter.

13. Set the transmitter switches in their proper positions.

14. Power on transmitter and confirm battery charge capacity.

15. Check LED lights are indicating a “Power on Self-Test”.

16. Confirm LED lights are green and indicate GPS is “Ready to Fly”.

17. Power on the ground station.

18. Confirm the ground station indicates an altitude readout of approximately 0’.

19. Perform motor function and rotation tests.
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BEFORE STARTING MOTORS

1. Preflight Inspection – COMPLETE.

2. Operations Area – CLEAR AREA OF NON-PARTICIPATING PERSONNEL.

3. Transmitter Switches – CONFIRM POSITIONS.

4. GPS – CONFIRM SATELLITES LOCKED.

5. Telemetry – CONFIRM ALTITUDE AT ZERO AGL.

6. Communications – CONFIRM WITH VO

TAKE OFF

1. Announce – “CLEAR PROP.”

2. Motors – START.

3. Throttle – INCREASE TO ABOVE 50%.

4. Hover – STABLE FLIGHT @ 10 FEET AGL

5. Flight Check – CHECK CONTROL RESPONSE FOR PITCH, ROLL & YAW.

CRUISE

1. Battery Level – CONFIRM.

2. Altitude – CONFIRM BELOW 400 AGL.

3. Communications – ESTABLISHED WITH VO.

4. Maneuver – PREDETERMINED FLIGHT PATH

LANDING

1. Communicate – OPERATION COMPLETED.

2. Confirm – LAUNCH/LANDING AREA CLEAR.

3. Maneuver – RETURN TOWARD LAUNCH/LANDING AREA.

3. Throttle – DECREASE BELOW 50%.

4. Descend – STABLE DESCENT UNTIL TOUCHDOWN.

5. Motors – STOP

AFTER LANDING AND SHUTDOWN

1. Main Battery – DISCONNECT

2. AUX Power – DISCONNECT

3. Camera – OFF

4. Video Monitors – OFF

5. Transmitter – OFF

POST FLIGHT CHECKLIST

1. Check the temperature of the motors, and auxiliary components by carefully touching them with a bare hand.

2. Inspect the propellers for damage and clean them of dirt and debris.

3. Remove all battery packs and let them cool in a safe location.

4. Remove the camera from the airframe unless another flight is planned.

5. Inspect the airframe, landing gear, booms and camera.
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SECTION 5 – PERFORMANCE

Each UA operation must be completed within 25 minutes flight time or with 25% battery power remaining, whichever occurs 

first. The telemetry onscreen display (OSD) should be monitored during normal flight operations to verify voltage, altitude and 

airspeed. Monitoring the voltage is critical to determining the remaining capacity of the battery pack. The remaining battery 

pack voltage is directly proportional to the remaining power.

PERFORMANCE

Max Flight Endurance:..................25 minutes

Max Airspeed: ..............................35 mph

Max Crosswind: ............................10 mph

SECTION 6 - WEIGHT AND BALANCE

The maximum weight of the DJI Inspire1 must not exceed 2935 grams. The design of the multi-rotor and attached camera 

position ensures that the center of gravity is always near the center of the airframe. The gimbal and camera is permanently 

attached to the center of airframe and therefore the weight will not alter the CG.

WEIGHTS

Aircraft Weight w/Batteries: ........ 2935 grams

SECTION 7 - UA SYSTEMS

This section provides description and operation of the unmanned aircraft systems. Please refer to Section 8 supplements for 

details of all the systems provided by the manufacturer.

AIRFRAME

The DJI Inspire 1 is a flat four multi-rotor. The construction of the airframe is one piece molded ABS plastic and carbon 

fiber. The gimbal and camera are an integral part of the airframe.

SPECIFICATIONS

Diagonal wheelbase: ............. 581 mm

ELECTRIC MOTORS

The DJI Innovations MT3510 is a brushless outrunner. The DJI Inspire 1 has four (4) motors, two of which rotate clockwise 

and two rotate counter-clockwise.

SPECIFICATIONS

Number of motors:................. 4

Motor type: .......................... Brushless Outrunner

Motor Model Number: ......... DJI 3510

Motor KV/RPM: ..................... 415 kV

Motor Max Power: ................. 180 watts

Current Max: ......................... 30 amps
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FLIGHT CONTROLLER

The DJI Naza V2 flight controller is a complete stabilization system for multi-rotor platforms. The flight controller utilizes high 

quality gyros and sensors that are precisely calibrated with temperature compensation. 

PRECISE POSITION AND ALTITUDE HOLD

The DJI Naza V2 has very precise position hold and altitude lock in hovering in less than 10’ horizontal and 3’ vertical. Even in 

windy conditions, the flight controller is capable of maintaining the position of the multi-rotor.

MOTOR ARM/DISARM MODE

Increasing the throttle stick by itself will not start the motors; this is a safety feature. In order to start the motors, any one of 

the following four Combination Stick Commands (CSC) must be used.

The default setting to stop the motors is the “Immediately” mode. In this mode, the motors will stop immediately when the 

throttle stick is reduced below 10 percent.

Both Immediately Mode and Intelligent Mode are available in the Assistant Software. 

Intelligent Mode features different ways of stopping the motors. In the ATTI Mode or GPS Mode, any one of following four 

cases will stop motors:

-The throttle stick is not increased within three seconds after motors start.

-Executing Control Stick Command.

-Throttle stick under 10%, and 3 seconds after landing.

-The slope angle of multi-rotor is over 70°, and throttle stick under 10%.

FLIGHT CONTROL MODES

The DJI Naza V2 has three distinct flight control modes. Different control modes will give the multi-rotor different 

flight performances and it is important to understand the differences in order to properly perform troubleshooting and 

maintenance.

GPS Mode: Locks lateral position if GPS signal is adequate (More than 6 satellites locked)

ATTI. Mode: Only performs altitude stabilization. When GPS signal has been lost for 3 seconds, the system enters the 

ATTI Mode automatically.

Manual Mode: Performs no stabilization and no GPS position lock. This mode is NOT recommended.
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INTELLIGENT ORIENTATION CONTROL (IOC)

Normally, the forward direction of a multi-rotor is the same as the nose direction. By using IOC, the forward direction is 

independent of nose direction.

COURSE LOCK

In Course Lock flying, the forward direction is the same as a recorded nose direction. Course Lock can only be selected in ATTI 

Mode or GPS Mode.

HOME LOCK

In home lock flying, the forward direction is the same as the direction from home point to multi-rotor. Six or more GPS 

satellites must be found in GPS Mode, and the aircraft must be further than 10m from the home point in order for Home Lock 

to function.

RETURN TO HOME SWITCH

The DJI Naza has a new function allowing a dedicated Return To Home switch to be assigned on the transmitter. Having a 

switch that initiates a Return to Home in case of emergencies is a critical safety feature. 

ENHANCED FAIL-SAFE AND AUTO RETURN TO HOME/LANDING

Enhanced fail-safe is the feature to ensure that the multi-rotor will hover automatically if it loses RC signal. After losing the 

signal in a certain time period, DJI Naza V2 will calculate the safest way to return to the home position. The multi-rotor will 

hover over the GPS home point and land automatically. 

LOW VOLTAGE PROTECTIONS AND AUTO GO HOME

There are two levels of low voltage protection. All two level protections have LED warning as default. 

1) The first level is initiated when the battery drops below 30% and the LED will blink red slowly. 

2) If the battery capacity drops below 15%, the LED will blink red rapidly. Also, the Phantom 2 will begin to descend and land 

automatically. When an Auto Land is caused by low voltage, there is no hovering before landing.

FLIGHT LIMITS FUNCTION

An added safety feature of the flight controller in the Phantom 2 Vision+ is the ability to set flight limit of both altitude and 

distance. Configuration of these parameters is performed with the firmware while connected to a computer.

In addition, there are flight limits within special areas of the National Airspace System. The PIC should refer to the Phantom 2 

Vision+ User Manual and reference the DJI website for further details about this feature.

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLLER

The four (4) proprietary DJI Electronic Speed Controls (ESC) regulate the power to each brushless motor from the Sinusoidal 

Wave Signals generated in the Naza flight controller.
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COMMAND & CONTROL (C2)

The DJI Inspire 1 is controlled by an FCC Compliant multi-function wireless communication transmitter. The video downlink 

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

features a number of camera functions, such as taking photos and video, and controlling gimbal motions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Frequency: .............. 2.4 GHz

Transmitting Power (EIRP): ....... 100 mW - FCC Compliant

Communication Distance: ........ 2000 meters

Operating Current:................... 120 mA

Operating Voltage:................... 7.4 volts

Battery capacity:....................... 6000 mAh Rechargeable LiPo

TELEMETRY AND DATALINK

Telemetry and wireless datalink on the DJI Inspire 1 is integrated into the wireless transmitter device. The wireless 

communication device transmits both video and data on the FCC compliant 5.8 GHz frequency band and transmits to a 

Smartphone. 

LIGHTING SYSTEM

The DJI Inspire 1 is equipped with LED indicators that are powered by the main flight battery. The lights increase daytime 

visibility, orientation and communicate flight and battery conditions, warnings and errors. The PIC should refer to the Inspire 1 

User Manual to become completely familiar with all the LED indications.

SECTION 8 - SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 

This section contains the recommended procedures for maintenance and service of the DJI Inspire 1. It also identifies certain 

inspection and maintenance requirements that must be followed for the multi-rotor to retain its dependability and reliability. 

A Maintenance Logbook is located in the appendix of this Manual in order to properly document any major maintenance or 

alterations to the DJI Inspire 1.

AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION NUMBER

The maintenance logbook shall include the serial number and U.S Aircraft Registration Number that can be found on the 

airframe. 

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

As required by Federal Aviation Regulations, all civil aircraft of U. S. registry must undergo a complete inspection (annual) each 

twelve calendar months. In addition to the required ANNUAL inspection, aircraft operated commercially (for hire) must also 

have a complete aircraft inspection every 100 hours of operation. 

UA INSPECTION PERIODS

Given the fact that electric, small unmanned aircraft have limited flight endurance and short flight times, the Operator 

recommends a complete aircraft inspection every 1,000 CYCLES in addition to the required ANNUAL inspection. The 

Operator believes this increased inspection schedule will ensure the highest level of safety and reliability while conducting 

flight operations for the motion picture and television industry.
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SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UA to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a 

condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance 

has been performed and the UA is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The ground control station, if utilized, must be 

included in the preflight inspection. All discrepancies will be recorded in the Aircraft Discrepancy Logbook that is found in the 

Supplements section of this Manual.

All major maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft records. The Pilot In Command or operator 

will perform all maintenance or alterations on the DJI Inspire1 according to the procedures in the Manufacturer’s User Manual 

which is located in the Supplements section of this Manual. The following servicing and maintenance procedures should be 

performed in accordance with the above schedule.

Clean frame of any dust, debris, and adhesives

Inspect frame thoroughly for any cracks, nicks, scratches, and deformations.

Check all hardware screws for any damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Double-check tightness of each screw and ensure none are stripped.

Clean motors and bell housing from any dust or debris.

Inspect ESCs for any damage and protect wires with heat shrink.

Inspect all wiring and solder connections for any damage.

Inspect props thoroughly for any cracks, nicks, scratches, and deformations.

Inspect radio sticks and switches for damage, debris, and deformations.

Inspect radio housing and antenna for any damage.
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DJI	INSPIRE 1	DISCREPANCY	LOG

AIRCRAFT	N#

Date	Discovered: Discovered	By:	

Discrepancy:	

Corrective	Action:	

This	aircraft	was	repaired	in	accordance	with	the	operators	UA	maintenance	manual	and	is	approved	for	return	to	service.

Corrected	By: Functional	Flight	Test?	Yes	/No Date

Signature	of	PIC: 									

Date	Discovered: Discovered	By:	

Discrepancy:	

Corrective	Action:	

This	aircraft	was	repaired	in	accordance	with	the	operators	UA	maintenance	manual	and	is	approved for	return	to	service.

Corrected	By: Functional	Flight	Test?	Yes	/No Date

Signature	of	PIC: 									

Date	Discovered: Discovered	By:	

Discrepancy:	

Corrective	Action:	

This	aircraft	was	repaired	in	accordance	with	the	operators	UA	maintenance	manual	and	is	approved	for	return	to	service.

Corrected	By: Functional	Flight	Test?	Yes	/No Date

Signature	of	PIC: 									

DISCREPANCY LOG
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DJI INSPIRE 1

MAINTENANCE LOGBOOK

Date PIC MAINTENANCE

ISSUE

CORRECTIVE

ACTION

FLIGHT

TEST

UA TECH

SIGNATURE

RETURNED 

TO 

SERVICE

PIC

SIGNATURE

MAINTENANCE LOGBOOK