June 25, 2015

Exemption No. 11896

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015-1247

Mr. Eric Gakstatter

Discovery Management Group, LLC

19760 Bellevue Way

PO Box 663

West Linn, OR 97068

Dear Mr. Gakstatter:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letter dated April 3, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Discovery Management Group, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an 

exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct aerial mapping, photography, filmmaking, and photogrammetry.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Phantom 2.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 
2

consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft 

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is 

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection1

. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or 

crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in 

addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled 

by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

• They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

• The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

• A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Discovery Management Group, LLC is granted an 

exemption from 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 

91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 

91.417(a) and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform 

aerial data collection. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed 

below.

 

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
3

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Discovery Management Group, LLC is hereafter referred to as 

the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2 

when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any 

other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

not permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA 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, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. 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; 

electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC 

must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 
4

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update 

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 

the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding 

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. 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.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.
5

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for 

flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during 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.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.
6

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 

(N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating 

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons 

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure 

that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises 

where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of 

the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of 

the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not 

present an undue hazard.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov.
7

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of 

the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

This exemption terminates on June 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
1

Discovery Management Group, LLC, Oregon – Section 333 Exemption

Petition

April 3, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave,

SE Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of the Federal Aviation

Regulations from 14 C.F.R. Part 21; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a); 91.9(b) (2);

91.103(b); 91.109; 91.119(a)(b), 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.203(a)&(b); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)

(1); 91.409(a) (2); 91.417(a)&(b); 14 C.F.R. 407(a)(1); 14 C.F.R. 409(a)(2); and 14

C.F.R. 417(a)&(b)

Dear Sir or Madam,

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the

“Reform Act”) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Discovery Management Group, LLC

(“Discovery”), the owner and operator of the DJI Phantom 2 quad-copter Unmanned

Aircraft System (UAS), seeks an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations

(“FARs”) listed below so that Discovery can operate our small ultra-light weight UAS

commercially in airspace regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”).

Discovery will utilize an experienced, licensed pilot holding an FAA third-class airman

medical certificate as the operator1(Pilot in Charge [PIC]) and a visual observer (VO)2

that can perform the functions prescribed in the operating manual for all flights under this

Exemption, if granted.

The requested exemption would support an application for a commercial Certificate of

Authorization to use the system to perform aerial mapping to enhance academic

community awareness, augment real estate listing videos, filmmaking, golf course

mapping, agricultural mapping, and photogrammetry for various industries.

Use of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS for aerial mapping reduces the need to operate

conventional aircraft for the same purpose and provides very high quality imagery at a

fraction of the dollar cost and danger to human life34 of using conventional aircraft. By

1 See Appendix A for PIC qualifications and certifications.

2 Note; the VO will not be operating the UAS.

3 See National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 2000. U.S. Civil Rotorcraft Accidents, 1963

Through 1997. http://www.ihst.org/portals/54/industry_reports/NASA%20TP%20209597.pdf
2

approving these exemptions, the FAA will create benefits through safer survey methods

by UAS, resulting in decreased potential for loss of life and enhanced efficiency and

productivity for the affected activities, as well as environmental benefits, which are all

ultimately in the public interest.

Committed to safety with each flight, Discovery’s, exemption request would permit

operation of ultra-light weight, unmanned (piloted by remote control) and comparatively

inexpensive UAS in tightly controlled and limited airspace. Currently, similar lightweight,

remote controlled UAS's are legally operated by unmonitored amateur hobbyists with no

safety plan or controls in place to prevent catastrophe. In addition, Douglas Trudeau

(Exemption No. 11138) and Slugwear, Inc (Like On A Tree; Exemption No. 11157) were

granted exemptions for these types of surveys with the DJI Phantom 2.

Discovery has created and will follow its UAS Flight Protocols and Controls5for safe

operation to avoid and prevent public hazard, as well as manned aircraft

hazards/catastrophe. This will act to further safety protocols exclusive to lightweight

UAS's specific video and photography usage as Discovery records flight data and other

information gained through permitted flight operations to share with the FAA through any

required FAA reports to assist with future protocol and safety regulation.

Granting Discovery’s request comports with the Secretary of Transportation’s (FAA

Administrator’s) responsibilities and authority to not only integrate UAS's into the national

airspace system, but to “...establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft

systems [UAS's] in the national airspace system” under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act

specific to the use of UAS's for real estate/Realtor purposes. Further, Discovery, will

conduct its own operations in compliance with the protocols described herein or as

otherwise established by the FAA.

For the reasons stated below, Discovery, respectfully request the grant of an exemption

allowing Discovery to operate ultra-light weight, remote controlled UAS’s for community

awareness, enhance real estate listing videos for homeowners, filmmaking, golf course

mapping, agricultural mapping, and photogrammetry for various industries. All of which

will promote local economic growth through increased employment and increased tax

base. Both with public safety in mind by keeping heavier manned aircraft containing

combustible fuel that that poses potential public hazard.

4 See Helicopter Accident Analysis Team. 1998. The Final Report of the Helicopter Accident

Analysis Team. June 1998. http://www.ihst.org/portals/54/industry_reports/HAATFinalReport.pdf

5 See Appendix B. for Discovery’s UAS Flight Protocols and Safety Controls. Applicant submits this

manual as a confidential document under 14 CFR 11.35 (b). The manual contains proprietary

information that the applicant does not wish to be shared publically. The manual contains operating

requirements and procedures that are not available to the public and are protected from release

under the Freedom of Information Act 5 USC 552.
3

I. Contact Information:

Eric Gakstatter

Discovery Management Group, LLC

PO Box 663 – 19760 Bellevue Way

West Linn, OR 97068

Mobile: (541) 829-3443

Email: Ericpg@gps-mapping.com
4

II. The Specific Sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations

From Which Discovery Requests Exemption are:

14 CFR Part 21; 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 

14 C.F.R. 91, et seq.; 

14 CFR 407 (a) (1); 

14 CFR 409 (a) (2); and,

14 CFR 417 (a) & (b).

III. The Extent of relief Discovery seeks and the Reason Discovery Seeks

Such Relief:

Discovery submits this application in accordance with the Reform Act, 112 P.L. 95 §§

331-334, seeking relief from any currently applicable FARs operating to prevent

Discovery contemplated commercial cinematic, academic and other flight operations

within the national airspace system. The Reform Act in Section 332 provides for such

integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into our national airspace system as it is in

the public’s interest to do so. Discovery’s, ultra-light weight UAS meets the definition of

“small unmanned aircraft” as defined in Section 331 and therefore the integration of

Discovery’s ultra-light weight UAS is expressly contemplated by the Reform Act.

Discovery would like to operate its ultra-light weight UAS prior to the time period by

which the Reform Act requires the FAA to promulgate rules governing such craft.

Thereby, providing direct experience and valuable information for formal regulation that

can be administered uniformly to all agriculture, mapping, and real estate related UAS

aerial video and photography.

The Reform Act guides the Secretary in determining the types of UAS's that may operate

safely in our national airspace system. Considerations include: The weight, size, speed

and overall capabilities of the UAS's; Whether the UAS will be operated near airports or

heavily populated areas; and, Whether the UAS will be operated by line of sight. 112

P.L. 95 § 333 (a). Each of these items reflect in favor of an exemption for Discovery.

Discovery’s UAS utilizes four (4) counter-rotating propellers for balance, control and

stability. Weighing less than five (5) pounds (far below the maximum 55 pound limit);

including camera with gimbal. Discovery’s UAS is equipped with a compass, GPS, auto

return safety technology if communication is lost between the UAS and the controller,

Real-Time Fight Data Display6, and a No Fly Zone7 software default setting to force the

device to abide by International Civil Aviation Organization regulations.

Discovery considers safety as foremost with each flight. Discovery’s small UAS is

designed to hover in place via GPS and operate in less than a 24 knot (15 mph) wind.

For safety, stability and fear of financial loss, Discovery will not fly in winds exceeding 16

kph (10 mph) nor exceed an indicated airspeed of 29 knots (15 m/s). Built-in safety

6 Real-Time Flight Data includes UAS flight height, horizontal speed, vertical speed, and distance from

the PIC.

7 DJI’s “No Fly Zone”: Two classes in this mode limit the DJI Phantom 2’s ability to fly near restricted

airport air space. Class A will not allow the UAS to take off within 1.5 miles of the GPS location of an

airport. Class B will has incorporated an increasing height limit from 35 feet AGL at 1.5 miles from an

airport, increasing to 400 feet at 5 miles an airport. The UAS control system will also automatically

warn the PIC when the UAS has approached within 330 feet of the 5-mile buffer zone around an

airport. This software will also not allow the user to set GPS waypoints within 5 miles of the 5-mile

No Fly Zone around an airport. For further details, visit http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc.
5

systems include a GPS mode that allows Discovery’s UAS to hover in place when radio

controls are released. With three modes to choose from, Discovery will utilize the Smart

Mode for aerial videography/photography. This is the safest, most reliable and stable

mode to prevent accident and hazard. When PIC communication is lost, Discovery’s

UAS is designed to slowly descend to point of take-off (Return to Home). Discovery will

not operate the UAS near Airports, Hospitals, nor Police heliports, and will not operate

near areas where general public is within fifty to one hundred (50-100) yards depending

on location, conditions and weather. Discovery’s PIC and VO will be on constant alert for

any manned aircraft (Police/Medical helicopters, etc.) or other UAS, and prepared to

land/abort immediately to the nearest and safest ground point should a manned aircraft

or UAS approach Discovery’s location, or Discovery suspects manned aircraft or UAS

may approach near our location. Discovery’s UAS is capable of vertical and horizontal

operations, and is only flown within the line of sight of both the PIC and VO.

Utilizing battery power rather than combustible fuels, flights with Discovery’s UAS

generally last between five (5) to seven minutes, with an altitude under 400 feet.

Discovery will utilize a fresh fully charged battery with each flight as a safety precaution;

full flight time limit for each battery is nine (9) to 12 minutes as tested. Discovery will not

operate our UAS at or below manufacturer recommend minimum charge levels for

operation; preferring to remain well within a safe operating range to insure adequate

communication between radio control and UAS to eliminate potential for crash, loss of

control or hazard. Reserve batteries are at hand with each exercise to insure

replacement for sufficient safe level of operation.

Discovery does not believe in taking risk that may cause a crash that could create

hazard to the public/property/manned aircraft, and have no desire to lose an investment.

Discovery has clocked numerous practice flights in remote areas as a hobbyist

simulating flights for future commercial use to gain familiarization with the characteristics

of this specific UAS's performance under different temperature and weather conditions.

Discovery also practices computerized simulated flights to maintain adequate skills and

response reflex time, for the sake of safety.

Discovery is extremely cautious when operating any UAS and will not “create a hazard

to users of the national airspace system or the public.” 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (b).

Given the small size and weight of Discovery’s UAS, it falls well within Congress’s

contemplated safety zone when it promulgated the Reform Act and the corresponding

directive to integrate UAS's into the national airspace system. Discovery’s UAS, used in

hobby flight, has a demonstrable safety record and does not pose any threat to the

general public or national security.

IV. How Discovery’s Request Will Benefit the Public As A Whole:

Aerial videography for geographical awareness in real estate, filmmaking, golf course

mapping, agricultural mapping, and photogrammetry for various industries has been

around for a long time through manned fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. For small

budget companies, farms and average homeowners, the expense of manned aerial

videography is cost prohibitive. Only large companies can afford to absorb such

expense, this depriving the remainder of the public from a valuable marketing and

mapping tool. Manned aircraft pose a threat to the public through potential catastrophic

crash that Oregon has experienced in the past with private and public officials involved
6

in crashes in recent years8. Furthermore, Discovery’s PIC, Eric Gakstatter, is an editor

for GPS World magazine and Geospatial Solutions. He has written several articles on

UAS and intends to continue writing such articles to raise awareness and education of

productive and safe UAS operations.

Congress has already proclaimed that it is in the public’s interest to integrate

commercially flown UAS's into the national airspace system, hence the passing of the

Reform Act. Granting Discovery’s exemption request furthers the public interest through

academic/visual awareness of the geographical benefits around Oregon. Discovery’s

ultra-light weight UAS is battery-powered and creates no emissions that can harm the

environment. The consequence of my ultra-light weight UAS crashing is far less than a

full size helicopter or fixed wing aircraft; which are heavy, contain combustible fuel and

can cause catastrophic devastation to the public.

The public’s interest is furthered by minimizing ecological and crash threat by permitting

aerial video/photo capture through our battery operated ultra-light weight UAS's.

Permitting Discovery to immediately fly within national air space furthers economic

growth by offering cost-effective videography and mapping products.

V. Reasons Why Discovery’s Exemption Will Not Adversely Affect Safety Or

How The Exemption Will Provide a Level of Safety At Least Equal To

Existing Rule:

Discovery’s exemption will not adversely affect safety. Quite the contrary, for the

reasons stated, permitting Discovery to log more flight time in FAA controlled airspace,

with communication with the FAA, will allow us to contribute to the innovation and

implementation of new and novel techniques for realtors, filmmaking, golf courses,

agricultural mapping, and photogrammetry for various industries as well as continuing to

educate the public through publishing articles. In addition, Discovery submits the

following representations of enhancements to current aerial videography and

photography for real estate, filmmaking, golf courses, agricultural mapping, and

photogrammetry for various industries:

 Discovery’s UAS weighs less than 5 pounds complete with a small ultra-light

weight high quality GoPro 4 Black camera;

 Discovery will only operate this UAS below 400 feet, as recommended by the

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012;

 Discovery’s UAS will only operate for 10 minutes per flight;

 Discovery will land this UAS prior to manufacturer recommended minimum level

of battery power, 30% battery power remaining. Also, Discovery’s UAS has an

automated function which results in immediate landing when a low battery is

detected;

 Discovery will pilot this UAS through remote control by line of sight;

 Discovery’s UAS has GPS-controlled autopilot system to maintain UAS stability

and control,

 Discovery’s UAS has an Auto Return-to-Home & Landing function to increase

8 Three injured in helicopter crash in rural Douglas County,

http://www.kpic.com/news/local/Helicopter-crashes-in-Douglas-County-229583111.html

‘Ax Men’ pilot dies in Oregon helicopter crash, http://www.kptv.com/story/23447746/one-personkilled-in-linn-county-logging-helicopter-crash
7

safe return of the UAS to the ground,

 A pre-programmed flight safety feature whereby Discovery’s UAS automatically

hovers and then slowly lands if communication with the remote control pilot is

lost; 

 Discovery will actively analyze flight data and other sources of information to

constantly update and enhance safety protocols; 

 Discovery will only operates in reasonably safe environments that are strictly

controlled and are away from: power lines, elevated lights, airports and actively

populated areas; 

 Discovery will conduct extensive pre-flight inspections and protocol review,

during which safety carries primary importance; 

 Any maintenance or alterations of Discovery’s UAS that could affect operation or

flight characteristics will require a functional test flight before returning to work;

 Discovery will always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation,

including issuing a notice-to-airmen (NOTAM) prior to operations; and, 

 Discovery will have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety

breaches or potential danger.

 In recognition of the FAA’s Exemption No. 11062, and specifically Exemption No.

11138 for the same UAS model (DJI Phantom 2); prior to conducting operations

for the purpose of aerial photography/videography, Discovery’s PIC will have

accumulated 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10

hours as a UAS pilot with a multi-rotor UAS. Prior to operations, Discovery’s PIC

must also have accumulated a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operation the

DJI Phantom 2. In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3

take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes).

Discovery’s, safety protocols provide a level of safety equal to or exceeding existing

rules. It is important to note that absent the integration of commercial UAS into our

national airspace system, helicopters are the primary means of aerial video and

photography for community awareness and real estate. While the safety record of such

helicopters is astounding, there has been local incidents involving loss of life as well as

extensive property damage; it is far safer to operate a battery powered ultra-light weight

UAS.

 First, the potential loss of life is diminished because UAS's carry no people on

board and Discovery will only operate its UAS in specific areas away from mass

populations.

 Second, there is no fuel on board a UAS and thus the potential for fire or

explosions is greatly diminished.

 Third, the small size and extreme maneuverability of Discovery’s UAS allow the

PIC to remotely pilot away from and avoid hazards quickly and safely. Lastly,

given its small size and weight, even when close enough to capture amazing

images, Discovery’s UAS need not be so close to the objects they are focused

on through the technology and use of post editing software allowing pan and

zoom.

Accordingly, Discovery’s UAS has been experimentally operated for

familiarization/competency and will continue to operate at and above current safety

levels. Furthermore, Discovery’s PIC has accumulated 25 hours of total time as a UAS
8

multi-rotor pilot. Discovery’s PIC has also accumulated more than 5 hours as a UAS pilot

operation the DJI Phantom 2.

VI. A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register:

A. 14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The Like.

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth

requirements for procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation

to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and enclosed operational area of

Discovery’s UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because Discovery’s UAS

meets (and exceeds) an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the

Reform Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness

certificate requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section

333 of the Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt UAS's

from the airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size,

speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense

populations. Discovery’s current UAS meets or exceeds each of the elements.

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness

certificate. As no such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by

the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. However, Discovery’s PIC will still

ensure that the UAS is in an airworthy condition based on compliance with the

operating documents prior to every flight.

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there

are no on board pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS, this

Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by

maintaining a safety/flight manual delineating areas where safety can be

defined9. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation in

Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A,

10602, 10700 and 32827. However, Discovery’s UAS operations manual will be

kept in a location accessible by Discovery’s PIC.

14 C.F.R. § 91.103 regarding preflight action. Discovery’s PIC will take certain

actions before flight to ensure safety of the flight. These will include reviewing

weather, flight battery requirements9, landings, and takeoff distances and aircraft

performance data before initiation of the flight.

14 C.F.R. § 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable insofar as

Discovery’s UAS utilizes electronic GPS with a barometric sensor. According to

the manufacturer of Discovery’s UAS, the GPS sensor is accurate to 2.6 feet

Vertical and 8.2 feet Horizontal. These accuracies are adequate for Discovery to

safely operate the UAS for its exempted purposes.

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) and (b) provides for the carrying of civil aircraft

certifications and registrations. They are inapplicable for the same reasons

described above. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining

any such required certifications and registrations by Discovery in a location

accessible by Discovery’s PIC.

9 See Appendix B and C
9

B. 14 C.F.R. § 45.23: Marking of The Aircraft.

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according

to certain specifications. Discovery’s UAS, by definition, is unmanned. Therefore

the UAS does not have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain

words or phrases. Further, two-inch lettering is difficult to place on such small

aircraft with dimensions smaller that minimal lettering requirement. The FAA has

previously issued exemptions to this regulation through Exemptions Nos. 8738,

10167, 10167A and 10700.

C. 14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes.

14 C.F.R. § 91.119(a) and (b) prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil

aircraft. It allows helicopters to be operated at lower altitudes in certain

conditions. Discovery’s UAS will never operate at an altitude greater than 400

AGL; safely within the standard 400 AGL as recommended by the FAA

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. Discovery will however operate its UAS

in safe areas away from areas depicted in “yellow” on VFR charts, providing a

level of safety at least equivalent to or below those in relation to minimum safe

altitudes. Discovery will conduct all operations under Discovery’s Protocols and

Controls10, including posting a warning sign reading: “Attention Aerial

Photography in Progress – Remain Back 150 Feet”. Discovery will operate its

UAS in accordance with Exemption No. 11109, which may require the UAS be

operated closer than 500 feet to essential persons. Non-participating persons

must remain at appropriate distances (500 feet) from the UAS, and if they need

to be closer than 500 feet, non-participating persons will remain behind barriers

or structures that can sufficiently protect them from the UAS debris in the event

of an accident. Given the size, weight, maneuverability and speed of Discovery’s

UAS, an equivalent or higher level of safety will be achieved.

D. 14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections.

The above-cited Regulations require, amongst other things, aircraft owners and

operators to “have [the] aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part

and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of

this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter.

. . .”

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They will not,

therefore, apply to Discovery’s UAS. However, as a safety precaution Discovery’s PIC

and VO will inspect Discovery’s UAS before and after each flight.

10 See Appendix B.
10

A Summary the FAA May Publish in the Federal Register:

A. 14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The Like.

14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for

procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1).

The size, weight and enclosed operational area of Discovery’s UAS permits exemption

from Part 21 because Discovery’s UAS meets an equivalent level of safety pursuant to

Section 333 of the Reform Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the

airworthiness certificate requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and

Section 333 of the Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt

UAS's from the airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size,

speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations.

Discovery’s UAS meets or exceeds each of the elements. 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the

operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no such certificate will be

applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 14

C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no

pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An

equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a manual. The FAA has

previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738,

9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, maintenance program that involves regular software

updates and curative measures for any damaged hardware. Therefore, an equivalent

level of safety will be achieved.

In summary, Discovery seeks an exemption from the following

Regulations:

14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.9

(b)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.103(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.109; 14 C.F.R. § 91.119 (a)(b); 14 C.F.R. §

91.121; 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.203(a) and (b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.405 (a);

14 C.F.R. § 91.407 (a)(1); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a ) (2); and, 14

C.F.R. §§ 91.417 (a) & (b) to commercially operate Discovery’s small unmanned

vehicle/lightweight unmanned aircraft vehicle in community awareness, real estate

operations, filmmaking, golf course mapping, agricultural mapping, and photogrammetry

for various industries and to develop economic platforms for real estate and golf

courses.

Currently, area awareness, filmmaking, real estate aerial videography/photography, golf

course mapping, agricultural mapping, and photogrammetry for various industries relies

primarily on the use of larger aircraft running on combustible fuel, posing potential risk to

the public. Granting Discovery’s request for exemption will reduce current risk levels and

thereby enhance safety. Discovery’s UAS craft does not contain potentially explosive

fuel, is smaller, lighter and more maneuverable than conventional real estate video and

photographic aircraft with much less flight time. Further, Discovery will operate at lower

altitudes and in controlled airspace eliminating potential public risk flying to and from

established air fields. Discovery has been informally analyzing flight information and will

compile safety protocols and the implementation of a flight operations manual for real

estate usage that exceeds currently accepted means and methods for safe flight. Formal

collection of information shared with the FAA will enhance the FAA's internal efforts to

establish protocols for complying with the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
11

There are no personnel on board Discovery’s UAS and therefore the likelihood of death

or serious bodily injury is significantly diminished. Discovery’s operation of its UAS,

weighing less than 5 pounds and travelling at lower speeds within limited areas will

provide an equivalent level of safety as that achieved under current FARs. Accordingly,

Discovery respectfully request that the FAA grant Discovery’s exemption request and

Discovery is willing to cooperate in sharing information to benefit the FAA, safety of

manned aircraft, and the general public at large.

Respectfully submitted,

Eric Gakstatter

Discovery Management Group, LLC

PO Box 663 – 19760 Bellevue Way

West Linn, OR 97068

Mobile: (541) 829-3443

Email: Ericpg@gps-mapping.com
12

Appendix A

Pilot in Charge Certifications and Licenses
13
14

Appendix B

Discovery Management Group’s UAS Flight Protocols and Safety

Controls

Public safety both on the ground as well as manned aircraft in flight, is an essential part

of Discovery’s safety concerns during all aerial commercial work. As such, safety

protocols and controls must be implement for every flight; through pre-flight preparation

and through the duration of the flight.

Pre‐Flight Planning Protocols:

 Inspect flight area for:

o Vicinity of public safety helipads/heliports

o Vicinity of medical helipads/heliports

 Check weather forecasts for wind advisory, low cloud ceiling, fog, or other

weather conditions that my impact flight.

 Consult Sky Vector aeronautical Charts (Skyvector.com) for airport vicinity and

flight paths of possible air traffic.

o Contact respective airport to advise of estimated flight time, estimated

flight duration, estimated elevation of flight, and any other pertinent

information.

Pre-Flight Protocol:

 Check batteries with voltage meter to insure fully charged and ready for use,

including inspection of batteries for damage or leakage that may affect proper

operation.

 Inspect propellers for cracks, chips or damage that may cause sudden loss of

propulsion or unmanageable/uncontrolled flight.

 Check all GPS and Telemetry connections prior to flight.

 Inspect the Ground Control Station (radio controller) for proper operation and

appropriate battery life.

 Inspect flight area for:

o Vicinity of light poles, utility wires, and trees,

o Flocks of birds that may cause interference and potential flight impact,

o Vicinity of any elevated obstructions that may pose potential flight hazard,

o Vicinity of roadways with moderate to heavy traffic that can be distracted,

o Public gatherings that may attract viewers,

o Optional point of control for best visual site of UAS while in flight,

 Emergency landing areas Takeoff and landing:

o Inspect area for best and safest point of takeoff and landing,
15

o If in a residential or commercial subdivision or area that is within 150 feet

of a residential street, post warning sign(s) with the follow text; “Attention

Aerial Photography in Progress – Remain Back 150 feet”

Flight Protocol: 

 Takeoff and land from same location (have alternate landing areas in case of

emergencies), remain alert to birds, sound or aircraft, curious public, and

approaching vehicles. 

 The visual observer will not allow anyone to engage in conversation or distract

the remote control pilot. 

 Restrict flight to minimal elevation sufficient to acquire desired results remained

prepared for emergency landing at all times pay attention to flight time – warning

meter for low voltage.

Set voltage meter alarm for low voltage and flight timer as a safety alert land UAS and

shut down propulsion immediately following landing – priority of disconnecting batteries

Post flight:

1. Disconnect battery to prevent accidental activation of propulsion system.

2. Secure UAS in a safe location.

3. Remove all warning signs from public access areas.

Safety Protocol:

In the event of a problem or emergency, the UAS will immediately be landed at the

safest and closet ground location. An event includes;

 Manned aircraft heard or seen in vicinity of Discovery’s flight.

 There is a public gathering within established safety boundary wanting to

observe flight.

 Pilot is being distracted from focusing on flight and safety.

 Sudden change in weather (i.e., wind bursts, fog encroachment, rain).

 Sudden increase in vehicular traffic in vicinity of flight.

 Birds enter into proximity of flight.

 Any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision, distraction, or interruption of

control.
16

Daily Flight Record

Project: ______________________________ Date: _________________________

Maintaining a record of safe flight for FAA request and for determining future UAS safety

protocols is imperative. Discovery will complete this datasheet with every commercial flight.

Proximity to airport (miles): _____ (see attached map including Discovery flight)

Airport notified ☐ Yes ☐ No Date:____________ Time: _____________

Contact Name: _________________ Phone Number: _____________________

Nearest major traffic intersection: ___________________________________________

Proximity to medium traffic road: ___________________________________________

Proximity to heavily traveled roadway road: ___________________________________

Proximity to congested population: __________________________________________

Pre‐flight Inspection: ☐ Yes ☐ No

Date:____________________ Location: ____________________________________

Comment: ____________________________________________________________

Estimated Elevation Ground level: _________________ sea level: ________________

Takeoff Time : _____________ Landing Time: ______________

Weather Conditions (check all that apply):

Weather Good ☐ Fair ☐ Poor ☐

Comment :

Visibility Good ☐ Fair ☐ Poor ☐

Comment :

Wind

Speed

(mph)

Avg. _______ Gusts ____

Comment :

Safety

Concerns: _______________________________________________________

Additional Comments: ___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
17

Appendix C – Phantom 2 User Manual,

Smart Flight Battery Guidelines, and

Phantom 2 FPV Hub Kit Instructions
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.1 | 

PHANTOM 2 User Manual V1.2 

For PHANTOM 2 Flight Controller Firmware version V3.08

& PHANTOM 2 Assistant version V3.4

& PHANTOM RC Assistant version V1.1

2014.10

Congratulations on purchasing your new DJI product. Please thoroughly read the entire contents of this manual to 

fully use and understand the product.

It is advised that you regularly check the PHANTOM 2’s product page at www.dji.com which is updated on a 

regular basis. This will provide services such as product information, technical updates and manual corrections. Due 

to any unforeseen changes or product upgrades, the information contained within this manual is subject to change 

without notice.

DJI and PHANTOM 2 are registered trademarks of DJI. Names of product, brand, etc., appearing in this manual are 

trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. This product and manual are copy 

righted by DJI with all rights reserved.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your product, please contact your dealer or DJI Customer Service.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 2 |

Content 

CONTENT........................................................................................................................2

IN THE BOX.....................................................................................................................4

LEGEND ..........................................................................................................................4

1. PHANTOM 2 AIRCRAFT ...............................................................................................5

1.1 BUILT-IN FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................5

1.2 CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS...........................................................................5

Important Notes of Using with Other DJI Products........................................................6

Connections with Other DJI Products.............................................................................7

1.3 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................11

1.4 NOTES FOR PHANTOM 2 USING WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS ................................................12

2 PROPELLERS...............................................................................................................13

2.1 ASSEMBLY.....................................................................................................................13

2.2 DISASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................13

2.3 NOTES .........................................................................................................................13

3 REMOTE CONTROL ....................................................................................................14

3.1 POWER ON THE REMOTE CONTROL....................................................................................14

3.2 REMOTE CONTROL LED INDICATOR STATUS .........................................................................15

3.2.1 Remote Control Power LED Indicator Status .......................................................15

3.2.2 Remote Control Battery Level Indicator Status....................................................15

3.3 ANTENNA ORIENTATION ..................................................................................................16

3.4 REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION.........................................................................................16

3.5 LINKING THE REMOTE CONTROL & BUILT-IN RECEIVER...........................................................18

4 INTELLIGENT BATTERY ...............................................................................................19

4.1 CHARGING PROCEDURES..................................................................................................19

4.2 INSTALL THE BATTERY ......................................................................................................20

4.3 BATTERY USAGE.............................................................................................................20

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR...................................................................21

4.5 CORRECT BATTERY USAGE NOTES ......................................................................................22

5 CALIBRATING THE COMPASS......................................................................................23
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.3 | 

5.1 CALIBRATION WARNINGS .................................................................................................23

5.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES ..............................................................................................23

5.3 WHEN RECALIBRATION IS REQUIRED...................................................................................23

6 FLIGHT .......................................................................................................................24

6.1 FLYING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................24

6.2 STARTING THE MOTORS...................................................................................................24

6.3 TAKEOFF/LANDING PROCEDURES.......................................................................................24

6.4 FAILSAFE FUNCTION........................................................................................................25

6.5 LOW BATTERY CAPACITY WARNING FUNCTION.....................................................................27

6.6 FLIGHT LIMITS FUNCTION.................................................................................................27

Max Height & Radius Limits.........................................................................................27

6.7 FLIGHT LIMITS OF SPECIAL AREAS ......................................................................................28

6.8 CONDITIONS OF FLIGHT LIMITS .........................................................................................30

Disclaimer.....................................................................................................................30

7 ASSISTANT INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION ......................................................31

7.1 INSTALLING DRIVER AND PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT...............................................................31

7.2 USING THE PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT ON A PC....................................................................32

7.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE OF PHANTOM 2 .............................................................................33

7.4 PHANTOM RC ASSISTANT DESCRIPTION...........................................................................33

8 APPENDIX..................................................................................................................35

8.1 SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................35

8.2 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................35

 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.4 | 

In the Box 

PHANTOM 2 Remote Control-2.4GHz Propeller Pair

Intelligent Battery Charger Plug Set

Screwdriver Assistant Wrench Cables

Micro-USB Cable Screws Accessories Box

 

Legend

Forbidden(Important) Caution Tip Reference
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.5 | 

1. PHANTOM 2 Aircraft

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[10]

[11]

[9]

Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2

[1]Propeller [2]Motor [3]Front Side [4]Front LEDs [5]Micro-USB Port [6]Landing Gear [7]Receiver 

Antenna [8]CAN-Bus Connector [9]LED Flight Indicators [10]DJI Intelligent Battery [11]Compass

1.1 Built-in Flight Control System Instructions

The built-in flight control system is used to control the entire aircraft’s functions in flight such as Pitch (forwards 

and backwards), Roll (left and right), Elevator (up and down) and Yaw (turn left or right). The flight controller 

contains the MC (Main Controller), IMU, GPS, compass, receiver.

The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) has a built-in inertial sensor and a barometric altimeter that measures both 

attitude and altitude. The compass reads geomagnetic information which assists the GPS (Global Position System) 

to accurately calculate the aircrafts position and height in order to lock the aircraft in a stable hover. The receiver is 

used to communicate with the remote control and the MC acts as the brains of the complete flight control system 

connecting and controlling all the modules together.

The PHANTOM 2 can be configured in the Assistant, by choosing Naza-M mode or Phantom 2 mode. 

This manual is for Phantom 2 mode. Please refer to the Naza-M V2 Quick Start Manual for more 

information.

1.2 Connections with Other DJI Products

PHANTOM 2 is compatible with other DJI products, including ZENMUSE H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal,iOSD mini,

iOSD Mark II. Below are connections for these products and wireless video transmission module.

Compass Gimbal Mounting Position Mount the H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal using 4 screws.

CAN-Bus Connector

Video Cable To the iOSD module or wireless video transmission module. 8-Pin Cable To the G8 port on the H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal.

5-Pin Cable To the compass.

Figure 1-3
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.6 | 

Important Notes of Using with Other DJI Products 

(1) The video cable can provide power for the wireless video transmission module with a battery voltage 

(11.1V~12.6V) and a maximum current 2A.

(2) Make sure the working current of the wireless video transmission module you connect can work with an 

operational voltage between 11.1V~12.6V and the total working current of the iOSD and wireless video 

transmission module is under 2A, as an overcurrent will damage the central board’s components. If the 

total current exceeds 2A, please be sure to provide power supplied from a separate power source for the 

wireless video transmission module.

(3) PHANTOM 2 uses a 2.4GHz RC system. To avoid communication interference, it’s not recommended to 

use other 2.4GHz devices (including 2.4G Wi-Fi or 2.4G wireless video transmission module) except the

2.4G Bluetooth and 2.4G Datalink.

(4) Be sure to keep the wireless video transmission module and other communicating devices away from the 

compass during installation and connection to avoid interference.

(5) To improve the compatibility with ZENMUSE gimbals, the latest factory deliveries of PHANTOM 2 has 

updated to the Version 2 shown below. H3-2D/H3-3D gimbal can be directly installed for the Version 2 

while for Version 1, a H3-3D adapter kit (coming soon) is required to install the H3-3D gimbal.

Version 1 Gimbal Mounting Position

Version 2 Gimbal Mounting Position

Figure 1-4

(6) When using the H3-3D gimbal, please connect the 8-Pin cable of PHANTOM 2 to the G8 port of H3-3D 

shown below.

Figure 1-5
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.7 | 

Connections with Other DJI Products 

(1) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal and wireless video transmission module, the figure below uses 

H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

VIDEO VIDEO GND

Batt+ Wireless Batt- video transmission module Transmitter

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) VIDEO GND VBat+

VIDEO

GND

Figure 1-6

(2) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD mini and wireless video transmission module, the figure 

below uses H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass CAN-Bus Connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND VIDEO GND VIDEO

Batt+ Batt- VIDEO

DJI

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) Wireless video transmission module Transmitter

Figure 1-7
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.8 | 

(3) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD mini and DJI specified wireless video transmission module 

AVL58, the figure below uses H3-2D as an example.

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

DJI

DJI specified wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter

CAN-Bus connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND

VIDEO Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)

 

Figure 1-8

We recommend connecting the VBat+ port of the video cable to the two BATT+ ports of the AVL58 

simultaneously. The same is true of the GND port of the video cable and two BATT- ports.

 

(4) Connecting the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal, iOSD Mark II and wireless video transmission module, the figure 

below uses H3-2D as an example.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.9 | 

ZENMUSE H3-2D

VBat+ GND

VIDEO

DJI

VIDEO GND Wireless video transmission module Transmitter specified by DJI(AVL58) OR Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter

CAN-Bus Connector Compass

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)

Figure 1-9

The diagram below illustrates the conneciton between the iOSD Mark II and the wireless video transmission module.

iOSD Mark II Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter VIDEO GND VIDEO

BATT- Batt- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART AV-OUT AV-GND

Batt- Batt+ Batt+

Wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter specified by DJI iOSD Mark II

AV-OUT AV-GND

BATT- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART

Use the 8-Pin cable in the iOSD Mark II package when connecting to the DJI specified wireless video 

transmission module AVL58.

 

(5) Using the iPad Ground Station 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.10 | 

iPad Ground Station iPad Ground Station

+ -

3S-6S Battery 3S-6S Battery

Air End Ground End

Figure 1-10

Connect the Air End of 2.4G Bluetooth Datalink to a spared CAN-Bus port of iOSD if an iOSD is used.

(6) Using the PC Ground Station 

Air End Ground End

PC Ground Station

Figure 1-11
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.11 | 

1.3 LED Flight Indicators Description

1. LED flight indicators are used to show the aircraft’s current status. Once powered on, the indicators will light 

up. 

LED flight indicators

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Control Signal Lost

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

(1) The LED indicators diagram above are for Phantom 2 mode. In Naza-M mode, LED indicators 

will work according to the Naza-M flight control system.

(2) Connect to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant for detailed information about warnings and errors.

2. The front LEDs are for indicating where the nose of the aircraft is. They light up solid red only after the motors 

have spooled up.

The front LEDs
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.12 | 

1.4 Notes for PHANTOM 2 using with other DJI products

Before using PHANTOM 2 with other DJI products, users should connecting the products correctly and upgrade 

the firmware as requirements below .

Items to upgrade Firmware versions required Assistant for upgrading Assistant version 

P330CB (built-in 

central board)

V1.0.1.19 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

Zenmuse H3-2D CMU V1.0,IMU V1.6 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

iOSD Mark II V3.01 or above iOSD V4.0 or above

iOSD mini V1.06 or above iOSD V4.0 or above

*The iOSD Assistant is applied to both iOSD Mark II and iOSD mini.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.13 | 

2 Propellers 

PHANTOM 2 uses the original 9-inch propellers which are classified by the color of each central nut. Damaged 

propellers should be replaced by purchasing new ones if necessary.

Propellers Grey Nut (9450) Black Nut (9450 R)

Diagram

Assembly Location

Attach to the motor thread that does 

not have a black dot.

Attach to the motor thread that has a

black dot.

Fastening/Un-fastening 

Instructions

Lock: Tighten the propeller in this direction.

Unlock: Remove the propeller in this direction.

2.1 Assembly 

1. (Figure 2-1)Remove the four warning cards from the motors after you’ve read them.

2. (Figure 2-2)Prepare the two grey nut propellers and two black nut propellers. Make sure to match the 

black nut propellers with the correctly marked black dot motors. Tighten the propellers according to the 

fastening instructions.

 

Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure2-3

2.2 Disassembly 

(Figure 2-3)Keep the motor deadlocked in place with the assistant wrench (or one hand) and remove the 

propeller according to the un-fastening instructions.

2.3 Notes

1. Propellers are self tightening during flight. DO NOT use any thread locker on the threads.

2. Make sure to match the propeller nut colors with the corresponding motors.

3. It is advised to wear protective gloves during propeller assembly and removal.

4. Check that the propellers and motors are installed correctly and firmly before every flight.

5. Check that all propellers are in good condition before flight. DO NOT use any ageing, chipped, or broken 

propellers.

6. To avoid injury, STAND CLEAR of and DO NOT touch the propellers or motors when they are spinning.

7. ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.14 | 

3 Remote Control

The PHANTOM 2 remote control can be configured in the PHANTOM RC Assistant. The sticks mode is Mode 2 on 

delivery.

For upgraded remote control (models: NDJ6 or NRC900), select “Upgrade Version” in Phantom Assistant. 

For basic remote control (models: DJ6 or RC900), select “Basic Version” in Phantom Assistant.

[1]

[2]

[5] [4]

[9]

[10]

J2

J1

J3

J4 [7]

[8]

[6]

[3]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 

[1]Antenna [2]Carrying Handle [3]Left Dial [4]3-Position Switch S1 [5]3-Position Switch S2 [6]Joystick1(J1;J2)

[7]Joystick2(J3;J4) [8]Neck Strap Attachment [9]Power Switch [10]Power Indicator

[11]Battery Level Indicators LED1/LED2/LED3/LED4 (from left to right) [12]Trainer Port

[13]Battery Charge & RC Assistant Port (micro-USB port) [14] Potentiometer

3.1 Power on the Remote Control

1. Set the S1 and S2 switches to the upper most position and ensure both joysticks are at 

the mid-point position. Then toggle on the power switch.

2. Push the power switch to the right to power on the remote control. If the power LED 

indicator is solid on, the remote control is functioning normally. The battery level 

indicators display the current battery level.

1. Please make sure the battery level of remote control is enough. If the low voltage warning alert 

sounds (refer to <Remote Control Power LED Indicator Status>), please recharge the battery as soon as 

possible.

2. Charge the remote control’s battery by using the included micro-USB cable. Using the incorrect 

type of charging cable may cause damage.

3. Turn off the remote control before charging. The power LED indicator will display solid red when 

charging is in progress. The LED indicators will display solid green when the battery is fully charged.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.15 | 

3.2 Remote Control LED Indicator Status 

3.2.1 Remote Control Power LED Indicator Status 

Power LED Indicator Sound Remote Control Status 

 None Functioning normally. 

 None Charging( remote control is powered off)

 None Remote control joysticks calibration error, need to be re-calibrate.

 BB---BB---BB Low voltage (from 3.5V-3.53V), recharge the remote control.

 B-B-B...... 

Critical low voltage (from 3.45V-3.5V). Recharge the remote control

immediately.

 B--B--B...... 

Alert will sound after 15 minutes of inactivity. It will stop once you 

start using the remote control. 

The remote control will power off automatically when battery voltage drops below 3.45V. Land and 

recharge the battery as soon as possible when the low voltage alert occurs to avoid loss of control 

during flight.

3.2.2 Remote Control Battery Level Indicator Status 

The battery level indicators will show the current battery level during both the discharging process. The following is 

a description of the indicators.

: The LED is solid on : The LED will blink regularly

: The LED is light off

Discharging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

75%~100%

50%~75%

25%~50%

12.5%~25%

0%~12.5%

<0%
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.16 | 

3.3 Antenna Orientation

The remote control’s antenna should point skywards without obstructions for maximum communication range 

during flight.

Figure 3-3

3.4 Remote Control Operation

The operations of remote control are based on mode 2 stick configuration.

Definitions 

The ‘stick neutral’ positions and ‘stick released’ mean the control sticks of the remote control are placed at

the central position. 

To ‘move the stick’ means that the stick of remote control is pushed away from the central position.

Slide Lever is used for the pitch control of the H3-2D and H3-3D gimbal. 

Remote 

Control 

(Mode 2)

Aircraft 

( nose direction)

Operation details 

The throttle stick controls aircraft altitude/elevation. 

Push the stick up and the aircraft will rise.

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will descend.

The aircraft will automatically hover and hold its 

altitude if the sticks are centered. 

Push the throttle stick above the centered (mid-point) 

position to make the aircraft take off. When flying, we 

suggest that you push the throttle stick slowly to 

prevent the aircraft from sudden and unexpected 

elevation changes.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.17 | 

The yaw stick controls the aircraft rudder.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will rotate counter 

clock-wise. 

Push the stick right and the aircraft will rotate 

clock-wise. If the stick is centered, the aircraft will 

remain facing the same direction.

The yaw stick controls the rotating angular velocity of 

the aircraft. Pushing the stick further away from center 

results in a faster aircraft rotation velocity. 

The pitch stick controls the aircraft’s front & back tilt.

Push the stick up and the aircraft will tilt and fly 

forward. 

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will tilt and fly 

backward. The aircraft will keep level and straight if the 

stick is centered. 

Pushing or pulling the stick further away from center 

will result in a larger tilt angle (maximum of is 35 ̊) and 

faster flight velocity. 

The roll stick controls the aircraft’s left & right tilt.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will tilt and fly left. 

Push the stick right and the aircraft will tilt and fly right. 

The aircraft will keep level and straight if the stick is 

centered. 

Pushing the stick further away from center will result in 

a larger tilt angle (maximum of 35 ̊) and faster flight 

velocity. 

 

Position-1 Position-2 Position-3

S1 is for compass calibration. Toggle the S1 switch from 

position-1 to position-3 and back to position-1 at least 5 

times, which will force the aircraft to enter into

compass calibration mode.

Users can configure position 3(bottom position) of the 

S1 switch to trigger the Failsafe in the Assistant.

 

OFF Course Lock Home 

point Lock

S2 is the IOC mode switch. IOC (Intelligent 

Orientation Control) function can be enabled in the 

Assistant when in Naza-M mode. Only use the IOC 

function after you are familiar with flying. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.18 | 

The left dial controls the pitch of the H3-2D and H3-3D

gimbal. The position of left dial determines the pitch 

angle relative to the horizontal level.

Turn the left dial to the right to make the gimbal pitch 

up. 

Turn the left dial to the left to make the gimbal pitch 

down.

The gimbal will keep its current position if the dial is 

static.

(1) For ‘Ready to Fly’ the aircraft will hover when all sticks are released.

(2) For ‘Ready to Fly (non-GPS)’ the aircraft will only keep the altitude when all sticks are released.

3.5 Linking the Remote Control & Built-in Receiver

PHANTOM 2 has a built-in receiver, the link button and indicator located on the bottom of the aircraft as illustrated 

in the Figure 3-4.

The link between the remote control and aircraft is already established for you so you can initially skip this 

procedure. If you ever replace the remote control, re-establishing the link is required.

Link button & Link indicator

Figure 3-4

Linking procedures 

1. Power on the PHANTOM 2.

2. Turn on the remote control and place it 0.5m~1m away from the aircraft.

3. Push the link button with a thin object and hold it until the Link indicator blinks red, then release it.

4. When the Link indicator turns solid green, the link between the remote control and the built-in receiver has 

been successfully established.

Link Indicator Status 

 

The remote control is turned off and there is no 2.4GHz signal around, please turn on 

the remote control. 

 The receiver is ready for linking. 

 There is 2.4GHz signal around but the remote control is not linked with the receiver, 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.19 | 

please carry out the linking procedures. 

 The remote control is linked with the receiver successfully.

4 Intelligent Battery

The intelligent battery is specially designed for the PHANTOM 2, with a battery capacity of 5200mAh, voltage of 

11.1V and charge-discharge management functionality. The battery should only be charged with the DJI charger.

 

Intelligent Battery Charger 

DJI Intelligent Battery Functions 

(1) Balance Charging Automatically balance the voltage of each battery cell during charging.

(2) Capacity Display Display the current battery level.

(3) Communicating 

The main controller communicates with the battery via communication ports 

for battery voltage, capacity, current and other information.

(4) Overcharging Protection 

Charging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 12.8V to 

prevent overcharging damage.

(5) Over Discharging

Protection 

Discharging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 8.4V to 

prevent over discharging damage.

(6) Short Circuit Protection Automatically cuts off the power supply when a short circuit is detected.

(7) Sleep Protection

The battery will enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity to save 

power. The static current is 10nA in sleep mode when the battery is 

powered on without connecting to other devices.

(8) Charging Temperature 

Detection

The battery will charge only when its temperature is within 0°C~55°C. If the 

battery temperature is out of this range, the battery will stop charging.

(1) Before use, please read and follow the user manual, disclaimer, and the warnings on the battery. 

Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage.

(2) The battery should only be charged with the charger provided by DJI. DJI does not take any 

responsibility for operation of any charger from a third party.

4.1 Charging Procedures

1. Connect the charger to a wall socket (Use the plug set if necessary).

2. Connect the battery to the charger. If the current capacity of the battery is over 75%, you should power on 

the battery to begin charging.

3. The Battery Level indicators display current capacity level as the battery charges. Please refer to battery 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.20 | 

level indicator description for details.

4. The battery is fully charged when the Battery Level indicator lights are off. Please disconnect the charger 

and battery when the charging is completed.

Wall Socket

4.2 Install the Battery

Push the battery into the battery compartment correctly as the following diagram shows. Make sure to push the 

battery into the compartment until you hear a ‘click’ sound.

Figure 4-1

An incorrectly inserted battery may cause one of the following to occur: (1) Bad contact. (2) Unavailable

battery information. (3) Unsafe for flight. (4) Unable to take off.

4.3 Battery Usage

Figure 4-2

(1) Checking the battery level: When the battery is powered off; pressing the battery power button once will 

indicate the current battery level. Refer to < Battery Level Indicator Description> for details.

(2) Powering on: When the battery is powered off; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn on the intelligent battery.

(3) Powering off: When the battery is powered on; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn off the intelligent battery.

LED3

LED4

Battery Power Button

(Built-in Battery Power Indicator)

LED2

LED1

Battery Level Indicator
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.21 | 

(4) Checking the battery life: When the battery is powered off; press and hold the battery power button for 5 

seconds to check the battery life. The battery level indicators will show the life and the battery power indicator 

will blink for 10 seconds, then all LEDs will light out and the intelligent battery will turn off. Refer to < Battery 

Level Indicator Description> for details.

More battery information is available in the battery tab of the PHANTOM 2 Assistant.

4.4 Description of the Battery Level Indicator 

The battery level indicators will show the current battery level during both the charging and discharging process as 

well as battery life. The following is a description of the indicators.

: The LED is solid on : The LED will blink regularly

: The LED is light off

Charging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

0%~25%

25%~50%

50%~75%

75%~100%

Full charged

Discharging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current 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 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery life 

90%~100%
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.22 | 

80%~90%

70%~80%

60%~70%

50%~60%

40%~50%

30%~40%

20%~30%

Less than 20%

4.5 Correct Battery Usage Notes

1. Never plug or unplug the battery into the aircraft when it is powered on.

2. The battery should be charged in an environment that is between 0°C to 40°C, and be discharged in an

environment that is between -20°C to 50°C. Both charging and discharging should be in an environment

where the relative humidity is lower than 80%.

3. It’s recommended to charge and discharge the battery thoroughly once every 20 charge/discharge cycles. 

Users should discharge the battery until there is less than 8% power left or until the battery can no longer 

be turned on. Users should then fully recharge the battery to maximum capacity. This power cycling 

procedure will ensure the battery is working at its optimal level.

4. For long term storage please place the battery with only a 40~50% capacity in a strong battery box 

securely. We recommend discharging and charging the battery completely once every 3 months to keep it 

in good condition. The capacity should be varied in such a cycle (40%~50%)—0%—100%—(40%~50%).

5. It’s suggested you purchase a new battery after you have discharged your current battery over 300 times.

Please completely discharge a battery prior to disposal. 

6. It’s suggested that you purchase a new battery if the current battery is swollen or damaged in any way.

7. Never try to recharge or fly with a battery that is swollen or damaged in any way.

8. Never charge the battery unattended. Always charge the battery on a non-flammable surface such as 

concrete and never near any flammable materials.

9. Safety is extremely important and users can get more information in the DISCLAIMER.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.23 | 

5 Calibrating the Compass

IMPORTANT: Make sure to perform the Compass Calibration procedures prior to the first flight.

The compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference which causes abnormal compass data and leads to 

poor flight performance or even flight failure. Regular calibration of the compass enables the compass to perform at 

its optimal level.

5.1 Calibration Warnings

 

(1) DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is a possibility for the existence of strong 

magnetic interference such as magnetite, parking structures, and steel reinforcement 

underground.

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

phones.

(3) Compass Calibration is very important; otherwise the flight control system will work abnormally.

5.2 Calibration Procedures

Please carry out the calibrating procedures in the flight field before flight. Please watch the quick start video of the 

PHANTOM 2 for more compass calibration details.

Normal LED

Quickly flip the switch S1 360o Rotate the aircraft horizontally 360o

Rotate the aircraft vertically (Nose downward) Position-1

Start horizontal calibration Start vertical calibration Succeed Fail

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip no less than 5 times Start cali

LED Flight Indicator

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip once

Position-3

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

Re-calibrate Position-1 Position-3 5.3 When Recalibration is required

(1) When Compass Data is abnormal, the LED flight indicator will blink alternating between red and yellow.

(2) Last compass calibration was performed at a completely different flying field/location.

(3) The mechanical structure of the aircraft has changed, i.e. changed mounting position of the compass.

(4) Evident drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the aircraft doesn’t fly in straight lines.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.24 | 

6 Flight 

6.1 Flying Environment Requirements

 

(1) Before your first flight, please allow yourself some flight training (Using a flight simulator to 

practice flying, getting instruction from an experienced person, etc.).

(2) DO NOT fly in bad weather, such as rain or wind (more than moderate breeze) or fog.

(3) The flying field should be open and void of tall buildings or other obstacles; the steel structure 

within buildings may interfere with the compass.

(4) Keep the aircraft away from obstacles, crowds, power lines, trees, lakes and rivers etc.

(5) Try to avoid interference between the remote control and other wireless equipment (No base 

stations or cell towers around).

(6) The flight control system will not work properly at the South Pole or North Pole.

(7) Never use the aircraft in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or domestic 

lays and regulations.

6.2 Starting the Motors

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start the motors. Push the sticks according to one of the options 

below to start motors. Once the motors have started, release both sticks simultaneously. The same CSC is used to 

stop the motors.

A B C D

Figure 6-1

6.3 Takeoff/Landing Procedures

1. Start by placing the PHANTOM 2 on the ground with the battery level indicators facing you.

2. Turn on the remote control.

3. Power on the aircraft by turning on the intelligent battery.

4. When LED flight indicator blinks green/yellow, the PHANTOM 2 is entering Ready to Fly/Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode. Start the motors with the CSC command.

5. Push the throttle stick up slowly to lift the aircraft off the ground. Refer to <Remote Control Operation> for 

more details.

6. Be sure you are hovering over a level surface. Pull down the throttle stick to descend. The stick will lock into 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.25 | 

place and the aircraft will descend steadily.

7. After landing, leave the throttle stick down for 3 to 5 seconds to stop the motors. Return throttle stick to 

middle position after the motors have stopped.

 

You SHOULD NOT execute the CSC during normal flight! This will stop the motors and cause the 

aircraft to descend rapidly and drop without any type of control.

 

(1) When the LED flight indicator blinks yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered into

Failsafe mode, refer to <Failsafe Function> for details.

(2) A low battery capacity warning is indicated by the LED flight indicator blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. Refer to the <Low Battery Capacity Warning Function> for details.

(3) Watch the quick start video about flight for more flight information.

(4) Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and 

temperature. Be very careful when flying 3000 meters (9800 feet) or more above sea level, as 

battery and aircraft performance may be reduced.

(5) When used with a H3-3D gimbal, a GoPro camera, and the iOSD mini, your Phantom 2 will be very 

close to its maximum takeoff weight. It is not recommended that you attach the Phantom 2 

propeller guards at this weight. Otherwise, the aircraft will be unable to fly normally.

6.4 Failsafe Function

The aircraft will enter Failsafe mode when the connection from the remote control is lost. The flight control system 

will automatically control the aircraft to return to home and land to reduce injuries or damage. The following 

situations would make the aircraft fail to receive a signal from the remote control and enter Failsafe mode:

(1) The remote control is powered off.

(2) The remote control is powered on but the S1 is toggled in the position triggering the Failsafe (this must have 

been configured in the PHANTOM 2 Assistant).

(3) The aircraft has flown out of the effective communication range of the remote control.

(4) There is an obstacle obstructing the signal between the remote control and the aircraft, essentially reducing 

the distance the signal can travel.

(5) There is interference causing a signal problem with the remote control.

Failsafe works differently depending on the mode the aircraft is in when Failsafe mode is initiated whether it is in 

the Ready to Fly or Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode.

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) ---- Automatic landing

The flight control system will try to keep the aircraft level during descent and landing. Note that the aircraft may 

be drifting during the descent and landing process.

 

Ready to Fly ---- Automatic go home and land 

The flight control system will automatically control the aircraft to fly back to the home point and land.

 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.26 | 

Home Point 

When the aircraft is initializing the Ready to Fly status, the aircraft will record the current GPS coordinates as 

the home point. It is recommended to lift off only after Ready to Fly status is confirmed for the safety of being 

able to fly back to home point successfully in case the Failsafe mode is initiated.

Go Home Procedures 

1 Record Home Point. 2 Flying. 3 Remote controller signal lost.

4 Signal lost lasts 3s, begin to go home. 5 Fly back to home point. 6 Landing after hovering 15s.

LED Flight Indicator  LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

Height over home point<=2 0m

Height over home point>2 0m

20m

Elevate to 2 0m

Figure 6-2

 

(1) In a Failsafe situation, if less than 6 GPS satellites are found for more than 20 seconds, the aircraft 

will descend automatically.

 

In Phantom 2 mode, users can set a new home point manually when the aircraft is in “Ready to fly” status 

as long as a home point has been recorded automatically. Quickly flipping the S2 switch of the remote 

control from upper most to lower most positions 5 times or more will reset the current aircraft position as 

a new home point of PHANTOM 2. When successfully reset, you will see a series of rapid green blinks on 

the LED Flight Indicator. The definition of “home point” is:

(1) The home point is the place PHANTOM 2 returns to when the control signal is lost, which is 

recorded last time.

(2) The home point is used to calculate the horizontal distance between you and the aircraft, the 

distance will be displayed as 

D

if using iOSD module.

 

Regaining Control during Failsafe Procedure 

Position of 

Switch S1 

 

Position-1 Position-2 

Position-3 

(No triggering the Failsafe) 

How to regain 

control

When the S1 switch is switched to Position-1, 

toggle the S1 switch to any other position once to 

regain control. If remote control’s signal is

recovered, control is returned back to the pilot.

Regain control as soon as signal is 

recovered.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.27 | 

6.5 Low Battery Capacity Warning Function

The low battery capacity warning alerts users when the battery is close to depletion during flight. When it appears, 

users should promptly fly back and land to avoid accidental damage. The PHANTOM 2 has two levels of low battery 

capacity warning. The first appears when the battery has less than 30% power and the second appears when it has 

less than 15% power.

(1) When battery power drops below 30% and LED indicator will blink red slowly.

(2) At lower than 15% the LED indicator will blink red rapidly, the PHANTOM 2 will also begin to descend and 

land automatically. After it has landed, keep the throttle stick at its lowest point or execute CSC.

(3) There is a hidden third low battery threshold in addition to the 1st and 2nd level warnings. This uses 10.65V 

as its threshold. Both this voltage threshold and the 2nd Level Low Battery Warning will trigger auto-landing. 

Altitude can be maintained if necessary by pushing up on the throttle stick.

 

(1) Remember to fly your PHANTOM 2 back as soon as you see a low battery capacity warning.

(2) Keeping the battery contact needles and pads clean is very important. Any dirt and dust may 

cause a communication failure.

6.6 Flight Limits Function

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

(International Civil Aviation Organization) and per country airspace regulations. For safety reasons, the flight limits 

function is enabled by default to help users use this product safely and legally. The flight limits function includes 

height, distance limits.

In Ready to Fly status, height, distance limits works together to restrict the flight. In Ready to Fly (non-GPS) status, 

only height limit works and the flying height restricted to be not over 120m.

(1) The default parameters in the Assistant is compliant within the definitions of class G ruled by 

ICAO. (Refer to Airspace Classification to get more details). As each country has its own rules, 

make sure to configure the parameters to comply with these rules too, before using the 

PHANTOM 2.

(2) Users in Mainland China can refer to 民用航空空域使用办法.

Max Height & Radius Limits 

The Max Height & Radius restricts the flying height and distance. Configuration can be done in the PHANTOM 2

Assistant. Once complete, your aircraft will fly in a restricted cylinder. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.28 | 

Max Height Max Radius

Home Point The height of aircraft when it is powered on Figure 6-3 Figure 6-4

Ready to Fly 

 Limits Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

Max Height 

The flight height is restricted to fly 

under the max height. 

Warning: Height limit 

reached. 

None.

Max Radius 

The flight distance is restricted to fly 

within the max radius. 

Warning: Distance limit 

reached.

Rapid red flashings 

when close to the Max radius limit. 

Ready to Fly(non-GPS) 

 Flight Limits Ground Station Rear LED flight indicator 

Max Height 

The flight height is restricted to fly 

under the minor height between the 

Max height and 120m. 

Warning: Height limit reached. 

None.

Max Radius Not limited, no warnings or LED indicators. 

(1) If the aircraft flies out of the limits, you can still control your aircraft except to fly it further away.

(2) If the aircraft is flying out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) status, it will fly back 

within the limits range automatically if 6 or more GPS satellites have been found. 

6.7 Flight Limits of Special Areas 

Special areas include airports worldwide. All special areas are listed on the DJI official website. Please refer to 

http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc for details. These areas have been divided into category A and category B. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.29 | 

 Category A Category B

Ready to Fly 

Airspace Limits 

Rear LED 

Flight Indicator 

A 

Orange 

Motors will not start.

If the Phantom flies into a special area in Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode and Ready to Fly mode activates, it will 

automatically descend and land then stop its motors. 

B 

Yellow 

If the Phantom flies into a special area in Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode and Ready to Fly mode activates, it will 

descend to airspace C and hover 5 meters below edge d. 

C 

Green 

No restrictions of flight, but the Phantom will not enter 

Category A, the aircraft can fly free, but it will not enter 

Airspace B through Boundary b & d.

Around Category B sites, the phantom can fly freely, but it will 

not enter into Airspace A through Boundary a.

D 

Blue 

No restrictions. None. 

10.5m

2400m

Center of Special Area 8000m

120m A B C

8100m

D

b

d

c b a a c

d

a

b

c

Airspace: A,B,C,D Boundary: a, b, c, d

1000m

A C D c a a c

a 2000m c Center of Special Area

Airspace: A,C,D Boundary: a, c,
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.30 | 

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. Users must toggle the S1 

switch to regain control. This is the same as regaining control during Failsafe. Please refer to Regaining 

Control During Failsafe Procedure (Page23). 

(1) When flying in the airspace (A/B/C) of restricted special area, LED flight indicators 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.

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

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

6.8 Conditions of Flight Limits 

In different working modes and flight modes, flight limits will differ according to number of GPS satellites found. 

The following table demonstrates all the cases(√: available; ×:unavailable).

All flights are restricted by height, distance and special areas simultaneously. The Failsafe and Ground Station 

operations are not restricted to flight limits, but if Ground Station function is used, the flight will be restricted the 

special area limits built in to Ground Station. Refer to the Ground Station manual for details.

Phantom mode 

Flight Status Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

Ready to Fly √ √ √

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) × √ ×

Naza-M mode 

Control Mode number of GPS found Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

GPS 

≥6 √ √ √

<6 × √ ×

ATTI.

≥6 √ √ ×

<6 × √ ×

Manual

≥6 × × ×

<6 × × ×

Disclaimer 

Please ensure that you are kept up to date with International and Domestic airspace rules and regulations before 

using this product. By using this product, you hereby agree to this disclaimer and signify that you have read this fully. 

You agree that you are responsible for your own conduct and content while using this product, and for any direct or 

indirect consequences caused by not following this manual, violate or disregard any other applicable local laws, 

administrative rules and social habits thereof.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.31 | 

7 Assistant Installation and Configuration

7.1 Installing Driver and PHANTOM 2 Assistant

Installing and running on Windows 

1. Download driver installer and Assistant installer in EXE format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 

on the DJI website.

2. Connect the PHANTOM 2 to a PC via a Micro-USB cable. 

3. Run the driver installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

4. Next, run the Assistant installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

5. Double click the PHANTOM 2 icon on your Windows desktop to launch the software.

The installer in EXE format only supports Windows operating systems (Win XP, Win7, Win8 (32 or 64 

bit)).

Installing and running on Mac OS X

1. Download the Assistant installer in DMG format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 on the DJI 

website.

2. Run the installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

3. When launching for the first time if use Launchpad to run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant, Launchpad won’t 

allow access because the software has not been reviewed by Mac App Store. 

4. Locate the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder, press the Control key and then click the PHANTOM 2 icon 

(or right-click the PHANTOM 2 icon using a mouse). Choose Open from the shortcut menu, click open in 

the prompt dialog box and then software will launch.

5. After the first successful launch, directly launching of the software can be achieved by double-clicking 

the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.32 | 

Installer in DMG format supports only Mac OS X 10.6 or above.

Usage of PHANTOM 2 Assistant on Mac OS X and Windows are exactly the same. The Assistant pages 

appear in other places of this manual are on the Windows for example. 

7.2 Using the PHANTOM 2 Assistant on a PC

1. Start up the PC, power on the PHANTOM 2, then connect the PHANTOM 2 to the PC with a Micro-USB 

cable. DO NOT disconnect until configuration is finished.

2. Run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant and wait for the PHANTOM 2 to connect to the Assistant. Observe the 

indicators on the bottom of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection indicator is

and communication indicator is blinking .

3. Choose [Basic] or [Advanced] configuration pages.

4. View and check the current configuration in the [View] page.

Language swap View configurations

Connection indicator Communication indicator

RC, Gain Gimbal, Battery IMU calibration Firmware upgrade Account, software version

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

Function switch of Phantom 2 and Naza-M mode
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.33 | 

(1) Users should not enable the Naza-M function before finishing Advanced Flight Maneuvers 

procedure in the " PHANTOM Pilot Training Guide”. If the Naza-M mode is enabled, users can 

switch the control mode between ATTI. Mode, GPS Mode or Manual Mode, and access the 

advanced settings (e.g. IOC). In addition, the LED located on the rear frame arms will display

Naza-M flight status indications instead of the PHANTOM 2's indicators. Do not enable the 

Naza-M mode unless you are an experienced user or guided by a professional.

(2) You can change to the Phantom 2 mode by clicking the same button used to turn on the Naza-M 

mode. This operation will disable the Naza-M mode and enable Phantom 2 mode. All parameters 

will be returned to factory settings.

7.3 Firmware upgrade of PHANTOM 2

Please refer to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant to install driver and PHANTOM RC Assistant, and then follow the 

procedures below to upgrade the software and firmware; otherwise the PHANTOM 2 might not work properly.

1. An internet connection is required to upgrade PHANTOM 2’s firmware.

2. Click the [Upgrade] icon to check the current firmware version and whether the installed firmware is the 

latest version. If not, click the relative links to upgrade.

3. Be sure to wait until the Assistant shows “finished”. Click OK and power cycle the PHANTOM 2 after 5 

seconds. Once completed, the firmware is up to date.

Firmware upgradable items

Current firmware version

Upgrade link

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

(1) DO NOT power off until the upgrade is finished.

(2) If the firmware upgrade failed, the main controller will enter a waiting for firmware upgrade 

status automatically. If this happens, repeat the above procedures.

Firmware upgradable items:(1)Main Controller(2)P330CB(Main Board)(3)Receiver(4)Gimbal 

CMU(5)Gimbal IMU(6)Battery 

7.4 PHANTOM RC Assistant Description

Please follow the procedures to finish the configuration of the remote control.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.34 | 

1. Turn off the remote control and find the Micro-USB port on the bottom of it.

2. Start up the PC, power on the remote control, and then connect the remote control to the PC with a 

Micro-USB cable. DO NOT disconnect until the configuration is finished.

3. Run the PHANTOM RC Assistant and wait for the remote control to connect to the Assistant. Observe the 

indicators on the bottom left of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection indicator is 

and communication indicator is blinking .

4. Finish configuration in the [Main] page.

5. Finish upgrade in the [Info] page if necessary.

DT7调参软件

Main Page of the 2.4GHz Remote Control 

Language swap Main page

Connection indicator Communication indicator

Firmware upgrade Account, software version

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.35 | 

8 Appendix

8.1 Specifications

Aircraft

Operating environment temperature -10°C to 50°C

Power consumption 5.6W

Supported Battery DJI Intelligent battery

Weight (including the battery) 1000g

Take-off Weight ≤1300g 

Hovering Accuracy (Ready to Fly) Vertical: 0.8m; Horizontal: 2.5m

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 200°/s

Max Tilt Angle 35°

Max Ascent / Descent Speed Ascent: 6m/s; Descent: 2m/s

Max Flight Speed 15m/s (Not Recommended)

Wheelbase 350mm

2.4GHz Remote Control 

Operating Frequency 2.4GHz ISM

Communication Distance (open area) 1000m

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -97dBm

Working Current/Voltage 120 mA@3.7V

Built-in LiPo Battery Working Current/Capacity 3.7V, 2000mAh

DJI Intelligent Battery

Type 3S LiPo Battery

Capacity 5200mAh, 11.1V

Charging Environment Range 0°C to 40°C

Discharging Environment Range -20°C to 50°C

8.2 LED Flight Indicators Description

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Control Signal Lost

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.36 | 

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.*

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

* Users can connect to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant to get detailed information about warnings and errors.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.1 | 

PHANTOM 2 FPV HUB Kit Instruction V1.0 

PHANTOM 2 FPV HUB kit contains only cables and the FPV HUB to 

make connections convenient, easy and thus removing the need to do 

soldering when connecting them to an iOSD mini,iOSD Mark II or a DJI

specified wireless video transmission module AVL58. Only 4 cables 

require soldering if users opt to use a wireless video transmission that’s 

not specified by DJI.

1. FPV HUB, the main connection board used to extend devices.

2. HUB-AVL58 cable, used to connect AVL58 and FPV HUB.

FPV HUB AVL58 3. HUB-iOSD Mark II cable, used to connect iOSD Mark II and FPV HUB.

FPV HUB iOSD Mark II

4. HUB-ZEN cable, used to connect H3-2D gimbal and FPV HUB.

FPV HUB H3-2D 5. HUB-iOSD mini cable, used to connect iOSD mini and FPV HUB.

FPV HUB iOSD mini 6. HUB-VTX cable, used to connect the FPV HUB and other wireless 

video transmission module.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.2 | 

FPV HUB

DJI unspecified wireless

video transmission module

Connections 

Choose devices collocation used with FPV-HUB according to required 

functions.

Collocation Functions 

1 Wireless video transmission module Video transmitting

2 

iOSD mini, Wireless video transmission module OSD, Video transmitting

3 

iOSD MARK II, Wireless video transmission 

module

OSD, Video transmitting, 

Data record

For wireless video transmission, the ALV58 is recommended for easy 

connection, using a HUB-AVL58 cable.

Collocation 1: Wireless video transmission module connected only 

Micro switch stops at VID Connecting with the 8-Pin cable reserved in PHANTOM 2

HUB-ZEN cable HUB-AVL58 cable

A V L 5 8 T R A N S M I T T E R

DJI unspecified wireless video transmission HUB-VTX cable module GND VCC VIDEO_GND VIDEO 1) Stop the Micro switch at VID position if only wireless video 

transmission module is connected to the FPV HUB.

2) Wireless video transmission module is alternative to AVL58 or 

others unspecified. If using the AVL58, connect it to the FPV HUB 

via HUB-AVL58 cable. If using other wireless video transmission 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.3 | 

module, connect it to the FPV HUB via HUB-VTX cable according to 

pins description of the HUB-VTX cable.

GND 

GND wire from PHANTOM 2, connect it to the GND port of wireless 

video transmission module.

VCC

Power wire from PHANTOM 2 provides 1.5A@12V power. Connect it 

to the VCC port of wireless video transmission module.

VIDEO_GND

GND wire of analog video signal, connect it to the VIDEO_GND port 

of wireless video transmission module. If the video transmission 

module used has only one GND port on the transmitter, it’s alright to 

connect both GND and VIDEO_GND to the only GND port.

VIDEO

For analog video output, connect it to the video input port of the 

wireless video transmission module.

Collocation 2&3: iOSD mini/iOSD MARK II and video transmission 

module connected 

To the CAN- BUS Connector of PHANTOM 2 HUB-iOSD mini cable

Micro switch stops at OSD Connecting with the 8-Pin cable reserved in PHANTOM 2

HUB-ZEN cable

HUB-AVL58 cable A V L 5 8 T R A N S M I T T E R HUB-iOSD Mark II cable

To the CAN-BUS Connector of PHANTOM 2 HUB-VTX cable

DJI unspecified wireless video transmission module 1) It’s alternative to use iOSD mini or iOSD Mark II.

2) Stop the Micro switch at OSD position when iOSD is connected to 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.4 | 

the FPV HUB.

3) Please refer to Collocation1 to connect the wireless video 

transmission module.

Notes 

(1) If using the FPV HUB, the original 4-Pin cable and video cable on 

PHANTOM 2 will be spared, please remove and clear them out. 

Make sure the video cable is totally cleared without any copper wire 

left to prevent short circuit damage. 

(2) All the connection operations should be conducted when the 

intelligent battery is powered off.

(3) Check whether pins of the connectors on the FPV HUB are straight

and in good condition before connecting. Please and plug and 

unplug the connector carefully to avoid damage or short circuit.

(4) It’s not recommended to install the FPV HUB and extended devices 

inside the PHANTOM 2 aircraft.

(5) Make sure to install the AVL58 away from the compass to avoid 

interference.

(6) FPV HUB is non water-proof, if it is wet, please wash it with alcoholic 

cleanser and dry it before use. Otherwise components may be 

damaged cause of electrochemical corrosion.

(7) Do not leak any metal, conductive objects into the connector pins of 

FPV HUB to prevent short circuit damage.

(8) It’s not recommended to use cables not in the kit to connect devices 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.5 | 

to avoid unexpected damage.

(9) Make sure the connection is correct when using wireless video 

transmission module unspecified by DJI.

Tips 

(1) FPV HUB has a resettable fuse for over circuit precaution. The fuse 

will automatically open to prevent damage if the working current of 

power consuming devices (except DJI Zenmuse series) goes over 2A 

or if VCC and GND short circuited. After the short circuit trouble 

issued or the over current load is removed, turn off the power of the 

intelligent battery, the fuse will recover after 10secs.

(2) A component will be damaged if PHANTOM 2 has been short circuit 

once. In this condition, users still can use the FPV HUB and make the 

PHANTOM 2 work well again, ignoring the damaged component.

Declaimer 

Please read this disclaimer carefully before using this product. By 

using this product, you hereby agree to this disclaimer and signify that 

you have read them fully. You agree that you are responsible for your 

own conduct and content while using this product, and for any 

consequences thereof. DJI accepts no liability for damages or injuries 

incurred directly or indirectly caused by abuse or operations failed to 

follow this manual of this product.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your product, please 

contact your dealer or DJI Customer Service.