Using this manual Legends

Warning Important Hints and Tips Reference

Read Before the First Flight Read the following documents before using the Phantom 3 Professional:

1. In the Box 2. Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 3. Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide 4. 

Phantom 3 Professional / Advanced Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer 5. Phantom 3 Professional / 

Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines

We recommend that you watch all tutorial videos on the official DJI website and read the Disclaimer 

before you fly. Prepare for your first flight by reviewing the Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide 

and refer to the User Manual for more detailed information.

Video Tutorials Please watch the tutorial videos at the link below, which demonstrates how to use 

Phantom 3 Professional safely: http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3/video

Download the DJI Pilot app Download and install the DJI Pilot app before using the aircraft. Scan the QR 

code to the right to download the latest version. The Android version of the DJI Pilot app is compatible 

with Android 4.1.2 or later. The iOS version of the DJI Pilot app is compatible with iOS 8.0 or later.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 3

Contents Using this manual Legends 2 Read Before the First Flight 2 Video Tutorials 2 Download the 

DJI Pilot app 2

Product Profile Introduction 6 Feature Highlights 6 Preparing the Aircraft 7 Aircraft Diagram 8 

Remote Controller Diagram 8

Aircraft Flight Controller 11 Flight Mode 11 Flight Status Indicator 11 Return-to-Home (RTH) 12 

Smart RTH 12 Low Battery RTH 13 Failsafe RTH 14 Vision Positioning System 14 Flight Recorder 16 

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 16 DJI Intelligent Flight Battery 17

Remote Controller RemoteController Profile 23 Using the Remote Controller 23 

Remote Controller Status LED 27 Linking the Remote Controller 28 Remote Controller Compliance 

Version 29

4 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Camera and Gimbal 

CameraProfile 31 Gimbal 32

DJI Pilot App Camera 35 Director 38 Store 38 Discovery 38

Flight Flight Environment Requirements 40 Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones 40 Preflight

Checklist 44 Calibrating the Compass 44 Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing 45 Flight Test 

46 Starting/Stopping the Motors 46

Troubleshooting (FAQ) 

Appendix Specifications 53 Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) 55 FCC Compliance 56
© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 5

Product Profile This section introduces the Phantom 3 Professional and lists the components of the 

aircraft and remote controller.

6 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Product Profile

Product Profile Introduction The Phantom 3 Professional represents the next generation of DJI 

quadcopters. It is capable of capturing 4K video and transmitting an HD video signal out of the box. The 

built-in camera has an integrated gimbal to maximize stability while minimizing both weight and size. 

Even when no GPS signal is available, the Vision Positioning System allows the aircraft to hover 

accurately in place.

Feature Highlights Camera and Gimbal: With the Phantom 3 Professional, you’re shooting 4K video at up 

to 30 frames per second and capturing 12 megapixel photos that look crisper and cleaner than ever. An 

enhanced sensor gives you greater clarity, lower noise, and better pictures than any previous flying 

camera.

HD Video Downlink: The low-latency HD downlink is powered by an enhanced version of DJI Lightbridge. 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery: The 4480 mAh DJI Intelligent Flight Battery features upgraded battery cells 

and an advanced power management system.

Flight Controller: The next-generation flight controller has been updated to provide a safer, more 

reliable flight experience. A newly implemented flight recorder stores critical data from each flight and 

the Vision Positioning System enhances hovering precision when flying indoors or in environments 

where GPS is unavailable.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 7

Product Profile

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Preparing the Aircraft Removing Gimbal Clamp Remove the gimbal clamp by sliding it to the right (when 

facing the nose of the aircraft), as shown below.

Attaching the Propellers: Mount the propellers with black nuts on to motors with black axes and spin 

counter-clockwise to secure. Mount the propellers with grey nuts on to motors with gray axes and spin 

clockwise to secure. Be sure all propellers are securely in place.

Preparing the Remote Controller: Tilt the mobile device holder to the desired position, then adjust the 

antennas so they are facing outward. 1. Press the button on the top right side of the mobile device 

holder to release the clamp, then adjust the clamp to fit the size of your mobile device. 2. Secure your 

mobile device in the clamp by pressing down, and connect your mobile device to the remote controller 

using a USB cable. 3. Plug one end of the cable into the mobile device, and the other end into the USB 

port on the back of the remote controller.

Place all propellers onto the correct motors and tighten by hand to lock them in position.
1

3

2

8 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Product Profile

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Aircraft Diagram

Remote Controller Diagram

[1] Antennas Relays aircraft control and video signal. [2] Mobile Device Holder Securely mounts your 

mobile device to the remote controller. [3] Control Stick Controls the orientation and movement of the 

aircraft. [4] Return Home (RTH) Button Press and hold the button to initiate Return to Home (RTH).

[1] [2]

[4] [5][6] [7] [8] [3]

[1] GPS [2] Propeller [3] Motor [4] Front LED Indicator [5] Landing gear [6] Gimbal and Camera [7] 

Aircraft Micro-USB Port [8] Aircraft Status Indicator [9] Intelligent Flight Battery [10] Vision Positioning 

Sensors [11] Antennas [12] Camera Micro-SD Card Slot [13] Camera Micro-USB Port [14] Link Button

[1] [2] [3] [4]

[5][6]

[7]

[8]

[11]

[9] [10]

4K

[12]

[14] [13]

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 9

Product Profile

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

[5] Battery Level LEDs Displays the battery level of the remote controller. [6] Status LED Displays the 

remote controller's system status. [7] Power Button Used to turn the remote controller on and off. [8] 

RTH LED Circular LED around the RTH button displays RTH status. 
[17]

[19]

[18]

[9] Camera Settings Dial Turn the dial to adjust camera settings. (Only functions when the remote 

controller is connected to a mobile device running the DJI Pilot app. ) [10] Playback Button Playback the 

captured images or videos. (Only functions when the remote controller is connected to a mobile device 

running the DJI Pilot app.) [11] Shutter Button Press to take a photo. If burst mode is selected, the set 

number of photos will be taken with one press. [12] Flight Mode Switch Switch between P-mode, Amode, and F-mode. [13] Video Recording Button Press to start recording video. Press again to stop 

recording.

[14] Gimbal Dial Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. [15] Mircro-USB Port Connect to a SD card 

reader to upgrade the firmware. [16] USB Port Connect to mobile device or to a USB port for firmware 

upgrade.

[17] C1 Button Customizable through the DJI Pilot app. [18] C2 Button Customizable through the DJI Pilot 

app. [19] Power Port Connect to a power source to charge the battery of the remote controller.

[10]

[11]

[15] [16]

[9]

[12]

[13] [14]

10 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft This section introduces the features of the Flight Controller, Vision Positioning System, and the 

Intelligent Flight Battery

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 11

Aircraft

Flight Status Indicator The Phantom 3 Professional has Front LEDs and Aircraft Status Indicators. The 

positions of these LEDs are shown in the figure below:

The Front LEDs show the orientation of the aircraft. The Front LEDs glow solid red when the aircraft is 

turned on to indicate the front (or nose) of the aircraft. The Aircraft Status Indicators communicate the 

system status of the flight controller. Refer to the table below for more information about the Aircraft 

Status Indicators:

Aircraft Flight Controller The Phantom 3 Professional’s flight controller features several important 

upgrades, including a new flight mode. Safety modes include Failsafe and Return-to-Home. These 
features ensure the safe return of your aircraft if the control signal is lost. The flight controller can also 

save critical flight data from each flight to the on-board storage device. Flight Mode Three flight modes 

are available. The details of each flight mode are found below: P-mode (Positioning) : P-mode works 

best when GPS signal is strong. There are three different states of P-mode, which will be automatically 

selected by the Phantom 3 Professional depending on signal strength of GPS and Vision Positioning 

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

P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but the GPS signal strength is not sufficient. The aircraft is using 

only the Vision Positioning System for positioning. P-ATTI: Neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is 

available. The aircraft is using only its barometer for positioning, so only altitude can be stabilized. Amode (Attitude): GPS and Vision Positioning System are not used for stabilization. The aircraft only uses 

its barometer. The aircraft can still automatically return to the home point if the control signal is lost and 

the Home Point was recorded successfully. F-mode (Function): Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) is 

activated in this mode. For more information about IOC, refer to the IOC section in the Appendix. Use 

the Flight Controller mode switch to change the flight mode of the aircraft, refer to the “Flight Mode 

Switch” on P26 for more information. 

Front LED

Aircraft Status Indicator

12 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Aircraft Status Indicator Description

Normal

 Red, Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively 

Turning On and Self-Checking

 Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Aircraft Warming Up Green Flashes Slowly Safe to Fly (P-mode 

with GPS and Vision Positioning) X2 Green Flashes Twice Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Positioning but 

without GPS) Yellow Flashes Slowly Safe to Fly (A-mode but No GPS and Vision Positioning) Warning 

Fast Yellow Flashing Remote Controller Signal Lost Slow Red Flashing Low Battery Warning Fast Red 

Flashing Critical Battery Warning Red Flashing Alternatively IMU Error — Solid Red Critical Error Red

and Yellow Flash Alternatively Compass Calibration Required

Return-to-Home (RTH) The Return-to-Home (RTH) function brings the aircraft back to the last recorded 

Home Point. There are three types of RTH procedure: Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH. 

This section describes these three scenarios in detail. GPS Description

Home Point

If a strong GPS signal was acquired before takeoff, the Home Point is the location from which the aircraft 

was launched. The GPS signal strength is indicated by the GPS icon ( ). The aircraft status indicator will 

blink rapidly when the home point is recorded.
Smart RTH Use the RTH button on the remote controller (refer to “RTH button” on page 26 for more 

information) or tap the RTH button in the DJI Pilot app when GPS is available to initiate Smart RTH. The 

aircraft will then automatically return to the last recorded Home Point. You may use the remote 

controller’s control sticks to control the aircraft’s position to avoid a collision during the Smart RTH 

process. Press and hold the Smart RTH button once to start the process, and press the Smart RTH button 

again to terminate the procedure and regain full control of the aircraft.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 13

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Battery Level Warning Remark Aircraft Status Indicator DJI Pilot app Flight Instructions

Low battery level warning

The battery power is low. Please land the aircraft.

Aircraft status indicator blinks RED slowly.

Tap “Go-home” to have the aircraft return to the Home point and land automatically, or “Cancel” to 

resume normal flight. If no action is taken, the aircraft will automatically go home and land after 10 

seconds. Remote controller will sound an alarm.

Fly the aircraft back and land it as soon as possible, then stop the motors and replace the battery. 

Critical Low battery level warning

The aircraft must land immediately.

Aircraft status indicator blinks RED quickly.

The DJI Pilot app display will flash red and the aircraft will start to descend. The remote controller will 

sound an alarm.

Allow the aircraft to descend and land automatically.

Estimated remaining flight time

Estimated remaining flight based on current battery level.

N/A N/A N/A

Low Battery RTH The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is 

depleted to a point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or 

land the aircraft immediately when prompted. The DJI Pilot app will display a notice when a low battery 

warning is triggered. The aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is taken after a 

ten-second countdown. The user can cancel the RTH procedure by pressing the RTH button on the 

remote controller. The thresholds for these warnings are automatically determined based on the 

aircraft’s current altitude and distance from the Home Point.
The aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support the aircraft long enough 

to descend from its current altitude. The user can still use the remote controller to alter the aircraft’s 

orientation during the landing process.

The Battery Level Indicator is displayed in the DJI Pilot app, and is described below:

Battery level Indicator

Critical Low battery level warning(Red)

Low battery level warning(Yellow)

Sufficient battery level(Green)

Remaining flight time

Power requires to return home

14 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

The aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH, therefore, it is important to set an 

suitable Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch the DJI Pilot app and enter “Camera” and select 

“MODE” to set the Failsafe altitude. The aircraft will stop its ascent and return to the Home Point 

immediately if the throttle stick is moved during the Failsafe RTH procedure.

Failsafe RTH If the Home Point was successfully recorded and the compass is functioning normally, 

Failsafe RTH will be automatically activated if the remote controller signal is lost for more than three 

seconds. The Returnto-Home process may be interrupted and the operator may regain control of the 

aircraft if the remote controller signal connection is re-established. Failsafe Illustration 

When the Critical battery level warning is triggered and the aircraft begins to land automatically, you 

may push the throttle upward to make the aircraft hover at its current altitude, giving you an 

opportunity to navigate to a more appropriate landing location. The colored zones and markers on the 

battery level indicator bar reflect the estimated remaining flight time. They are automatically adjusted 

according to the aircraft’s current location and status.

Height over HP<=20m

Vision Positioning System The DJI Vision Positioning System uses ultrasound and image data to help the 

aircraft maintain its current position. With the help of Vision Positioning, your Phantom 3 Professional 

can hover in place more precisely and fly indoors or in other environments where a GPS signal is not 

available. The main components of the Vision Positioning System are located on the bottom of your 

Phantom 3 Professional; they include two ultrasonic sensors and one monocular camera.

[1] [2]

5 RTH (adjustable altitude)
Fast Blinking Yellow

1 Record Home Point 

Blinking Green

3 Remote Controller Signal Lost

Fast Blinking Yellow

2 Confirming Home Point

Blinking Green

6 Landing (after hovering for 5 secs)

Fast Blinking Yellow

4 Signal Lost Lasts (afer 3 sec.)

Fast Blinking Yellow

Height over HP>20m Elevate to 20m20m

>3S ×

×

× ×

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 15

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Using Vision Positioning Vision Positioning is activated automatically when the Phantom 3 Professional is 

turned on. No further action is required. Vision Positioning is typically used in indoor environments, 

where GPS is unavailable. Using the sensors that are built into the Vision Positioning system, the 

Phantom 3 Professional can hover precisely even without GPS.

The performance of your Vision Positioning System is affected by the surface over which it is flying. The 

ultrasonic sensors may not be able to accurately measure distances when operating above soundabsorbing materials. In addition, the camera may not function correctly in suboptimal environments. 

The aircraft will switch from P-mode to A-mode automatically if neither GPS nor Vision Positioning 

System are available. Operate the aircraft with great caution in the following situations: Flying over 

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

surfaces. Flying at high speeds(over 8 m/s at 2 meters or over 4 m/s at 1 meter). Flying over water or 

transparent surfaces. Flying over moving surfaces or objects. Flying in an area where the lighting 

changes frequently or drastically. Flying over extremely dark (lux < 10) or bright (lux > 100,000) 

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

without clear patterns or texture. Flying over surfaces with identical repeating patterns or textures (e.g. 

tiles with same design). Flying over inclined surfaces that will deflect sound waves away from the 
aircraft. Keep the sensors clean at all times. Dirt or other debris may adversely affect the effectiveness 

of the sensors. Vision Positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitudes of 0 to 3 meters. The 

Vision Positioning System may not function properly when the aircraft is flying over water. The Vision 

Positioning System may not be able to recognize pattern on the ground in low light conditions (less than 

100 lux). Do not use other ultrasonic devices with frequency of 40 KHz when Vision Positioning system is 

in operation. Vision Positioning System may not be able to stabilize the aircraft when flying close to the 

ground (below 0.5 meters) in fast speed.

Follow the steps below to use Vision Positioning: 1. Toggle the flight mode switch to P-mode. 2. Place 

the aircraft on a flat surface. Note that the Vision Positioning system cannot work properly on surfaces 

without clear pattern variations. 3. Turn on the aircraft. The aircraft status indicator will flash green two 

times, which indicates the Vision Positioning system is ready. Gently push the throttle up to lift off and 

the aircraft will hover in place.

16 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Flight Recorder Flight data is automatically recorded to the internal storage of the aircraft. This includes 

flight telemetry, aircraft status information, and other parameters. Access these data from the DJI Pilot 

app through the Micro-USB Port on the aircraft. 

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers Use only DJI approved propellers with your Phantom 3 

Professional. The grey and black nuts on the propeller indicate where they should be attached and in 

which direction whey should spin. To attach the propellers properly, match the nut color with the motor 

axis color. 

Propellers Grey Nut Black Nut Figure Attach On Motors with a grey axes Motors with a black axes 

Legends Lock : Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to mount and tighten. Unlock : Turn the 

propellers in the indicated direction to loosen and remove.

Attaching the Propellers 1. Attach the propellers with grey nuts onto the motors with grey axes and spin 

the propellers clockwise to secure them in place. Attach the propellers with black nuts onto the motors 

with black axes and spin the propellers counter-clockwise to secure them in place. Be sure to tighten 

each propeller by hand before flight. 

Keep the animals away from the aircraft when Vision Positioning system is activated. The sonar sensor 

emits high frequency sound that is only audible to some animals.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 17

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Ensure propellers are attached to its corresponding motors, otherwise the aircraft cannot take off. 

Wear gloves when handling propellers. Hand tighten each of the propellers on the corresponding 

motors to ensure it is attached firmly.
Detaching the Propellers Hold the motor in place with one hand, then spin the propeller in the indicated 

unlock direction. Check that the propellers and motors are installed correctly and firmly before every 

flight. Ensure that all propellers are in good condition before each flight. DO NOT use aged, chipped, or 

broken propellers. To avoid injury, STAND CLEAR of and DO NOT touch propellers or motors when they 

are spinning. ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience. 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery has a capacity of 4480 mAh, a voltage of 

15.2 V, and a smart charge/ discharge functionality. It should only be charged using an appropriate 

charger that has been approved by DJI.

Intelligent Flight Battery

Charger

The Intelligent Flight Battery must be fully charged before using it for the first time. Refer to "Charging 

the Intelligent Flight Battery" for more information. Be aware that the output power of the supplied 

Phantom 3 Professional charger is 100W. 

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Functions 1. Battery Level Display: the LED indicators display the current 

battery level. 2. Battery Life Display: the LEDs display the current battery power cycle. 3. AutoDischarging Function: To prevent swelling, the battery automatically discharges to below 65% of total 

power when it is idle for more than ten days. It takes around two days to discharge the battery to 65%. 

It is normal to feel moderate heat being emitted from the battery during the discharge process. 

Discharge thresholds can be set in the DJI Pilot app. 4. Balanced Charging: Automatically balances the 

voltage of each battery cell when charging. 5. Overcharge Protection: Charging automatically stops 

when the battery is fully charged. 6. Temperature Detection: The battery will only charge when the 

temperature is between 0°C (32°F) and 40°C (104°F). 7. Over Current Protection: The battery stops 

charging when high amperage (more than 8 A) is detected. 8. Over Discharge Protection: To prevent 

over-discharge damage, discharging automatically stops when the battery voltage reaches 12 V. 9. Short 

Circuit Protection: Automatically cuts the power supply when a short circuit is detected.

18 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Using the Battery 

Turning ON/OFF Turning On: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to 

turn on. The Power LED will turn red and the Battery Level Indicators will display the current battery 

level. Turning Off: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to turn off.

Low Temperature Notice: 1. Battery capacity is significantly reduced when flying in low temperature (< 

0°C) environments. 2. It is not recommended that the battery be used in extremely low temperature (< -

10°C) environments. Battery voltage should reach the appropriate level when operating environment 

with temperatures between -10°C and 5°C. 3. End the flight as soon as the DJI Pilot app displays the 

“Low Battery Level Warning” in low temperature environments. 4. Keep the battery indoors to warm it 

before flying in low temperature environments. 5. To ensure optimal performance of the battery, keep 
the battery temperature above 20°C. 6. The charger will stop charging the battery if the battery cell’s 

temperature is not within the operating range (0°C ~ 40°C ).

In cold environments, insert the battery into the battery compartment and allow the aircraft for 

approximately 1-2 minutes to warm up before taking off.

Checking the Battery Level The Battery Level Indicators display how much power remains. When the 

battery is turned off, press the Power Button once. The Battery Level Indicators will light up to display 

the current battery level. See below for details.

LED1 LED2

Battery Level Indicators

LED3 LED4 Power Button (Bulit-in LED)

10. Battery Cell Damage Protection: DJI Pilot app displays a warning message when a damaged battery 

cell is detected. 11. Battery Error History: Browse the battery error history in the DJI Pilot app. 12. Sleep 

Mode: To save power, the battery enters sleep mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. 13. Communication: 

Information pertaining to the battery’s voltage, capacity, current, etc. is transmitted to the aircraft’s 

main controller.

Refer to Phantom 3 Professional / Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines before use. 

Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 19

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

The Battery Level Indicators will also show the current battery level during charging and discharging. The 

indicators are defined below. : LED is on. : LED is flashing. : LED is off. Battery Level LED1 LED2 LED3 

LED4 Battery Level 87.5%~100% 75%~87.5% 62.5%~75% 50%~62.5% 37.5%~50% 25%~37.5% 

12.5%~25% 0%~12.5% =0%

Battery life Battery life refers to how many more times the battery can be discharged and recharged 

before it must be replaced. When the battery is turned off, press and hold the Power Button for 5 

seconds to check the battery life. The Battery Level Indicators will light up and/or blink for two seconds, 

as shown below: Battery Life LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Life 90%~100% 80%~90% 70%~80% 

60%~70% 50%~60% 40%~50% 30%~40% 20%~30% below 20%

When battery life reaches 0%, it can no longer be used. For more information about the battery, launch 

the DJI Pilot app and check the information that is listed under the battery tab.

20 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

ChargerIntelligent Flight Battery Power Outlet
Battery Level Indicators While Charging LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Battery Level 0%~25% 25%~50% 

50%~75% 75%~100% Fully Charged

Battery Protection LED Display The table below shows battery protection mechanisms and 

corresponding LED patterns. 

Battery Level Indicators while Charging LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Blinking Pattern Battery Protection Item 

LED2 blinks twice per second Over current detected LED2 blinks three times per second Short circuit 

detected LED3 blinks twice per second Over charge detected LED3 blinks three times per second Overvoltage charger detected LED4 blinks twice per second Charging temperature is too low LED4 blinks 

three times per second Charging temperature is too high 

Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery 1. Connect the Battery Charger to a power source (100-240 V 

50/60 Hz). 2. Open the Protection Cap and connect the Intelligent Flight Battery to the Battery Charger. 

If the battery level is above 95%, turn on the battery before charging. 3. The Battery Level Indicator will 

display the current battery level as it is charging. 4. The Intelligent Flight Battery is fully charged when 

the Battery Level Indicators are all off. 5. Air-cool the Intelligent Flight Battery after each flight. Allow its 

temperature to drop to room temperature before storing it for an extended period. Do not charge the 

Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller with standard charger at the same time, otherwise the 

charger may overheat. Always turn off the battery before inserting it or removing it from the Phantom 3 

Professional. Never insert or remove a battery when it is turned on.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 21

Aircraft

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

After these issues are resolved, press the Power Button to turn off the Battery Level Indicator. Unplug 

the Intelligent Flight Battery from the charger and plug it back in to resume charging. Note that you do 

not need to unplug and plug in the charger in the event of a room temperature error; the charger will 

resume charging when the temperature is within the allowable range.

DJI does not take any responsibility for damage caused by third-party chargers. How to discharge your 

Intelligent Flight Battery: Slow : Place the Intelligent Flight Battery into the Phantom 3 Professional’s 

Battery Compartment and turn it on. Leave it on until there is less than 8% of power left, or until the 

battery can no longer be turned on. Launch the DJI Pilot app to check battery levels. Rapid : Fly the 

Phantom 3 Professional outdoors until there is less than 8% of power left, or until the battery can no 

longer be turned on.

22 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller This section describes the features of the remote controller and includes instructions 

for controlling the aircraft and the camera.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 23

Remote Controller
Remote Controller Remote Controller Profile The Phantom 3 Professional remote controller is 

a multi-function wireless communication device that integrates the video downlink system and aircraft 

remote control system. The video downlink and aircraft remote control system operate at 2.4 GHz. The 

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

and videos, as well as controlling gimbal motion. The remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable 

battery. The battery level is displayed via LED indicators on the front panel of the remote controller. 

Compliance Version: The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC regulations. Operating 

Mode: Control can be set to Mode 1 or Mode 2, or to a custom mode. Mode 1: The right stick serves as 

the throttle. Mode 2: The left stick serves as the throttle.

To prevent transmission interference, do not operate more than three aircrafts in the same area.

Using the Remote Controller Turning the Remote Controller On and Off The Phantom 3 Professional 

remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery that has a capacity of 6000 mAh. The battery 

level is indicated via the Battery Level LEDs on the front panel. Follow the steps below to turn on your 

remote controller: 1. When the remote controller is turned off, press the Power Button once. The 

Battery Level LEDs will display the current battery level. 2. Press and hold the Power Button to turn on 

the remote controller. 3. The remote controller will beep when it is turned on. The Status LED will 

rapidly blink green, indicating that the remote controller is linking to the aircraft. The Status LEDs will 

glow solid green when linking is complete. 4. Repeat Step 2 to turn off the remote controller. 

Charging the Remote Controller Charge the remote controller using the included charger. Refer to the 

figure below for more details.

24 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Charger

Power Outlet

Power Button Controlling the Camera Shoot videos/pictures, view recorded images, and adjust camera 

settings via the Shutter Button, Camera Settings Dial, Playback Button, and Video Recording Button on 

the remote controller.

[1] Camera Settings Dial Turn the dial to adjust camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture 

without letting go of the remote controller. Move the dial to left or right to scroll through pictures and 

videos in playback mode.

[2] Playback Button Press to view images and videos that have already been captured.

[3] Shutter Button Press to take a photo. If burst mode is activated, multiple photos will be taken with a 

single press.

[4] Video Recoding Button Press once to start recording video, then press again to stop recording. 

[5] Gimbal Dial Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal. 
Controlling Aircraft This section explains how to control the orientation of the aircraft through the 

remote controller. The Remote Control is set to Mode 2 by default. 

[1] [2]

[3]

[4] [5]

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 25

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Stick Neutral/Mid-Point: Control sticks are in the center position. Moving the Control Stick: The control 

stick is pushed away from the center position.

Remote Controller (Mode 2)

Aircraft ( Indicates Nose Direction) Remarks Moving the left stick up and down changes the aircraft’s 

elevation. Push the stick up to ascend and down to descend. When both sticks are centered, the 

Phantom 3 Professional will hover in place. The more the stick is pushed away from the center position, 

the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will change elevation. Always push the stick gently to prevent 

sudden and unexpected elevation changes. Moving the left stick to the left or right controls the rudder 

and rotation of the aircraft. Push the sick left to rotate the aircraft counterclockwise, push the stick right 

to rotate the aircraft clockwise. If the stick is centered, the Phantom 3 Professional will maintain its 

current orientation. The more the stick is pushed away from the center position, the faster the Phantom 

3 Professional will rotate. Moving the right stick up and down changes the aircraft’s forward and 

backward pitch. Push the stick up to fly forward and down to fly backward. Phantom 3 Professional will 

hover in place if the stick is centered. Push the stick further away from the center position for a larger 

pitch angle (maximum 30 ̊) and faster flight. Moving the right stick control left and right changes the 

aircraft’s left and right pitch. Push left to fly left and right to fly right. The Phantom 3 Professional will 

hover in place if the stick is centered. Gimbal Dial: Turn the dial to the right, and the camera will shift to 

point upwards. Turn the dial to the left, and the camera will shift to point downwards. The camera will 

remain in its current position when dial is static. 

26 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Position Figure Flight Mode Position 1 F-mode Position 2 A-mode Position 3 P-mode

Flight Mode Switch Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode. You may choose between; Pmode, F-mode and A- mode. Position 1 

Position 2 

Position 3 
P-mode (Positioning): P-mode works best when the GPS signal is strong. There are three different 

versions of P-mode, which will be automatically selected by the Phantom 3 Professional depending on 

GPS signal strength and the Vision Positioning sensors: P-GPS: GPS and Vision Positioning both are 

available; the aircraft is using GPS for positioning. P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but a sufficient 

GPS signal is not available. Aircraft is using only Vision Positioning for position holding. P-ATTI: Neither 

GPS nor Vision Positioning is available, the aircraft is using only its barometer for positioning, so only 

altitude is maintained. A-mode (Attitude): GPS and Vision Positioning System are not used for 

stabilization. The aircraft uses only its barometer to stabilize. The aircraft can automatically return to the 

Home Point if remote controller signal is lost and the Home Point was recorded successfully. F-mode 

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

IOC, refer to the IOC section in the Appendix. By default, the Flight Mode Switch is locked to P-mode. To 

unlock other flight modes, launch the DJI Pilot app, enter the “Camera” page, and tap “Mode”, then 

activate “Multiple Flight Mode”. RTH Button Press and hold the RTH button to start the Return-to-Home 

(RTH) procedure. The LED ring around the RTH Button will blink white to indicate that the aircraft is 

entering RTH mode. The aircraft will then return to the last recorded Home Point. Press this button 

again to cancel the RTH procedure and regain control of the aircraft.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 27

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

Connecting Your Mobile Device Tilt the mobile device holder to the desired position. Press the button on 

the side of the mobile device holder to release the clamp, and then place your mobile device into the 

cradle. Adjust the clamp down to secure the mobile device. To connect your mobile device to the 

remote controller using a USB cable, plug one end of the cable into your mobile device and the other 

end into the USB port on the back of the remote controller.

Optimal Transmission Range The transmission signal between the aircraft and the remote controller is 

most reliable within the area that is depicted in the image below:

Optimal Transmission Range

Ensure that the aircraft is flying within the optimal transmission zone. To achieve the best transmission 

performance, maintain the appropriate relationship between the operator and the aircraft.

Remote Controller Status LED The Status LED reflects the strength of the connection between the

remote controller and the aircraft. The RTH LED indicates the Return-to-Home status of the aircraft. The 

table below contains more information about these indicators.

RTH LED

Status LED

strong weak

28 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Remote Controller
Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Status LED Alarm Remote Controller Status — Solid Red Chime The remote controller is disconnected 

from the aircraft. — Solid Green Chime The remote controller is connected to the aircraft. Slow 

Blinking Red D-D-D...... Remote controller error. / Red and Green/ Red and Yellow Alternate Blinks None 

HD downlink is disrupted. RTH LED Sound Remote Controller Status — Solid White Chime Aircraft is 

returning home. Blinking White D . . . Sending Return-to-Home command to the aircraft. Blinking White 

DD .. .. .. Return-to-Home procedure in progress. The Remote Status Indicator will blink red, sound an 

alert, when the battery level is critically low. 

Linking the Remote Controller The remote controller is linked to your aircraft before delivery. Linking is 

only required when using a new remote controller for the first time. Follow these steps to link a new 

remote controller:

1. Turn on the remote controller and connect to the mobile device. Launch DJI Pilot app. 2. Turn on the 

Intelligent Flight Battery. 3. Enter “Camera” and tap on and then tap “Linking RC” button as shown 

below. 

RC Control Setting

RC Calibration Stick Mode

Not DefinedC1 C2 Not Defined

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. Do not 

change unless familiar with your new mode.

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back of the RC.

Linking RC

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 29

Remote Controller

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

The remote controller will un-link itself from an aircraft if a new remote controller is linked to the same 

aircraft.

Remote Controller Compliance Version The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC 

requirements. 

Link Button

RC Control Setting

RC Calibration Stick Mode

Not DefinedC1 C2 Not Defined

Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled. Do not 

change unless familiar with your new mode.
You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back of the RC.

Linking RC

Searching for aircraft frequency, timeout in 54 seconds

Cancel

Press the linking button on the aircraft to link this remote controller

5. Locate the linking button on the side of the aircraft, as shown in the figure shown below. Press the 

linking button to start linking. The Remote Controller Status Indicator will display solid green once the 

remote controller is successfully linked to the aircraft.

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

is emitted.

30 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Camera and Gimbal This section provides the technical specifications of the camera and explains the 

gimbal’s operation modes.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 31

Gimbal Camera

Camera and Gimbal Camera Profile The on-board camera uses the 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor to 

capture video (up to 4096x2160p at 24fps with the Phantom 3 Professional) and 12 megapixel stills. You 

may export the video in either MOV or MP4 format. Available picture shooting modes include burst, 

continuous, and time-lapse mode. A live preview of what the camera sees can be monitored on the 

connected mobile device via the DJI Pilot app. 

Camera Micro-SD Card Slot To store your photos and videos, insert the Micro-SD card into the slot, as 

shown below, before turning on the Phantom 3 Professional. The Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 

16 GB Micro-SD card and supports Micro-SD cards up to 64 GB. A UHS-1 Micro-SD card is recommended 

due to their fast read and write time, which will allow you to save high-resolution video data.

Do not remove the Micro-SD card from the Phantom 3 Professional when it is turned on.

Camera Data Port Turn on the Phantom 3 Professional and connect a USB cable to the Camera Data Port 

to download photos and videos to your computer.

Turn on the aircraft before attempting to access the files on the Micro-SD card.

32 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Gimbal Camera

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Camera Operation Use the Shutter and Video Recording button on the remote controller to shoot the 

images or the videos through the DJI Pilot app. For more information about how to use these buttons, 

refer to “Controlling the Camera P24”. 
Gimbal Gimbal Profile The 3-axis gimbal provides a steady platform for the attached camera, allowing 

you to capture clear, stable images and video. The gimbal can tilt the camera within a 120 ̊ range.

Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the tilt movement of the camera. 

Gimbal Operation Modes Two gimbal operation modes are available. Switch between the different 

operation modes on the camera settings page of the DJI Pilot app. Note that your mobile device must be 

connected to the remote controller for changes to take effect. Refer to the table below for details:

Follow Mode The angle between gimbal’s orientation and aircraft’s nose remains constant at all times. 

FPV Mode The gimbal will synchronize with the movement of the aircraft to provide a first-person 

perspective flying experience. 

 

A gimbal motor error may occur in these situations: (1) the aircraft is placed on uneven ground or the 

gimbal’s motion is obstructed (2) the gimbal has been subjected to an excessive external force, such as a 

collision. Please take off from flat, open ground and protect the gimbal at all times. Flying in heavy fog 

or clouds may make the gimbal wet, leading to temporary failure. The gimbal will recover full 

functionality after it dries.

 

-90°

0°

30°

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 33

Gimbal Camera

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

2

1

3

Anti-Drop Kit The anti-drop kit helps keep the gimbal and camera connected to the aircraft. Two pins 

have been mounted prior to shipping. If new or additional pins are required, see the diagram below. 

Press Part 1through the hole of the vibration absorber and into the center hole of Part 2, then lock 

them together as shown 3. Mounting the anti-drop kit pins diagonally from each other is 

recommended. 

34 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App This section introduces the four main functions of the DJI Pilot app.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 35
DJI Pilot App 

DJI Pilot App The DJI Pilot app is a mobile application designed specifically for the Phantom 3 

Professional. Use this app to control the gimbal, camera, and other aircraft functions. The app also 

features Map, Academy, and User Center, which are used for configuring your aircraft and sharing your 

photos and videos with others. It is recommended that you use a tablet for the best experience.

Camera The Camera page contains a live HD video feed from the Phantom 3 Professional’s camera. You 

can also configure various camera parameters from the Camera page. 

United States Mountain View

CAMERA STORE DISCOVERY DIRECTOR 

Safe to Fly (GPS)M ODE CL P-GPS

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

1/320 4821 JPEGISO 100 EV 0

[14]

[13]

[10]

[9]

[8][ 7][ 6][5][4][ 3][ 2][1]

[17] [16]

[15]

[11][12]

36 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

[1] Flight Mode : The text next to this icon indicates the current flight mode. Tap to configure the MC 

(Main Controller) Settings. These settings allow you to modify flight limits, perform compass calibration, 

and set the gain values. 

[2] GPS Signal Strength : This icon shows the current strength of GPS signals. Green bars indicates 

adequate GPS strength. 

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

the IOC settings menu and select the desired IOC setting.

[4] System Status : This icon indicates the current aircraft system status and GPS signal strength.
[5] Battery Level Indicator : The battery level indicator provides a dynamic display of the battery level. 

The colored zones on the battery level indicator represent the power levels needed to carry out 

different functions.

[6] Remote Controller Signal : This icon shows the strength of remote controller signal.

[7] HD Video Link Signal Strength : This icon shows the strength of the HD video downlink connection 

between the aircraft and the remote controller.

[8] Battery Level : This icon shows the current battery level.

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

battery warning history.

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

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

flight route display.

[10] Camera Operation Bar Shutter and Recording Settings : Tap to enter various camera value 

settings, that including color space for the recording, size of the video files, image size and so on. 

 Shutter : Tap this button to take a single photo. Press and hold this button to select single shooting, 

triple shot or time-lapsed shooting mode.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 37

DJI Pilot App 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

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

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

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

[11] Vision Positioning : This ic on shows the distance between the surface and the Vision Positioning 

System’s sensors.

[12] Flight Telemetry

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

Flight attitude is indicated by the flight attitude icon. (1) The red arrow shows which direction the 

aircraft is facing. (2) Light blue and dark blue areas indicate pitch. (3) The angle of the boundary 

between the light blue and dark blue areas indicates the roll angle.

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

GUI.

[14] Return to Home (RTH) : Initiate RTH home procedure. Tap to have the aircraft return to the last 

recorded home point.
[15] Auto Takeoff/Landing / : Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing.

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

38 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

DJI Pilot App 

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

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

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

number of clips, which are automatically combined to create a short film that can be shared 

immediately.

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

and easily buy new products.

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

status in "Discovery". Use your registered DJI account to login to "Discovery".

[16] Livestream : Livestream icon indicates the current video feed is broadcasting live on YouTube. Be 

sure the mobile data service is available on the mobile device. 

[17] Back : Tap to return to the main GUI.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 39

Flight This section describes safe flight practices and flight restrictions.

40 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

Flight Once pre-flight preparation is complete, it is recommended that you use the flight simulator in the 

DJI Pilot app to hone your flight skills and practice flying safely. Ensure that all flights are carried out in 

an open area.

Flight Environment Requirements 1. Do not use the aircraft in severe weather conditions. These include 

wind speed exceeding 10 m/s , snow, rain and smog. 2. Only fly in open areas. Tall structures and large 

metal structures may affect the accuracy of the onboard compass and GPS system. 3. Avoid obstacles, 

crowds, high voltage power lines, trees, and bodies of water. 4. Minimize interference by avoiding areas 

with high levels of electromagnetism, including base stations and radio transmission towers. 5. Aircraft 

and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and temperature.Be 

very careful when flying at altitudes greater than 19, 685 feet (6000 meters) above sea level, as the 

performance of the battery and aircraft may be affected. 6. The Phantom 3 Professional cannot operate 

within the polar areas.

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones All unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators should abide by all 

regulations set forth by government and regulatory agencies including the ICAO and the FAA. For safety 

reasons, flights are limited by default, which helps users operate this product safely and legally. Flight
limitations include height limits, distance limits, and No-Fly Zones. When operating in P-mode, height 

limits, distance limits, and No-Fly Zones function concurrently to manage flight safety. In A-mode, only 

height limits are in effect, which by default prevent the aircraft altitude from exceeding 1640 feet (500 

m) .

Maximum flight altitude& Radius Limits Maximum flight altitude and radius limits may be 

changed in the DJI Pilot app. Be aware that the maximum flight altitude cannot exceed 1640 feet (500 

meters). In accordance with these settings, your Phantom 3 Professional will fly in a restricted cylinder, 

as shown below: 

Maximum Flight Altitude Max Radius

Home Point Height of aircraft when turned on

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 41

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

GPS Signal Weak Blinking Yellow Flight Limits DJI Pilot app Aircraft Status Indicator Maximum Flight 

Altitude Height is restricted to 400 feet. (120m) and under. Warning: Height limit reached. None. Max 

Radius No limits

If you fly out of the limit, you can still control the Inspire, but cannot fly it any father. If the Inspire flies 

out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back within range automatically. 

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

Zones are divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and flying field 

where manned aircraft operate at low altitudes. Restricted Areas include border lines between countries 

or sensitive institute. The details of the No-Fly Zones are explained as follow:

Airport (1) Airport No-Fly Zone are comprised of Take-off Restricted zones and Restricted -Altitude Zone. 

Each zone features circles of various size. (2) R1 miles (value of the R1 depends on the size and shape of 

the airport) around the airport is Take-off restricted zone, inside of which take off is prevented. (3) From 

R1 mile to R1 + 1 mile around the airport the flight altitude is limited on a 15 degree inclines. Starting at 

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

feet (500 meters) at R1+1 mile (4) When the aircraft enters within 320 feet (100 meters) of the No-Fly 

Zones, a warning message will prompt from the DJI Pilot app. 

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green Flight Limits DJI Pilot app Aircraft Status Indicator Maximum Flight 

Altitude Aircraft's altitude cannot exceed the specified value. Warning: Height limit reached. None. Max 

Radius Flight distance must be within the max radius. Warning: Distance limit reached. Rapid red 

flashing when close to the max radius limit.

42 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual
Restricted Area (1) Restricted Area does not have flight altitude restriction. (2) R miles around the 

designated restriction area is a Take-off Restricted area. Aircraft cannot take off within this zone. The 

value of R varies on the definition of the restricted areas. (3) A “warning zone” has been set around the 

Restricted Area. When the aircraft approaches within 0.6 miles (1 km) of this zone, a warning message 

will prompt from the DJI Pilot app. 

R1

66 feet

1 mile 320 feet R2

1640 feet

100m R

R1

66 feet

1 mile 320 feet R2

1640 feet

100m R

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 43

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

GPS Signal Strong Blinking Green 

Zone Restriction DJI Pilot App Prompt 

Aircraft Status Indicator

No-fly Zone

Motors will not start. Warning: You are in a No-fly zone. Take off prohibited.

 Red flashing

If the aircraft enters the restricted area in A-mode, but is switched to P-mode, the aircraft will 

automatically descend, land, and stop its motors. 

Warning: You are in a no-fly zone. Automatic landing has begun. 

Restrictedaltitude flight zone

If the aircraft enters the restricted area in A-mode, but is switched to P-mode, it will descend to an 

appropriate altitude and hover 15 feet below the altitude limit.
R1: Warning: You are in a restricted zone. Descending to safe altitude. R2: Warning: You are in a 

restricted zone. Maximum flight altitude is restricted to between 20m and 500m. Fly cautiously.

Warning zone No flight restriction applies, but there will be a warning .

Warning: You are approaching a restricted zone, Fly Cautiously. Free zone No restrictions. None. None.

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

descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing. When flying in the safety 

zone, aircraft status indicator will blink red quickly and continue for 3 seconds, then switch to indicate 

current flying status and continue for 5 seconds at which point it will switch back to red blinking. For 

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

or other sensitive areas. Fly the aircraft only within your line of sight. 

44 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Preflight Checklist 1. Remote controller, Intelligent Flight Battery, and mobile device are fully 

charged. 2. Propellers are mounted correctly and firmly. 3. Micro-SD card has been inserted, if 

necessary. 4. Gimbal is functioning normally. 5. Motors can start and are functioning normally. 6. The DJI 

Pilot app is successfully connected to the aircraft.

Calibrating the Compass IMPORTANT: Always to calibrate the compass in every new flight location. The 

compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference, which can produce abnormal compass data 

and lead to poor flight performance or flight failure. Regular calibration is required for optimal 

performance. Do not calibrate your compass where there is any possibility of strong magnetic 

interference. Sources of potential interference include magnetite, parking structures, and subterranean 

metal structures Do not carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or 

cellular phones. Do not calibrate in direct proximity to large metal objects. DO NOT calibrate indoors.

Calibration Procedures Choose an open area to carry out the following procedures. 1. Ensure that the 

compass is calibrated. If you did not calibrate the compass as part of your pre-flight preparations, or if 

you have moved to a new location since the last calibration, tap “Mode” in the app and select “Compass 

Calibration”, then follow the on-screen instructions. 2. Hold the aircraft horizontally and rotate 360 

degrees. The Aircraft Status Indicators will display a solid green light.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 45

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

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

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

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

to a different location and try again. Calibrate the compass before each flight. Launch DJI Pilot app and 

follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the compass.
When to Recalibrate 1.When compass data is abnormal and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking 

green and yellow. 2.When flying in a new location or in a location that is different from the most recent 

flight. 3.When the mechanical or physical structure of the Phantom 3 Professional has been changed. 

4.When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. Phantom 3 Professional does not fly in straight line.

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing Auto Takeoff Use auto takeoff only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are 

blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the auto takeoff feature: 1. Launch the DJI Pilot app, and 

enter “Camera” page. 2. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode. 3. Complete all steps on the pre-flight 

checklist. 4. Tap“ ”, and confirm that conditions are safe for flight. Slide the icon to confirm and takeoff. 

5. Aircraft takes off and hovers at (1.5 meters) above ground. 

Aircraft Status Indicator blinks rapidly when it is using Vision Position System for stabilization. Aircraft 

will automatically hover below 3 meters. It is recommended to wait until there is sufficient GPS lock 

before using the Auto Take-off feature. 

46 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Flight Test Takeoff/Landing Procedures 1. Place the aircraft in an open, flat area with the battery level 

indicators facing towards you. 2. Turn on the remote controller and your mobile device, then the 

Intelligent Flight Battery. 3. Launch the DJI Pilot app and enter the Camera page. 4. Wait until the 

Aircraft Indicators blink green. This means the Home Point is recorded and it is now safe to fly. If they 

flash yellow, the Home Point has not been recorded. 5. Push the throttle up slowly to take off or use 

Auto Takeoff. 6. Shoot photos and videos using the DJI Pilot app. 7. To land, hover over a level surface 

and gently pull down on the throttle descend. 8. After landing, execute the CSC command or hold the 

throttle at its lowest position until the motors stop. 9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first, then 

the Remote Controller.

Stopping the Motors There are two methods to stop the motors. Method 1: When Phantom 3 

Professional has landed, push the throttle down , then conduct the same CSC that was used to start the 

motors, as described above . Motors will stop immediately. Release both sticks once motors stop. 

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

three seconds.

Auto-Landing Use auto-landing only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps 

below to use the auto-landing feature: 1. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode. 2. Check the landing area 

condition before tapping “ ”, to begin landing. 

Starting/Stopping the Motors Starting the Motors A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start 

the motors. Push both sticks to the bottom inner or outter corners to start the motors. Once the motors 

have started spinning, release both sticks simultaneously.

Method 1

OR

OR
Method 2

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

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 47

Flight

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

When the Aircraft Status Indicators blink yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe 

mode. A low battery level warning is indicated by the Aircraft Status Indicators blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. Watch our video tutorials for more flight information.

Video Suggestions and Tips 1. Go through the full pre-flight checklist before each flight. 2. Select the 

desired gimbal operation mode in the DJI Pilot app. 3. Only shoot video when flying in P-mode. 4. Always 

fly in good weather and avoid flying in rain or heavy wind. 5. Choose the camera settings that suit your 

needs. Settings include photo format and exposure compensation. 6. Perform flight tests to establish 

flight routes and preview scenes. 7. Push the control sticks gently to keep the aircraft’s movement stable 

and smooth.

48 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

FAQ

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 49

FAQ

Troubleshooting (FAQ) What is the difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 

Advanced? The biggest difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced is 

in the camera. The Phantom 3 Professional is capable of shooting spectacular 4K video at up to 30 

frames per second, and the Phantom 3 Advanced is capable of shooting at resolutions up to 1080p60. 

Both models shoot 12 megapixel photos. The other main difference is the Intelligent Flight Battery 

charger. The Phantom 3 Advanced comes with a 57-watt charging unit and the Phantom 3 Professional 

comes with a 100-watt charger, the latter of which allows for shorter charging times.

Can I remove the camera and attach my own? No. The cameras that come with both models are 

permanently attached. Attempting to remove, replace, or modify the camera may damage the product 

and will void your warranty. 

Can I charge my Remote Controller and Intelligent Flight Battery at the same time? While the Remote 

Controller charger and Intelligent Flight Battery charger have been integrated into one unit for your 

convenience, it is recommended that you only charge one item at a time. We recommend that you 

never charge both items using the same charger at the same time. 

What are the buttons on the back of my Remote Controller for? The two buttons on the back of the 

Remote Controller can be customized and assigned to function as you choose through the DJI Pilot app. 

Refer to the manual for more information. 
How far can I fly my Phantom 3? The signal transmission distance will vary depending on environmental 

conditions, but the Phantom 3 series can reach distances of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) away from the 

pilot. 

What app should I use with my Phantom 3? The Phantom 3 is compatible with the DJI Pilot app for iOS 

and Android, which is already used with the DJI Inspire 1. The app will detect which aircraft is connected 

and automatically adjust accordingly. 

Which mobile devices are compatible with the app? The DJI Pilot app is only compatible with devices 

running iOS 8.0 or later or Android v4.1.2 or later. The following devices are recommended: iOS: iPhone 

5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular, 

iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular. This app is optimized 

for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus Android: Samsung S5, Note 3, Sony Z3 EXPERIA, Google Nexus 

7 II, Google Nexus 9, Mi 3, Nubia Z7 mini Support for additional Android devices will become available as 

testing and development continues.

50 © 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

FAQ

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

How do I use the Director automatic video editor? Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI 

Pilot app. After recording several video clips, simply tap “Director” from the app’s home screen. You can 

then select a template and a specified number of clips, which are automatically combined to create a 

short film that can be shared immediately.

How do I change the control mode of my Phantom 3? By default, the Remote Controller is set to Mode 

2. This means that the right control stick controls the movement of the aircraft and the left control stick 

controls the throttle and orientation of the aircraft. These controls can be changed to Mode 1 or set to a 

customized configuration in the DJI Pilot app. This is only recommended for advanced users.

Can I use a Phantom 2 Remote Controller with the Phantom 3? No. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller 

operates on a different frequency. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller operates at 5.8 GHz and the new 

Phantom 3 Remote Controller operates at 2.4 GHz. 

Can I use a Phantom 2 Intelligent Flight Battery with the Phantom 3? No. The Phantom 3 uses a newly 

designed Intelligent Flight Battery with greater power. The Phantom 3 has a 4 cell battery with a 

capacity of 4480 mAh and a voltage of 15.2 V. 

My Phantom 3 does not turn off right away, is something wrong? This is normal. After you attempt to 

power off the Intelligent Flight Battery, it may remain on for a few seconds as any video data is saved to 

the Micro SD card. This helps prevent your data from being lost or corrupted. 

Do I have to buy the Remote Controller separately? No, there is no need to buy a separate Remote 

Controller. Your Phantom 3 comes with a Remote Controller that is already linked to the aircraft. 

Does my Phantom 3 support dual Remote Controllers? No. The included Remote Controller can be used 

to control both the aircraft and the gimbal tilt at the same time.
What does the “P, A, F” switch on the Remote Controller do? This switch, called the Flight Mode Switch, 

allows you to toggle different flight modes: P-mode, or Positioning mode, indicates that both GPS and 

the Vision Positioning System are active and your Phantom 3 will attempt to stabilize using both. In Amode, or Attitude mode, the aircraft does not use GPS or the Vision Positioning System. Only the 

barometer is used for stabilization. The aircraft can still return to the Home Point as long as a sufficient 

GPS signal is available. F-mode, or Function mode, activates Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) 

functionality. Refer to the IOC section in the Appendix of the User Manual. By default, only P-mode may 

be used. Refer to your user manual for instructions on unlocking the other modes.

© 2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 51

FAQ

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual 

What is the Phantom 3 flight time? Flight times will vary depending on environmental conditions and 

usage patterns, but the Intelligent Flight Battery is designed to provide up to 23 minutes of 

uninterrupted flight time when fully charged.

How can I restore a video file if the power is turned off during recording? Do not remove the Micro-SD 

card from the camera. If it has been removed, place it back in the camera. Turn the Phantom 3 on and 

wait approximately 30 seconds as the video file is restored.

How can I ensure that my pictures and videos will be synchronized to my iOS album? You may need to 

adjust the settings of your mobile device. Open the Settings menu, select the Privacy tab, select the 

Photos tab, and then toggle the switch next to the DJI Pilot app icon. If the Pilot app has not been 

granted access to your albums, the photos and videos cannot be synchronized.

What should I do to land my Phantom 3 smoothly as possible? Hover the aircraft over a flat, level 

surface. Slowly pull the throttle stick down until the aircraft touches the ground.

Why is the discharge time of the battery not zero, even though I have never used it? Every battery is 

tested prior to being packaged and shipped. This affects the discharge time of a new battery and is the 

reason that the discharge time is not zero. The battery is safe to use.

Can the mobile device holder be used on the Phantom 2 series Remote Controller? No, it cannot.

How to safely operate the aircraft when encountering compass error? Compass error may occur when 

the aircraft is flying close to the strong electric magnetic sources (e.g. power transmission lines). Aircraft 

Status Indicators blink red and yellow rapidly when compass error occurs and DJI Pilot app will display 

the one of the following messages: • Compass error, calibration required This warning message 

indicates the aircraft receives abnormal compass readings. It is power off the aircraft and re-calibrate 

the compass at the different location and resume the flight. • Compass error, exit P-GPS Mode This 

warning message indicates that the aircraft is drifting severely. Bring the aircraft to a higher altitude to 

gain enough GPS locks when this warning message is prompted. The flight controller will automatically 

adjust the orientation of the aircraft in the midair to mitigate the drifts. Aircraft will switch back to PGPS mode when the adjustment is done.