NEC Laboratories America, Inc. October 27, 2015

Ting Wang

4 Independence Way #200

Princeton, NJ 08540

Email: ting@nec-labs.com

Tel.: 6099512974

Attn:

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 and Part 11 of the Federal 

Aviation Regulations from 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. Part 21; 14 C.F.R. Part 

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

91.203 (a) & (b); 91.405 (a); 91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.417 (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, NEC Laboratories America, equipped to conduct 

aerial imaging and data collection, as well as testing implementation of our proprietary 

mobile aerial public announcement platforms, hereby apply for an exemption from the 

listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of our

sUASs, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions 

outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as requires by Section 333.

 I, Ting Wang, Department Head of Optical Networking and Sensing of NEC Laboratories 

America, Inc. (NEC Laboratories), hereby agree to abide by all regulations pursuant to 

Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 C.F.R. Part II. 

NEC Laboratories is the US-based division of NEC’s global network of research 

laboratories. Our primary focus is on technology research and early market validation in 

support of NEC’s core businesses globally and in the US. NEC Laboratories is 

investigating state-of-the-art optics and photonics for social value innovations, including 

safety and security solutions and environmental sensing. NEC Laboratories proposes to 

conduct research and development of scientific sensing platforms with integration of 

sUAS by using DJI S1000 plus, DJI Inspire, DJI Matrice M100, Harris H18 Pro and 

STARK H6 & Hx8 multirotors in the continental United States in support of current 

research projects including public safety prevention (i.e. gas leak detection and public 

addressing system) and public health monitoring (i.e. air quality monitoring) in real time.

No tools as powerful and convenient as the sUAS technology have been available to our 

process with high flexibility to easily and quickly attain a sensing survey data without 

any blind angles. This provides major benefits for detection of gas leakage from gas 

delivery pipelines and real-time air quality monitoring. Before the use of UAV 
technology, it was difficult to monitor gas leakage along the pipelines and obtain air 

quality results in 3D. The 3D air quality model is the key to investigating and understand 

air pollution. Furthermore, the UAV technology will provide high mobility with wide 

coverage in the applications of public addressing. The use of UAV technology is key to 

our success in detecting gas leakage of pipelines and obtaining 3D air quality results that 

are important for public safety prevention and air pollution investigations. 

The specific section or sections of 14 CFR from which we seek an exemption:

 14 C.F.R. Part 21 

 14 C.F.R. 43.11

 14 C.F.R. 45.11

 14 C.F.R. 45.23 (b)

 14 C.F.R. 45.27 

 14 C.F.R. 61.113 (a) & (b) 

 14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 

 14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b) (2) 

 14 C.F.R. 91.103 

 14 C.F.R. 91.109 

 14 C.F.R. 91.113 (b)

 14 C.F.R. 91.119 (b) & (c)

 14 C.F.R. 91.121 

 14 C.F.R. 91.151 (a) 

 14 C.F.R. 91.203 (a) & (b) 

 14 C.F.R. 91.215

 14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a) 

 14 C.F.R. 407 (a) (1) 

 14 C.F.R. 409 (a) (2) 

 14 C.F.R. 417 (a) & (b)

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

small, unmanned, and redundant sUAS under controlled conditions in airspace that is 1) 

limited 2) predetermined 3) controlled as to access and 4) would provide safe operations 

and affordability to the existing real estate and closed-set special event industries 

currently using conventional aircraft. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance 

safety, promote industry growth and fair competition through affordability of aerial 

photography and cinematography and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA 

Administrator’s) responsibilities to “... establish requirements for the safe operation of 

such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.” Section 333 of the Reform Act.

 NEC Laboratories requests that the publication and comment procedures be waived 

in accordance with 14 C.P.R.§ 11.87 which states: 

§ 11.87. Are there circumstances in which FAA may decide not to publish a 

summary of my petition for exemption? 

The FAA may not publish a summary of your petition for exemption and request 
comments if you present or we find good cause why we should not delay action on your 

petition. The factors we consider in deciding not to request comment include: 

a). Whether granting your petition would set a precedent.

b). Whether the relief requested is identical to exemptions granted previously. 

c). Whether our delaying action on your petition would affect you adversely. 

d). Whether you filed your petition in a timely manner. 

Corresponding to the above sub-sections, NEC Laboratories has good cause to request 

the FAA to waive the comment period and not delay action on the petition because: 

(a) NEC Laboratories would not set any precedent. Exemption #'s 11359, 11358, and 

11425 are all previously granted petitions to allow the petitioner to operate an 

unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial imaging and data collection 

activities. NEC Laboratories agrees to abide by the same limitations set forth by 

these exemptions.

(b) This petition for exemption is requesting relief similar to the above-mentioned

petitioners. The regulations that NEC Laboratories is seeking relief from were 

chosen based directly upon the FAA's chart included in the exemptions mentioned 

above. This was done so that the FAA could waive the comment period and rapidly 

grant this petition. 

(c) Delaying the granting of this petition would adversely affect the public, the FAA, 

and NEC Laboratories. Both the Public and the FAA would be better served by the 

FAA quickly granting this petition and thereby freeing up limited FAA resources 

and allowing FAA inspectors to dedicate their time and attention to much higher 

priorities. Moreover, NEC Laboratories is eagerly seeking to be exempt for 

commercial operations and is adversely affected by the above listed regulations, in 

an effort to promote innovation and conceptualize new sUAS applications.

(d) The petition has been filed in a timely manner. 

 As described in more detail below, the requested exemption would permit the 

operation of small, unmanned, and redundant sUAS’s under controlled airspace 

conditions that are 1) limited to the Pilot in Command’s (PIC) visual line of sight 

(VLOS) 2) pre-determined and pre-inspected 3) compliant with all government agency 

regulations, including but not limited to the FCC 4) would safely provide innovation and 

superior affordability to commercial photography/videography and emissions sensory 

applications.
AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

NEC Laboratories proposes to use the following sUASs: DJI S1000 plus, DJI 

Inspire, DJI Matrice M100, Harris H18 Pro and STARK H6 & Hx8 made by Harris 

Aerial LLC in Orlando, FL. All sUASs weigh less than 55 lbs. They will operate under 

normal conditions at a speed of no more than 50 knots and have the capability to hover 

and move in the vertical and horizontal planes simultaneously. The above listed sUASs 

are equipped with DJI A2 and/or Pixhawk (APM) Flight controllers, which are readily 

available on the consumer markets. Both flight controller platforms include GPS and

redundant failsafe features, including an auto-return function allowing the sUAS to return 

to the predetermined safe landing area upon loss of control, out of range deviation, and/or 

preconfigured low levels of power supply. Magnetic interference that can cause loss off 

GPS signal can be monitored through a mobile Ground Station application, as well as 

MacOS and/or Windows-based Ground Station software equivalent. The sUASs will 

operate only in line of sight and will operate only within a sterile closed-set area of a 

residential or commercial listing or a closed-set special event. Such operations will insure 

that the sUAS will “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the 

public.” (Reform Act Section 333 (b)).

 Given the small size of the sUASs involved and the restricted sterile environment 

within which they will operate, the applicant falls squarely within that zone of safety (an 

equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by 

exemption, allow commercial operations of UASs to commence immediately. Also due 

to the size of the sUAS and the restricted areas in which the relevant sUASs will operate, 

approval of the application presents no national security issue. Given the clear direction 

in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in the Federal Aviation Act, as 

amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations, and 

the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction in environmental 

impacts, including reduced emissions associated with allowing UASs for movie and 

television operations, the grant of the requested exemptions is in the public interest. 

Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested 

exemption without delay.

Reasons why the exemption would not adversely affect safety, or how the exemption 

would provide a level of safety at least equal to the existing rule;

 This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing 

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

Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely 

in the national airspace system (NAS) before completion of the rule making required 

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

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

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

 The UAS’s size, weight, speed and operational capability;

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

 Operation of the UAS within visual line of sight of the operator. 
 If the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate safely in the national 

airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such 

aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. §333(c).

 The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. 

This statutory authority by its terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is 

defined under §40101 of the Act, that includes sUASs, from the requirement that all civil 

aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate.

 The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation 

prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702 - 44716 of this 

title if the Administrator finds the exemption in the public interest. 49 U.S.C. §44701(f). 

See also 49 USC §44711(a); 49 USC §44704; 14 CFR §91.203 (a) (1).Hence, NEC 

Laboratories respectfully request your approval of the petition.

OPERATING CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS

NEC Laboratories proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to civil aircraft 

that have the characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed herein. These 

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

under the current regulatory structure because the proposed operations represent a safety 

enhancement to the already safe aerial photography and cinematography filming 

operations conducted with conventional aircraft.

 The sUAS will weigh no more than 55lbs.

 Flights will be operated within line of sight of a pilot and/or observer. 

 Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 50 minutes or less.

 Each mission will consist of a crew of at least 2: one PIC and one observer.

Imaging and aerial data collection personnel will be present when necessary to 

operate the standalone, non-UAV operating equipment. 

 The PIC will have a minimum of 50 logged flights and 50 total hours of flight 

experience.

 Observer and PIC will at all times be able to communicate by voice and/or two 

way radio communication system.

 sUAS Pilot will also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 C.F.R 

61.56 in an aircraft in which the Pilot is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

 We will operate our sUAS within the 400-foot AGL permissible ceiling set by the 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (not more than 200 feet above an 

elevated platform for which aerial imaging and/or data collection efforts are 

planned);

 We will pilot our sUAS through remote control only by visual line of sight, 

keeping the sUAS within 500 feet of the operator at all times, until further 

increases in flight distance have been approved by the FAA;

 We will not operate the sUAS in Class A, B, C, or D airspace without written 

approval from the FAA; 

 We will not operate within 4 nautical miles of the geographic center of a nontowered airport as denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a 

letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation 

is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. 
The letter of agreement with the airport management will be made available to the 

Administrator upon request; 

 The sUAS will only operate within a confined closed-set area with a set safety 

perimeter, the boundaries of which will be determined by sUAS service personnel 

and the sUAS PIC based on the site-specific activities and speed of the sUAS 

required for the operation, and coordinated with the jurisdictional FAA FSDO and 

local government officials as applicable.

 If the sUAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the sUAS will have the 

capability to return to a pre-determined location within the Security Perimeter and 

land safely.

 During operation of the sUAS, signs will be posted warning the public that: 

“Caution: Small Unmanned Aircraft Operation in Progress”; or equivalent;

 Our sUAS has GPS-controlled Failsafe, a flight safety feature whereby it gains 

altitude and hovers before slowly returning to home to land. The aircraft also will 

enter this failsafe procedure if the signal between the PIC’s Tx and the Rx on the 

aircraft is lost, or manually engaged by the operator.

 The OSD (on-screen display) device on-board the aircraft actively records and 

analyzes flight data and other sources of information and streams it to the PIC’s 

first-person view monitor, thus enhancing overall safety; 

 Before each flight we will assess the environment and will only proceed to 

operate in reasonably safe conditions that are controlled and are away from power 

lines, airports and populated areas; 

 We conduct extensive pre-flight inspections and follow strict operating protocols, 

during which safety carries primary importance. A briefing will be conducted in 

regards to the planned sUAS operations prior to each day’s production activities. 

It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be performing duties within the 

boundaries of the safety perimeter be present for this briefing.

 We will always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation. If applicable, 

all required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, 

county or city jurisdictions, including local law enforcements, fire, or other 

appropriate governmental agencies.

 We will put forth our best effort to cooperate with regulatory bodies and will 

eagerly contribute to future improvements and development in sUAS and 

commercial sUAS infrastructure. 

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). 

 Given the size and limited operating area associated with the aircraft to be utilized by 

the Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements of an 

equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of the Reform Act. The Federal 

Aviation Act (49 U.S.C.§44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act both authorize 

the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, operational capability, maneuverability and 
proximity to airports and densely populated areas. In all cases, an analysis of these 

criteria demonstrates that the UAS operated without an airworthiness certificate, in the 

restricted environment and under the conditions proposed will be at least as safe, or safer, 

than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) operating with an airworthiness 

certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed. NEC Laboratories’ sUAS 

permits exemption from Part 21 because our sUAS meet(s) (and exceed(s)) an equivalent 

level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act.

B). 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

This section requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft without an airworthiness 

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

FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 

Equivalent level of safety: NEC LAboratories will keep the s UAS maintenance and 

safety information at the ground station, where it will be readily accessible to the PIC and 

VO before, during, and after operations. The PIC will be able to reference this material 

when making the determination regarding airworthiness of the specified sUAS. This 

exemption provides an equivalent level of safety as 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) because the PIC 

will be able to make the determination of whether the sUAS is in an airworthy 

mechanical and electrical condition, in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 91.7(b).

C). 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2), § 91.9 (c): Civil Aircraft flight manual, marking, and 

placard requirements.

The FAA previously stated that exemption to this section was not necessary. NEC 

Laboratories requests the same determination to be made for this Petition. 

Alternatively, NEC Laboratories requests an exemption from 14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2). This 

part provides: 

"(b) No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft...

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

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

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

thereof." 

 First, there does not currently exist a method of approving manuals for sUAS. 

Second, given the size and configuration of the sUAS, there is no space to carry such a 

flight manual on the aircraft. In addition, carrying the manual on the aircraft would be 

pointless, since there is no pilot or other person on board who could read or use it. On 

August 8, 2014, the FAA issued a memorandum entitled “Interpretation regarding 

whether certain required documents may be kept at an unmanned aircraft’s control 

station.” This document stated that in the case of sAUS, “maintaining these documents at 

the pilot’s control station would meet the intent of the rule as the pilot would be able to 

produce the documents for his or her own information or to an FAA inspector.” This 

section requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no on board pilots or 
passengers, and given the size of the sUAS, this regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent 

level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a safety/flight manual delineating areas of 

where safety can be defined. 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. 

Equivalent level of safety: NEC Laboratories will keep its flight manual at the ground 

station, where both the PIC and VO can access it. An equivalent level of safety to 14 

C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2) is provided because the intent of this rule – the pilot having access to 

this material during flight – is met.

D). 14 C.F.R. 91.109: Flight instruction; simulated instrument flight and certain 

flight tests. 

The FAA has previously stated that relief from this section was unnecessary when there 

are no training scenarios in which a dual set of controls would be utilized or required. 

NEC Laboratories requests the same determination to be made here. 

Alternatively, NEC Laboratories requests an exemption from 14 C.F.R. 91.109. Section 

14 C.F.R. 91.109 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned 

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

functioning dual controls. Remotely piloted aircraft, including the DJI S1000, Harris H18 

Pro, STARK H6, are designed and constructed without dual controls. Flight control will 

be accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with the aircraft via 

a radio transmitter. 

Equivalent level of safety: The requested exemption from 14 C.F.R. 91.109 will provide 

an equivalent level of safety to this section because NEC Laboratories’ training will not 

require dual controls. Rather, training will be conducted under direct supervision of an 

experienced and qualified PIC. Additionally, the DJI S1000 is a small sUAS and will 

carry neither a pilot nor passengers.

E). 14 C.F.R. 91.113(b): Right-of-way rules: Except water operations. 

 NEC Laboratories requests an exemption from 14 C.F.R. 113(b) to the extent that it 

applies to overhead aircraft operating at or above 500 feet AGL as the sUAS will be 

operating no higher than 400 feet AGL. This part provides: 

“(b): General. When weather conditions permit, regardless of whether an operation is 

conducted under instrument flight rules or visual flight rules, vigilance shall be 

maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft. 

When a rule of this section gives another aircraft the right-of-way, the pilot shall give 

way to that aircraft and may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well clear." 

For example, if another aircraft is operating overhead at 10,000 feet AGL there is no 

danger posed to that other aircraft if the sUAS is operating under it or ahead of it at or 

beneath 400 feet AGL. Despite this, should another aircraft enter the area in which NEC 
Laboratories is operating, because the flight will be within the PIC’s line of sight, the PIC 

will be able to give right of way to that aircraft. 

Equivalent level of safety: NEC Laboratories will operate its sUAS to see and avoid and 

give way to other aircraft that might enter nearby airspace at or below 400 feet AGL, and 

will give right-of-way to manned aircraft. Additionally, inspections of power lines and 

transmission towers will not interfere with manned flight, because they are pre-existing 

structures that pilots will not be flying near.

F). 14 C.F.R. § 91.121 Altimeter Settings

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

by reference to an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure airport or an 

appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.” As the sUAS may not have a 

barometric altimeter, but instead a global position system altitude read out with a 

barometric sensor, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be 

achieved by the operator, pursuant to the Pre Flight Check list, confirming the altitude of 

the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. Altitude information 

will be provided to the pilot via a digitally encoded telemetric datalink to a real-time 

display. 

G). 14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and 

Registration

The regulation provides in pertinent part:

(a) Except as provided in § 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it 

!!has within it the following:

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

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

required by paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued 

under §91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to 

passengers or crew.

 The sUAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs and is operated without an 

onboard pilot. As such, there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration 

documents or to display them on the sUAS. 

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

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

extent they are applicable to the sUAS. The FAA has issued numerous exemptions to this 

regulation. A representative sample of other exceptions includes Exemption Nos. 9565, 

9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 10700. We respectfully request exemption 

from these section for the same reasons described above. The equivalent level of safety 

will be achieved by maintaining any such required certifications and registrations by 

NEC Laboratories. 

H). 14 C.F.R. § 45.11, 45.23, and 45.27: Marking of the Aircraft.
Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according to certain 

specifications:

When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration 

number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or 

experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display 

on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters 

not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," 

"restricted," "light-sport," "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable.

The sUASs we intend to use are, by definition, unmanned. Even though the sUAS will 

have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the sUAS we intend to 

use do not have entrance to the 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. NEC Laboratories will mark 

the sUAS in the largest possible lettering by placing the word “EXPERIMENTAL” on its 

fuselage as required by 14 C.F.R. §45.29 (f) so that the PIC, or anyone assisting the PIC 

as a spotter will see the markings. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this 

regulation through Exemptions Nos. 8738, 10167, 10167A and 10700. 

I). 14 C.F.R. § 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: PIC. Pursuant to 14 

C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b), private pilots are limited to non-commercial operations.

 NEC Laboratories can achieve an equivalent level of safety as achieved by current 

Regulations. The PIC will have a current Medical and will meet the flight review 

requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56. 

J). 14 C.F.R. § 91.119 (b) and (c): Minimum safe altitudes: General

NEC Laboratories requests an exemption from 14 C.F.R. 91.119 subpart (b) and (c). This 

regulation provides: 

"Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below 

the following altitudes... 

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over 

any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle 

within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. 

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except 

over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be 

operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.” 

NEC Laboratories will not operate the sUAS any higher than 400 feet AGL. Furthermore, 

NEC Laboratories will necessarily operate its sUAS closer than 500 feet to the preexisting structures and infrastructure elements for aerial data collection. Furthermore, 

NEC Laboratories will follow the principals set forth in Part 6 of the Manual on Uniform 

Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), created by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 
Federal Highway Administration to ensure safety when it will necessarily be flying closer 

than 500 feet to traffic. 

Equivalent level of safety: NEC Laboratories will operate the sUAS no higher than 400 

feet AGL. Our sUAS operations will provide at least an equivalent level of safety to 

manned aircraft that are maintaining a distance of at least "500 feet to any person, vessel, 

vehicle, or structure.” The 400 feet AGL maximum will provide an equivalent level of 

safety to 14 C.F.R. 91.119(c) because, since 1981 with AC 91-57, this height has been an 

operating standard for model aircraft. 

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

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

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

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

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

after that for at least 45 minutes.” 

 The battery powering the sUAS provides approximately 20-40 minutes of powered 

flight, depending on the application. To meet the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 

CFR §91.151, sUAS flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. 

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

operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or night 

VFR conditions is reasonable.

 NEC Laboratories believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the 

scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin 

Corporation to operate without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating the small 

UAS, in a tightly controlled area where only people and property owners or official 

representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of 

reserve fuel, does not engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to 

alleviate given the size and speed of the small UAS. Additionally, limiting sUAS flights 

to 10 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption will be granted.

We believe that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 30 

minutes or 25% of battery power whichever happens first. This restriction would be more 

than adequate to return the sUAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited 

operating area. The FAA has previously issued exemptions for manned aircraft to operate 

at less than the minimums prescribed in 14 CFR § 91.151(a), including Exemption Nos. 

2689, 5745, and 10650. In addition, similar UAS-specific relief has been granted in 

Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, and 10673 for daytime, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) 

conditions. 

L). 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, all 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...,” and others shall inspect 

or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. Given that these sections and Part 43 

apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the 

applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator pursuant to the flight 

manual and operating handbook. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because 

these small UASs are very limited in size and will carry a small payload and operate only 

in restricted areas for limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise the UAS can land 

immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. The operator will 

ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required 

maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the operator is the 

person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an 

airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. 

Equivalent level of safety: NEC Laboratories will utilize safety protocols and the 

implementation of a flight operations manual that exceeds currently accepted means and 

methods for safe flight. NEC Laboratories will conduct formal collection of information 

of its operation of the sUAS, which will be shared with the FAA, and will contribute to 

the enhancement of the FAA's internal efforts to establish protocols for complying with 

the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. NEC Laboratories’ operation of the 

sUAS, weighing less than 55 pounds and traveling at low speeds within limited 

controlled areas will provide an equivalent level of safety as that achieved under current 

FARs. 

 To further comply with this regulation, the PIC, before each mission, will check the 

manufacturers’ internet service pages, and ensure applicable software and hardware is up 

to date, and ensure compliance with any safety bulletins posted. In addition, the 

Operator’s Manual as provided by the sUAS manufacturer will be revised to include 

specific operating procedures and limitations to comply with the exemptions sought as 

described (see appendix A). The revised Operator’s Manual will be in possession of the 

crew during operation of the sUAS, and must be made available to the Administrator or 

any law enforcement official upon request. Accordingly, NEC Laboratories respectfully 

requests that the FAA grant our exemption request. 

M). 14 C.F.R. 91.215 ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and Use

 This section requires that installed Air Traffic Control (ATC) transponder equipment 

must meet specific performance and environmental requirements, and aircraft must be 

equipped with an operable coded radar beacon transponder. 

There are presently no known commercially available ATC transponders that meet the 

payload requirements of a sUAS and are available at reasonable cost. However, because 

the sUASs used by NEC Laboratories will not be flying into or near airports, and will fly 

no higher than 400 feet AGL, there is very low risk of collision with any manned aircraft. 

In addition, because there will be no need to have contemporaneous communication with 

ATC Control, due to the short distances, short flight times, and restricted altitude the 

sUASs will operate within, NEC Laboratories requests an exemption from this section. 

Additionally, the sUAS is too small to contain ATC transponder equipment in any form 
that is known to be available commercially. 

Equivalent level of safety: An equivalent level of safety to 14 C.F.R. 91.215 will be met 

because NEC Laboratories will not fly its sUAS into or near airports, and all operations 

will be below 400 feet AGL, so there is very low risk of collision with any manned 

aircraft. NEC Laboratories will contact local ATC before operations to issue a NOTAM, 

and the local FSDO with its flight plan, as described previously in this petition. NEC 

Laboratories also will give right of way to any manned aircraft that do appear.

 *********

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

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

 Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules: 

14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113(a) & (b); 91.7 

(a); 91.9 (b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.203(a) and (b); 

91.405 (a); 91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.409 (a) (2) and 91.417 (a) & (b) to 

operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55lbs or less) in aerial 

photography and cinematography for residential and commercial real estate, closedset special events and client demostrations.

 Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUASs for aerial data 

collection and mobile aerial public announcement system testing will enhance safety by 

reducing risk. Conventional aerial imaging and data collection use jet or piston powered 

aircraft which carry large amounts of combustible fuel and are extremely loud at lower 

altitudes, posing numerous environmental and health increased risk. Conversely, sUASs 

carry no combustibles fuel, weigh only 55 lbs. or less comparatively to 3,000+ lbs. of a 

conventional aircraft, are much more easily maneuverable and do not ferry to and from 

the production location. Additionally, flying at or below 400 AGL sUAS will be no 

factor with fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft. 

 The operation of small UASs, weighting less than 55 lbs., conducted in the strict 

conditions outlined above, will provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant 

of the exemptions requested herein, including exempting the applicant from the 

requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial operations. These lightweight aircraft 

operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a sterile environment and, as a result, 

are far safer than conventional operations conducted with traditional aircraft which pose a 

safety risk. There are no personnel on board the sUASs and therefore the likelihood of 

death or serious bodily injury is significantly diminished. All flights will occur over 

private or controlled access property with the prior consent and knowledge, unless in 

non-restricted public areas. NEC Laboratories will provide an equivalent or better level 

of safety as that achieved under the current FAR’s.

 NEC Laboratories respectfully request that the FAA grants the exemption request. 

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012--size, 
weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and 

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

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

applicant’s UAS in aerial photography and cinematography for the real estate industry 

and close-set special events pursuant to the Manuals appended hereto.

Respectfully, 

Ting Wang

Department Head

Optical Networking and Sensing

NEC Laboratories America, Inc
Appendix

DJI A2 Flight Controller Manual

Pixhawk Flight Controller Quick Start Guide

DJI Matrice M100) Manual

DJI Inspire 1 Manual

Harris H18/Pro Manual

STARK H6/Hx8 Manual

Safety Protocols

The following are being submitted as individual attachments to this request:
PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY PROTOCOL

✓ Check batteries with voltmeter to insure fully charged and ready for use.

✓ Inspect batteries for damage or defects that may affect proper operation.

✓ Inspect propellers are mounted correctly.

✓ Inspect propellers for cracks, chips or damage that may result in sudden loss of propulsion or

uncontrolled flight.

✓ Inspect dampening absorbers are in good condition; not broken or worn.

✓ Camera lens cap has been removed.

✓ Micro SD card has been inserted.

✓ Gimbal is functioning properly.

✓ Check weather forecast for wind advisory or other conditions that may adversely impact flight.

✓ Check predetermined flight area forTFR,restrictions, etc.

✓ Check for NOTAMs for flight area.

✓ Contact respective airport towers to advise of estimated time of flight, estimated flight

duration,flight location, estimated maximum altitude of flight and any other pertinent information.

✓ If required,inform local FAA FSDO

✓ Inspect flight area for:

• vicinity of medical helipads/heliports

• vicinity of light poles

• vicinity of trees

• flocks of birds that may cause interference and potential flight impact

• vicinity of any elevated obstructions that may pose potential flight hazard

• vicinity of roadways with moderate to heavy traffic that can be distracted

• public gatherings that may attract viewers

• optimal point of control for best sight of sUAS while in flight

✓ Takeoff and landing:

• Inspect area for best and safest point of takeoff and landing

• Set GPS failsafe home location to predetermined safe area

• If in a subdivision or an area that is within 150 feet of residential street, post warning

sign(s) to inform bystanders -“Attention!Aerial Photography In Progress - Remain Back 150

Feet. ThankYou.”

FLIGHT PROTOCOL

✓ Takeoff and land from same predetermined safe area.

✓ Remain alert to birds, aircraft, curious public and approaching vehicles.

✓ PIC orVisual Observer will avoid any distractions during flight.

✓ Restrict flight to minimal altitude sufficient to acquire needed results.

✓ Remain prepared for emergency landing at all times.

✓ Pay attention to flight time and battery life percentage.

✓ Land sUAS and shut down propulsion immediately following landing.
POST-FLIGHT PROTOCOL

(a) Disconnect battery(ies) to prevent accidental activation of propulsion system.

(b) Secure sUAS in a safe location.

(c) Remove all warning signs from public access areas.

EMERGENCY or SUSPECTED HAZARD

Immediately land the sUAS at the safest and closest ground location if:

‣ the PIC and/or theVisual observer is being distracted from focusing on the flight and

safety.

‣ a manned aircraft is heard or seen in vicinity of the sUAS.

‣ a sudden change in weather (thunderstorms and/or convective activity).

‣ birds entering the proximity of the flight.

‣ any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision,distraction or interruption of control.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 1

A2 Flight Control System

User Manual V1.20

November, 2014 Revision

Thank you for purchasing DJI products. Please strictly follow these steps to mount and connect this system on your 

aircraft, install the PC Assistant Software on your computer, as well as installing the DJI Assistant App on your 

mobile device.

Please regularly check the web page of corresponding products on our website www.dji.com, which is 

updated regularly. Product information, technical updates and manual corrections will be available on this website. 

Due to unforeseen changes or product upgrades, the information contained in this manual is subject to change 

without notice.

* This manual is for basic assembly and configuration; you can obtain more details and advanced instructions when 

using the Assistant Software. To assure you have the latest information, please visit our website and download the 

latest manual and current software version.

If you have any problems that you cannot solve during usage, please contact your authorized dealer.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 2

Content 

INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................4

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................4

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

EQUIPMENT PREPARED BY USERS ..............................................................................................4

SYSTEM INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................5

SYMBOL INSTRUCTION ............................................................................................................5

1 ASSEMBLY AND CONFIGURATION................................................................................6

1.1 HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION ........................................................................6

1.1.1 Mixer Type Supported ...........................................................................................6

1.1.2 Hardware Connection Diagram.............................................................................7

1.1.3 Important for Assembly and Connection...............................................................7

1.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION...................................................................15

1.2.1 Installing Driver and Assistant Software .............................................................15

1.2.2 Configure using Assistant Software on a PC........................................................16

1.2.3 Configure the control mode switch .....................................................................17

1.2.4 Configuration Checking .......................................................................................19

1.2.5 Tools ....................................................................................................................20

1.3 COMPASS CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................22

2 BASIC FLYING .............................................................................................................23

2.1 CONTROL MODE INSTRUCTION .........................................................................................23

2.2 FLYING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................25

2.3 CHECK LIST BEFORE FLYING...............................................................................................25

2.4 POWER ON AND CHECK ...................................................................................................26

2.5 START MOTORS METHODS...............................................................................................26

2.6 BASIC FLYING TEST .........................................................................................................28

3 PROTECTION FUNCTIONS SETTING ............................................................................30

3.1 FAILSAFE ......................................................................................................................30

3.2 LOW VOLTAGE PROTECTION..............................................................................................31

4 ADVANCED FEATURES................................................................................................33

4.1 IOC (INTELLIGENT ORIENTATION CONTROL) FUNCTION..........................................................33

4.1.1IOC........................................................................................................................33
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 3

4.1.2 Cruise Control......................................................................................................37

4.2 SERVO GIMBAL FUNCTION................................................................................................39

4.3 FLIGHT LIMITS ...............................................................................................................39

4.3.1 Max Height, Radius Limits & Home Fence...........................................................39

4.3.2 Flight Limits of Special Areas...............................................................................41

4.3.3 Conditions of Flight Limits...................................................................................43

4.4 PARACHUTE FUNCTION..............................................................................................44

4.5 GEAR FUNCTION ............................................................................................................44

4.6 ATTITUDE CONTROL WHEN ONE MOTOR OUTPUT FAILS........................................................45

4.7 DJI ASSISTANT APP USAGE...............................................................................................45

APPENDIX.....................................................................................................................48

LED INDICATOR DESCRIPTIONS................................................................................................48

SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................49

FAQ ..............................................................................................................................50

USE WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS .............................................................................................50

CHANNEL MAPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PC ASSISTANT SOFTWARE ................................................52

RECOMMENDED MAPPING FOR FUTABA TRANSMITTER (MODE 2) USER.........................................54

SETTINGS OF GAIN VALUES FOR YOUR REFERENCE .......................................................................54

THE TRANSMITTER SETUP OF FUTABA....................................................................................54

DISCLAIMER .................................................................................................................56

TRADEMARK ................................................................................................................56
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 4

Introduction 

Product Introduction 

The DJI A2 Multi-Rotor stabilization controller is a complete flight system for various multi-rotor platforms for 

commercial and industrial aerial photography. Based on the technology and design philosophy of DJI’s Ace 

series of high-performance controllers, the A2 offers you a brand new flight experience. Its flight mode provides 

a seamless transition for current Ace One, WKM AP professionals. A2 features includes:

(1) Integrated with high-precision sensor components and a high-performance GPS Receiver.

(2) Utilizes high quality components precisely calibrated with temperature compensation in all gyros and 

sensors, industry renowned flight algorithm in autopilot and UAV field.

(3) Designed with built-in vibration absorption, no extra mount frame or vibration absorption pad is required.

(4) Provide high precision control and high performance handling experience.

(5) Based on the DESST technology, it has a built-in 16-channel Receiver, and supports DSM2 satellite receiver.

(6) Optional DJI D-BUS Adapter can be used with a traditional Receiver.

In the Box 

Controller Unit

(Built-in Receiver DR16)

PMU(Power Management unit) IMU(Inertia Measurement Unit)

LED-BT-I GPS-COMPASS PRO Accessories

Micro-USB Cable (1)

Servo Cables (2)

GPS Bracket

Double side sticky pads.

Equipment Prepared by Users 

Aircraft (Take Quad-rotor for example: 

Red is nose, and Black is rear)

Transmitter 

(Take Mode2 for example)

Others

Battery

DJI D-BUS Adapter

Mobile Device
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 5

System Introduction 

The A2 flight control system uses the Controller Unit at its core, which is connected with the IMU, 

GPS-COMPASS PRO、LED-BT-I、PMU and ESCs to complete the system. The system can achieve the 

height-lock and position-lock functions by using the IMU and the GPS, to control the aircraft.

Please carry out the following procedures to finish assembly, configuration and flight-testing.

 

Symbol Instruction 

General Symbol

Forbidden(Important) Cautions Tips Reference

GPS Satellite number Distance TX signal good TX signal lost

Roll to left Roll to right Pitch up Pitch down

LED Symbol 

 (N) N=1 N=2 N=3 N=4 N=6 N=20 N=∝

Meaning One Blink Two Blinks Three Blinks Four Blinks Six Blinks Twenty Blinks

Continuous

Blinks

e.g. (3) means three Red blinks.

(∝)LED blinks yellow and green alternatively.

 (N) N=∝

Meaning Continuous Solid on

e.g. (∝) means Continuous Blue Solid on.

Configure the system using A2 Assistant software.

Basic flying test FailSafe and Low-voltage settings Advanced functions: IOC, Gimbal, Gear

Mount the A2 flight control system on your aircraft finish connection.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 6

1 Assembly and Configuration 

For hardware installation, software configuration and compass calibration please adhere to the following 

sections.

1.1 Hardware Installation and Connection 

(1) Please adhere to “1.1.1 Mixer Type Supported” to choose a mixer type and assemble your aircraft.

(2) Please adhere to both “1.1.2 Hardware Connection Diagram” and “1.1.3 Important for Assembly and 

Connection” to install and connect all units on your aircraft.

1.1.1 Mixer Type Supported

Following Mixer Types are supported.

Quad-rotor X Hexa-rotor I

Hexa-rotor V Hexa-rotor Y

Quad-rotor I

Hexa-rotor IY

Octo-rotor X Octo-rotor I Octo-rotor V The direction of the arrow in diagram indicates the rotation direction of the motor/propeller.

For coaxial propellers: Blue propeller is at TOP; Red propeller is at Bottom. Otherwise all propellers 

are at top. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 7

1.1.2 Hardware Connection Diagram

90o

ESC 1# ESC 2# ESC 3# ESC 4# ESC 5# ESC 6# ESC 7# ESC 8#

Important Make sure the cable connections are tight before every flight. Suitable amount of hot melt adhesive is recommended to use in the connections to the CAN1 and CAN2 ports.

Important CAN-Bus, it provides power supply and communication. A2 can automatically identify the device connected. CAN1 and CAN2 ports are working independent, device connected are non-interchangeable. E.g. IMU and GPS-COMPASS PRO to CAN1; LED- BT-I to CAN2; PMU to CAN1 or CAN2.

Supply power for all ports on 2S~6S both sides of controller unit. Battery

1.1.3 Important for Assembly and Connection

This section describes all device port functions, assembly requirements, connection requirements and tips 

during usage. Also the linking procedures between the built-in Receiver DR16 and your Transmitter. Please read 

all information below carefully, especially if you are a first time user.

(1) Controller Unit 

The Controller Unit is the core component of the A2 flight control system:

(1) M1~M8 are used to connect to the ESCs of the aircraft.

(2) The built-in Receiver DR16 is based on DJI DESST technology, which can be used with the Futaba FASST 

series and DJI DESST series Transmitter. 

(3) CAN1 and CAN2 ports are working independently and should connect to different modules.

(4) 4 independent and configurable outputs.

(5) It is compatible with the external Receiver, e.g. DSM2 satellite Receiver.

(6) Use the optional DJI DBUS Adapter to support the traditional receiver.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 8

Port Description 

Connect to ESC

iOSD MARK II, Z15 from DJI

IMU

GPS-COMPASS PRO

To PW port of PMU

LED-BT-I

2.4G DATA LINK from DJI

To parachute

To S-BUS Receiver

BEC,Connect to X1 of PMU for voltage detection

To DSM2 satellite Receiver

Antenna

Link button o f Built- Indicate the linking status in receiver

DR16 and transmitter Multi-function PWM output channels, can directly give 

output signal from the Receiver if mapped to a 

Receiver channel*

*If the Gimbal function is enabled in Assistant Software, 

F2/F3 can only be used for gimbal Pitch/Roll control, 

which means F2/F3 cannot be mapped to any other 

Receiver channel.

*If the Gear function is enabled in Assistant Software, 

F1 can only be used for gear switch control, which 

means F1 cannot be mapped to any other Receiver 

channel.

 

Mounting Requirements: 

Install the Controller Unit in the proper position to make sure the ports are accessible. No specified direction is 

required.

Place the antennas in an open space under the aircraft, DO NOT block them. Position the heads of 

two antennas at a 90-degree angle. DO NOT bend or wind them.

Receiver System 

The A2 flight control system can use its own built-in Receiver, and also can support external receivers. Whatever 

type of Receiver is used, please make sure that the Receiver and Transmitter is linked correctly before use.

A. Built-in Receiver 

For enhancing the system integration and reliability, the A2 is integrated with a 2.4G receiver based on 

frequency hopping technology. The built-in Receiver can be used with the Transmitter of Futaba FASST series

or DJI DESST series after linking. For users, you are only asked to carry out the link procedures, no extra 

requirement for connection.

Please carry out the following procedures to finish the Link process, and the configuration in the A2 Assistant 

software->Basic ->R/C ->Receiver Type. Select the DR16 option.

During use, you may see the following LED indication, please do the operation according to the table below.

LED Description Operation 

(∝) Signal from Transmitter has been detected by the Receiver, but not matched. Link operation required

(∝)

No Transmitter signal is received, e.g. the flight control system is powered on 

but the Transmitter is powered off.

Switch on

(∝) The Receiver and Transmitter have been linked to each other successfully. Can work normally
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 9

0.5m<Distance<1cm

1. Turn on the transmitter, it begins to send signals after 1.5secs. 3.Press the LINK button, hold for 2secs, wait until the LED blinks Red . 4.Release the LINK button, the LED turns Green on after successfully linking.

Link Procedures 2.Power on the flight control system, configure the Receiver type as DR16 in the Assistant software.

The DR16 Receiver is compatible with the Futaba transmitters which have optional FASS MODE MULT, 

MLT2 or 7CH. Users can find out more available Futaba transmitters and configuration requirements

refer to the FAQ->The Transmitter setup of FUTABA.

 

B. DSM2 Satellite Receivers 

If using DSM2 satellite Receivers, please follow the diagram for connection, set the Receiver referring to your 

Receiver manual, and select the Receiver type as DSM2 in the Assistant software->Basic->R/C-> Receiver Type.

DSM2 satellite Receiver 1. Power on the flight control system, the Transmitter should be turned off. 3.Press and hold the LINK button on the controller unit the LED blinks red and the indicators on the Receivers blink too. Then release the LINK button the Receiver will be ready for linking. 4.Press and hold the linking button on the Transmitter then turn on the Transmitter to start linking, release the button after the Transmitter is displayed Linked or the indicators on the Receivers are solid on.

Linking procedures 2.Set the Receiver type as DSM2 in the Assistant software.

5.The LED on the controller unit will be solid green on after linking successfully.

DSM2 satellite Receiver

Notes for the DSM2 users:

 There is no need to enable the FailSafe function in the Transmitter. If the Receiver loses the signal

from the Transmitter, the controller unit will enter into FailSafe automatically, and the aircraft will 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 10

hover or Go-home as configure in the FailSafe in the Assistant software.

 When using the dual-mode Transmitter, please set the transmiting mode as DSM2 in SYSTEM SET

UP->FRAME RATE ->MODE, which should not be DSMX.

 Support DSM2 satellite Receivers used with all SPEKTRUM Transmitters, e.g. DX6I DX7S DX8 

DX18 etc., as well as JR Transmitters, e.g. DXS9II DXS11.

C. S-BUS Receivers 

If using S-BUS Receivers please follow the diagram for connection, set the Receiver referring to your Receiver 

manual, and select the Receiver type as D-BUS in the Assistant software->Basic->R/C-> Receiver Type.

S-BUS Receiver S.BUS

Notes for the S-BUS users:

 It is no need to enable the FailSafe function in the Transmitter. Once the Receiver loses the 

signals from the Transmitter, the controller unit will enter into FailSafe automatically, and the 

aircraft will hover or Go-home as configurations of the FailSafe in the Assistant software.

D. PPM Receivers 

If using PPM Receivers please follow the diagram for connection, set the Receiver referring to your Receiver 

manual, and select the Receiver type as PPM in the Assistant software->Basic->R/C-> Receiver Type.

PPM Receiver PPM

 

 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 11

E. Traditional Receivers 

If using Traditional Receivers, the DJI D-BUS Adapter is required. Please follow the diagram for connection, set 

the Receiver referring to your Receiver manual, and select the Receiver type as D-BUS in the Assistant 

software->Basic->R/C-> Receiver Type.

Traditional Receiver 8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1 Important · When you use a traditional receiver, DJI D-BUS ADAPTER is required. Put the switch to the “I” stop, and power on the system, the LED should be red on; otherwise, keep the switch at “I” stop and then power cycle the system. · At the “I”stop, the D-BUS ADAPTER is converting the PWM signal from traditional receiver to S-BUS signal. Notes for the traditional receiver users:

 When using the traditional receiver which doesn’t have endpoint adjustment operations to set 

FailSafe in the U channel, the Go-Home switch is recommended and users can use it to trigger

the FailSafe.

 Configure the FailSafe function of your transmitter and receiver according to its instructions, 

set the FailSafe position of the Go-Home switch in the position triggering the FailSafe function. 

If it is configured correctly as mentioned above, the FailSafe function will be activated 

automatically if the receiver loses the signal from the transmitter. 

 Users can get more information about the FailSafe function referring to 3.1 FailSafe in this 

manual and the help text in the Assistant software.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 12

(2) IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): 

 

Built-in inertial sensors, for the measurement of aircraft attitude; built-in pressure sensor for the detection of 

aircraft altitude. Should be connected to the CAN1 port of the Controller Unit, and be mounted according to 

the required location and orientation. The IMU has been calibrated before delivery, it should be used under the 

specified temperature; otherwise the temperature may have an effect on the IMU performance.

Working environment temperature: -5

oC ~60oC Storage environment temperature:<60oC

Orientation Requirements: 

Please mount the IMU as one of the following options. Configure in the A2 Assistant software ->Basic ->Mount -> 

IMU, and select the matched option.

Pointing Forward Pointing Backward Pointing to Left Pointing to Right Location Requirements: 

 

Center of Gravity

 

Fix with double faced adhesive tape. (1) The top side should be facing up. DO NOT mount upside-down.

(2) DO NOT cover the ventilation holes, keep them unblocked and clean.

(3) Take heat preservation measures if working in cold weather.

(1) Mount the IMU at a low vibration position and the sides of the IMU should be precisely parallel 

to the aircraft body. Based on our experience, there is less vibration near the aircraft’s center 

of gravity.

(2) NOT water-proof or oil-proof.

(3) Check the double faced adhesive tape regularly to make sure that the IMU is fixed firmly.

There is a CAN-Bus connector, which can be used to connect to the GPS-COMPASS PRO or other DJI product.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 13

(3) GPS-COMPASS PRO 

GPS-COMPASS PRO module has a built-in GPS and compass. The compass is used for geomagnetic field

measurement. It should be mounted according to the required location and orientation. Compass calibration is 

required before use. DO NOT use and store the compass in the ferromagnetic material environment.

 

Mounting Procedure: 

a) Use the epoxy resin AB glue to assemble the GPS bracket first. The longest one is recommended.

b) Mount the bracket on the aircraft first, and then fix the GPS-COMPASS PRO on the plate of the bracket 

(using the 3M sticky pads provided).

Mounting Position:

The arrow is pointing to the nose direction.

Use the GPS bracket, and keep it away from other electronic equipment

Keep it parallel to the aircraft

Usage Requirements 

(1) The DJI logo should be facing the sky, with the orientation arrow pointing directly to the nose 

direction; otherwise it may lead to take off failure.

(2) Fly the aircraft in an open space without buildings or trees; otherwise it may have an effect on

the GPS.

(3) The compass is sensitive to magnetic interference, should be far away from electronic devices, 

otherwise it may lead to abnormal flying.

(4) Please always keep the compass module away from magnet fields. Otherwise it may damage 

the compass module and lead the aircraft to work abnormally or even be out of control.

 

 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 14

(4) PMU (Power Management Unit) 

The PMU provides dual BECs (Battery Eliminator Circuit):

(1) PW port outputs power for the whole Flight Control System with current no more than 2A. 

(2) PX port outputs power (3A@5V) and V-SEV signal using the low voltage protection function.

In addition, there are two CAN-Bus ports for LED-BT-I connection and other DJI products (e.g. DJI 2.4G Data 

Link).

Port Description 

To positive pole of power To negative pole of power CAN-Bus port Connect to CAN1 or CAN2 port of Controller Unit, CAN2 is recommended.

V-SEN, Output 0V ~ + 3.3V VCC, Output 3A@5V GND Input voltage range: 7.4V~26V

PX Port, connect to the X1 port of Controller Unit Working status indicator Green on is normally working

Mounting Requirements: 

Choose a ventilated place to mount the PMU for cooling, no mounting orientation requirement.

(5) LED-BT-I 

The LED-BT-I has integrated LED Indicator, Bluetooth and USB port:

(1) The LED is mainly for flight control system status indication during flying (e.g. Control Mode).

(2) Bluetooth is used for real-time communication with your mobile device (e.g. iPhone), to realize parameter 

configuration on a mobile device. For parameter configuration using a mobile device, it is required to 

install the DJI Assistant App on the mobile device. When you mount the LED-BT-I, please make sure the 

side with ANT LOGO is unsheltered after mounting.

(3) In addition, there is a Micro-USB port, make sure it is mounted for convenient connection.

Port Description: 

Micro-USB port:used to connect to the PC for Assistant software configuration and upgrade Bluetooth status indicator Abnormal Normal Communicating Indicator of autopilot system Antenna of Bluetooth Mounting Requirements: 

Mount in a good place to make sure the LED is visible during flying. Antenna of Bluetooth should be unobstructed.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 15

1.2 Software Installation and Configuration 

Please configure the A2 flight control system in the Assistant Software according to the following instructions. 

Users are required to configure every item within the “Basic” page when use the A2 flight control system for the 

first time. 

1.2.1 Installing Driver and Assistant Software

Installing and running on Windows 

1. Download driver installer and Assistant Software installer in EXE format from the download page of A2 

on the DJI website.

2. Connect the A2 flight control system to a PC via a Micro-USB cable. The Micro-USB port of the A2 flight 

control system is on the LED-BT-I module.

3. Run the driver installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

4. Next, run the assistant software installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

5. Double click the A2 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 Software installer in DMG format from the download page of A2 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 A2 Assistant software, Launchpad will not 

allow access because the software has not been reviewed by Mac App Store. 

4. Locate the A2 icon in the Finder, press the Control key and then click the A2 icon (or right-click the A2 

icon using a mouse). Choose Open from the shortcut menu, click Open in the prompt dialog box and 

then the software will launch.

5. After the first successful launch, direct launching of the software can be achieved by double-clicking the 

A2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 16

Installer in DMG format supports only Mac OS X 10.9 or above.

Usage of A2 Assistant software on Mac OS X and Windows are exactly the same. The Assistant 

software pages appear in other places of this manual are on the Windows for example. 

1.2.2 Configure using Assistant Software on a PC

A2 flight control system can takes power via the USB port during configuration, no additional battery is required. 

Note that the USB port can supply power no more than 500mA, an additional battery is necessary if connection 

failure or intermittent working.

Run the assistant software, and follow the built-in guide to carry out the configuration. Note that you may be asked 

to register for first time use.

4 3 2 1

Setting Options

Built-in Guide

Menu

1. View 2. Restore &Upgrade 3.Set 4.Check

Click “Info” to view 

user information 

and software 

version etc.

Enter “Tools” to restore default 

settings. And check whether the 

firmware is the latest.

Enter “Basic” page. 

Set the Aircraft, 

Mounting, RC, Gain” 

in each tab.

Enter “View” 

page to check all 

basic settings.

 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 17

“RC 

STATUS”

description

Normal: the transmitter and receiver are linked and communicating well.

Disconnect: the A2 Flight Control System is powered on, but the transmitter is powered off.

RC-LOST: RC signal is lost (e.g. the transmitter is turned off after power on) or the receiver 

is sending F/S signals (e.g. the aircraft flies out of the range which transmitter is 

controllable).

 

The firmware version and the Assistant Software version should be matched when using the software 

to configure the A2 flight control system, otherwise the software will not work. It’s recommended to 

keep the firmware version and Assistant Software version up to date to avoid this issues.

1.2.3 Configure the control mode switch

Users should configure the control mode switch in the Assistant software in the following page. Only the control 

mode switch has been set correctly, the control mode displayed in the left bottom corner will be the same to the 

control mode pointed by the cursor on the channel U.

Configuration steps Exambles

Step 1.

Power on your Transmitter, map a 3-position 

switch on the transmitter to the U channel of 

Controller Unit as the control mode switch, of 

which two positions are default as Atti. Mode 

and GPS Atti. Mode and the third position is 

optional, users can set as Atti. Mode or 

Manual Mode.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 18

Step 2.

Toggle the control mode switch to its three 

positions, accordingly the cursor will move to 

some control mode. 

 

Step 3.

Power off the Transmitter, the FailSafe will be 

enabled and the cursor will point to any area 

out of the control modes. 

Step 4.

If all steps above are realized, that indicates the 

control mode switch is set successfully.

Important 

In step 2, if the cursor doesn’t point to the correct control mode area (e.g. the following figures), that indicates 

abnormal control mode switch configuration. Users must re-configure the Endpoint and FailSafe functions in the 

Transmitter to make the cursor point to the right control mode and the according areas become blue.

 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 19

1.2.4 Configuration Checking

*Fig. above for reference only, please adhere to actual GUI.

Check List Description

1 Check the IMU orientation direction.

2 

Check the Mixer Type of aircraft.

Make sure the motors are rotating normally, and propeller installation is in correct direction.

3 The Receiver type is correct.

4、5 Check the basic and attitude gains. 

6

Move the sticks to test whether the cursors moves following the sticks. Toggle the “U” switch to 

test the control mode setting.

7~○11

Advanced configuration, users can configure it according to their requirements after reading the 

manual.

○12 Check the Channel Map between the Transmitter and A2 flight control system.

1 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 20

1.2.5 Tools 

1 Config 

Export or import the tuning parameters and restore the default setting and reset the BTU module. 

2 Sensors 

Read gyroscope, acceleration and compass sensor value. 

3 IMU Calibration 

Calibrate IMU based on the gyroscope and acceleration sensor readings from Assistant. Calibrate is needed, when:

 Gyroscope Mod value exceeds 1.5. 

 Acceleration Mod value below 0.98 or exceeds 1.02. 

Steps to follow when calibrating IMU:

1. Go to IMU Calibration section after powering on A2, wait until A2 enters “Ready” status.

2. Click “Calibration”, take note of the following warning message:

 Place the IMU on a stationary and horizontal surface and ensure A2 logo faces upward.

3. Click “OK” to proceed.

1

2

3

4
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 21

4 Device Information and Connection Status 

All devices that connected to the A2 flight controller are highlighted, however, disconnected devices appear grey. 

Single click a highlighted device to upgrade its firmware. You can also upgrade all firmware by clicking the 

“Upgrade All” button.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 22

1.3 Compass Calibration 

The Compass can assistant the GPS to position the aircraft, which is very important during flight. As we know, 

the compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference, which will cause abnormal compass data, and lead 

to poor flight performance or even flight failure. Compass Calibration MUST be done for first time use.

It is recommended to calibrate the compass outdoors after the Controller Unit finds 7 or more GPS satellites. 

Regular calibration enables the compass to keep optimal performance.

Calibration Cautions 

(1) DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is strong magnetic interference, such as magnetite, 

car park, and steel reinforcement under the ground.

(2) DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration, such as keys or cell phones.

(3) Compass Calibration is very important; otherwise the flight control system cannot work.

Calibration Procedures 

Choose an open space to carry out the following procedures.

Control Mode LED

Quickly flip the control mode switch 360o Rotate the aircraft horizontally 360o

Rotate the aircraft vertically (Nose downward) Position1* Position 3

Position1->3->1 once Start horizontal calibration Start vertical calibration Succeed Fail

Position1->3->1 Flip 6~10 times Start cali

Position1* Re-calibrate Position 3 Situations that require recalibration

Situations Descriptions 

Compass Data abnormal LED blinks yellow and green alternatively( (∝)).

Flying field altered Flying field has changed over a long distance.

Mechanical alteration

The mounting position of GPS-COMPASS PRO module changes.

Electronic units such as Controller Unit, CAN-HUB, battery etc. have been added, 

removed, remounted or other alterations. 

Mechanical structures of the aircraft has changed

Drifting during flying Evident drifts occurred in flight such as the aircraft doesn’t fly straight 

Attitude errors LED often blinks error indicator when the aircraft turns around. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 23

2 Basic flying 

Read this section before basic flight testing.

2.1 Control Mode Instruction 

The aircraft performs differently when using different control modes. Please read the following table to know 

the different control modes, which may help you to achieve a more involved flight experience.

Control Mode GPS ATTI. Mode ATTI. Mode Manual Mode 

Command 

Linearity 

YES

Yaw 

Control the aircraft to rotate in clockwise and counter clockwise direction. Maximum rudder 

angular velocity 150°/s

Roll and Pitch 

Aircraft attitude control; Mid point of stick is for 0 ̊ attitude, 

and its endpoint is 35 ̊.

Max-angular velocity is 150°/s. 

No attitude angle limit.

Throttle

Aircraft height control. Maintain the altitude best above 1 

meter from ground when the throttle stick is in mid position.

No altitude locking when the 

throttle stick is in mid position.

All Sticks 

Released

Lock position if GPS signal is 

adequate.

Only attitude stabilizing.

No position locking.

Keep original attitude.

GPS Lost

Once GPS signal lost the flight 

control system will enter ATTI.

Mode automatically. Return to

GPS ATT1. Mode after GPS signal 

has recovered for 2 seconds.

--- ---

IOC Supported CL/HL/POI/BTM CL None

Assign a 3-position switch of the transmitter as the control mode switch. The position-1 is defaulted as “GPS 

ATTI. Mode” and the position-2 is “ATTI. Mode”. The position-3 can be set as “Manual Mode” or “ATTI. Mode” in 

A2 assistant software.

Control Mode 

Switch 

position-1 position-2 position-3 

Configurable 

Control Mode 

GPS ATTI. Mode ATTI. Mode * ATTI. Mode * Manual Mode 

FailSafe 

Protection 

The flight control system will enter FailSafe

Mode if the Transmitter signal is lost and no 

matter if Transmitter signal recovers or not, 

system will not exit FailSafe mode automatically.

The flight control system will enter 

FailSafe Mode if the Transmitter signal is 

lost and the system will exit FailSafe once 

the signal recovers.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 24

GPS Involved YES NO

Low-voltage 

Protection 

LED alert with Descending or Go Home & 

Landing precautions

Only LED alert

Environment 

recommended 

Open flying field; 

Good GPS signal

Narrow Space; 

GPS signal bad

Regain control in emergency 

The difference between ATTI. Mode of position-2 and ATTI. Mode of position-3 is that they are working differently 

in protection situations.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 25

2.2 Flying Environment Requirements 

(1) Before use of the product, please accept some flight training (Using a simulator to practice flying, 

getting instruction from a professional 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 without tall buildings or other obstacles; the buildings of steel 

structure will 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 Transmitter and other wireless equipment.

(No base station or cell tower around)

(6) The flight control system can’t work at the South Pole and the North Pole.

(7) All parts must be kept out of the reach of children to avoid CHOKE HAZARD; if a child 

accidentally swallows any part you should immediately seek medical assistance.

2.3 Check List before Flying 

Double check the following list, otherwise, if any one of the following items is wrong it may lead to flight accident.

(1) All parts are in good condition, no ageing or damaged components

(2) Motor rotating direction

(3) Propeller mounting direction

(4) Mixer Type set in assistant software

(5) IMU and GPS-COMPASS PRO mounting direction

(6) Transmitter channel mapping and sticks movement direction correct

(7) Compass calibration

(8) ESC connection

(9) IMU and GPS-COMPASS PRO firmly mounted

In addition, check the following items to make sure the system can work.

(1) The Transmitter battery is fully charged.

(2) The aircraft battery is fully charged.

(3) Do not over load the aircraft.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 26

2.4 Power on and Check 

(1) Control mode LED indicator 

Power on the Transmitter then the flight control system. Toggle the control mode switch to different positions. 

Control Mode LED indicator 

Control Mode 

Switch GPS ATTI. Mode ATTI. Mode Manual Mode

LED (Stick not in midpoint (2)) (Stick not in midpoint (2)) No LED indicator

Set

Put the Control Mode switch to GPS position for basic flying test.

Note: when the GPS signal LED indicator is bad or worst ( (2) or (3)) and lasts for more 

than 3secs, the flight control system will enter into ATTI. Mode.

(2) GPS signal LED indicator

GPS signal indication blinks after every Control mode indication. We suggest flying when GPS satellites are more 

than 5.

GPS signal LED indicator 

Worst ( < 5): (3) Bad ( = 5): (2) Well ( = 6): (1) Best ( > 6):No indicator

2.5 Start Motors Methods

CSC (Combination sticks commands) is used to start motors instead of just pushing the throttle stick. One of the 

following methods can be used to start/stop motors.

CSC 1

 

CSC 2

 

CSC 3

 

CSC 4

 

Under the conditions stated below, the motors will stop in ATTI. Mode/GPS ATTI. Mode:

(1) The throttle sticks is under 10% for more than 3secs after motors start.

(2) The throttle sticks is under 10% for more than 3secs after landing.

(3) The throttle sticks is under 10% for more than 3secs and the inclined angle of aircraft exceeds 

70°。

If motors fail to start, please refer to the following list for trouble shooting.

(1) The Controller Unit fails to obtain the firmware version of IMU and GPS, please check the 

connection or upgrade the IMU and GPS.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 27

(2) The firmware version of IMU and Controller Unit is mismatched; please upgrade the firmware of 

IMU or Controller Unit.

(3) The firmware version of GPS and Controller Unit is mismatched; please upgrade the firmware of 

GPS or Controller Unit.

(4) The transmitter calibration has exited abnormally, please recalibrate.

(5) The transmitter calibration results with big bias, please recalibrate.

(6) The transmitter calibration results with big mid point bias, please recalibrate.

(7) Incorrect channel mappings, please make sure the basic channels A/E/T/R/U are mapped 

correctly.

(8) Invalid SN or SN error; please contact your dealer or DJI custom service.

(9) The Controller Unit is locked, please unlock the Controller Unit and reconfigure all the parameters 

in the Assistant software.

(10) IMU disconnected, please check the connection.

(11) Compass data abnormal, please eliminate magnetic interference and recalibrate the compass.

(12) When Flight limit function is enabled, if the aircraft fly out of the max-radius in ATTI. mode and the 

motors are stalling, the motors will fail to spool up in GPS ATTI. mode cause the Flight limit 

function works.

(13) The attitude status is bad and the LED indicator blinks white, the motors will fail to spool up.

(14) The Transmitter disconnected, the motors will fail to spool up.

(15) The A2 flight control system is connecting and communicating with the Assistant software, the 

motors will fail to spool up.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 28

2.6 Basic Flying Test 

Carry out the following procedures to complete the basic flight test.

1. Wait the GPS signal to be well LED 

Place the aircraft away from you and others at least 3 meters and wait the ≥6

(about 30 seconds).

or no Red LED

2. Start motors and takeoff aircraft. LED 

Execute CSC to start motors; all sticks back to midpoint as soon as motors start, then push 

the throttle stick to take off the aircraft, meanwhile the home point is recorded. NOTE: 

36secs after power on; 10secs after ≥6; Motors have been started, auto-record the 

position as home point at the first time the throttle stick is raised

(∝)

After the home point is recorded successfully and the distance from aircraft is less than 8m, 

LED indicator will blink 6 violet continually. Note: only when GPS signal is good (no Red

LED) LED indicator will blink 6 violet continually.

(6)

3.Operate sticks to control the flying attitude of the aircraft during flight 

Transmitter (Mode2) Aircraft Operations 

Throttle

Stick

Push Throttle sticks to control the aircraft 

to elevate and descend. The aircraft can 

lock to an altitude when the throttle stick 

is at midpoint.

Yaw Stick Push the yaw stick to rotate the aircraft in 

clockwise or counter clockwise direction. 

Roll Stick

Push roll stick to control the aircraft left 

or right, pitch stick to control forward or 

backward.

When both roll and pitch sticks are at 

midpoint:

(1) GPS ATTI. Mode: the aircraft will 

be stabilized and locked in 

horizontal position.

(2) ATTI. Mode: the aircraft will be 

stabilized but unlocked in 

horizontal position.

Pitch

Stick
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 29

4.Hover 

In GPS ATTI. Mode,the aircraft will hover when the throttle/yaw/roll/pitch sticks are all released at mid-point.

5.Landing 

Use the throttle stick to control the landing speed, try to land your aircraft gently to avoid shock or crash.

 

Please refer to the next section “Protection Functions Setting” to take precautions. 

(1) Low voltage alert: yellow quick flashes or red quick flashes.

(2) FailSafe: LED indicator blinks blue.

 

Moreover, you may come across the following abnormal situation, please carry out the operation below.

(3) Compass data is abnormal; the LED blinks yellow and green alternatively. Please re-calibrate the 

Compass.

(4) IMU data is abnormal, the LED blinks four green. Please contact your dealer.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 30

3 Protection Functions Setting 

Set protection in the Assistant software ->Advanced page. FailSafe and Low voltage protections are required. 

3.1 FailSafe 

FailSafe works when the Transmitter (TX) signal is lost, the flight control system will automatically control the 

aircraft to reduce injuries or damage.

TX 

signal

Descriptions

Home 

Point 

(HP)

≥

6

Home point will be recorded:

- After 30 seconds of strong GPS signal

- 10 seconds later after green LEDs have stopped blinking, when throttle sticks are 

moved away from mid point.

FailSafe

Customize the failsafe to define what happens if remote control signal is lost. Choose 

from either auto hovering, RTH or "RTH at a preset altitude in the A2 Assistant"

One-Key 

Go Home

A switch can be set to trigger RTH without signal loss. If One-Key RTH is enabled 

during flight, aircraft control will cease and LED lights will indicate Control Mode. 

Release the RTH switch to regain control. If the Failsafe has been triggered the 

switch will not work.

With One-Key RTH in progress, aircraft orientation can be controlled while the 

aircraft returns.

FailSafe and Go Home procedures 

1 Record Home Point (HP) 2 Confirm Home Point 3 Transmitter Signal Lost

4 Signal Lost Lasts 3secs. 5Go Home(20m can be customized)

Height over HP<=20m Height over HP>20m 6 Landing after Hovering 15secs

20m Elevate to 20m

LED LED LED

LED LED LED

<8m ≥7

(∝) (6) (∝)

(∝) (∝) (∝) 

(1) The aircraft will not go home (only attitude stabilizing) in the condition that <6 or GPS is not 

working, even if Transmitter signal is lost or Go Home switch is triggered.

(2) It is recommended to set the Go Home switch in the Assistant software. Users are suggested to
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 31

enter FailSafe and go home by using the Go Home switch rather than turning off the Transmitter 

in emergency situations.

(3) Make sure there are no obstacles during aircraft go home and users are familiar with the methods

to regain control.

 

How to regain control in FailSafe

3-position 

Switch 

Position-1 Position-2 Position-3 

GPS ATTI. Mode ATTI. Mode ATTI. Mode Manual Mode

Regain control

You have to toggle the control mode switch 

once to regain control if the signal recovers.

Regain control as soon as signal recovers.

3.2 Low Voltage Protection 

Low voltage protection is used to alert low battery voltage during flight; in this case, users should promptly fly 

back the aircraft and land to avoid unexpected damages.

To use this function please set in Assistant software->Advanced->Voltage page to configure two voltage levels. 

Protections Option Selected Conditions LED Aircraft 

First level

LED ---- (∝) None 

GH & Landing

Make sure the home point is recorded and 

no obstacles in going home and landing path. 

(∝) Go-Home & Landing

Second 

level

LED ---- (∝) None 

Descending ---- (∝) Descending directly

 

Go-Home & Landing Usage Tips 

(1) The home point recorded is the same in both FailSafe and Low voltage protection. The aircraft will not go

home in the following cases :

a) Control mode switch is at the position-3 (Manual Mode or ATTI. Mode)

b) GPS signal is bad ( <6)

c) The distance between aircraft and the home point is less than 25m, and the height over the Home 

point less than 20m.

Descending Usage Tips 

The aircraft will not hover when the throttle stick is at the mid point. Push the throttle stick to 90% of its 

endpoint, the aircraft will still ascend slowly if you continue to pull the throttle stick, and the control of Pitch, 

Roll and Yaw are the same as before.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 32

(1) Please pay attention to the LED alert of low voltage and make sure the power is enough for go 

home and landing. Insufficient power reserve will cause the aircraft to crash as well as other 

consequences.

(2) If the second level low voltage alert occurs in below procedures, the aircraft will descend 

automatically.

a) When the aircraft is in FailSafe and Go Home process。

b) When the aircraft is controlled by the Ground Station.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 33

4 Advanced Features 

The advanced features of A2 include IOC (intelligent orientation control), gimbal control, parachute activation 

and so on. It also enable users to tweak the A2 configuration via the A2 Assistant wirelessly through the 

Bluetooth connection. 

4.1 IOC (Intelligent Orientation Control) function 

4.1.1IOC

IOC Help users to set the Flying direction; Should be enabled in Assistant software.

Flying direction The flying direction of aircraft when pushing the Roll and Pitch sticks.

Forward direction The flying direction of aircraft when the pitch stick is pushed forward.

Normal flying 

IOC is disabled. Forward direction is pointing to the nose direction and changes 

along with the nose.

CL(course lock) 

mode

Its forward direction is pointing to the nose direction when recording, which is 

fixed until you re-record it or exit from CL.

HL (home lock) mode

Record a Home Point (HP), push Pitch stick to control the aircraft far from or 

near to the HP.

POI mode

Point of Interest. Record a point of interest (POI), the aircraft can circle around 

the POI, and the nose always points to the POI.

BTM (Banked Turn) 

mode 

In this mode, the roll and yaw sticks are combined to help you perform banked 

turns with only one hand.

 

Conditions of IOC function 

Flying 

IOC 

Setting

Control Mode

GPS-COMPASS 

PRO Required

GPS Satellites Distance Limits

Normal ---- ---- ---- Basic to control mode None 

CL Enabled Not Manual Mode Compass None None 

HL Enabled GPS ATTI. Mode GPS ≥6

≥10m Aircraft HP

POI Enabled GPS ATTI. Mode GPS ≥6

5m~500m Aircraft POI

BTM Enabled GPS ATTI. Mode GPS ≥6 None

 

Step 1 IOC switch setting 

Please enable the IOC function in Advanced->IOC page of Assistant software. Then choose a 3-positon switch on 

the Transmitter to set as IOC switch, which is used to select the different IOC modes and manually record the 

Forward direction, HP and POI recording.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 34

There are six types of IOC switch setting. Below are the three recommended options of IOC switch setting which 

may be configured in the Assistant software.

Switch positions A B C

1 OFF OFF OFF

2 CL CL CL

3 HL POI BTM

 

Step 2 Forward Direction, HP and POI Recording 

After you enable the IOC in assistant software, the flight control system will record the forward direction and home 

point automatically after power on, if the recording conditions are met. You can manually re-record the forward 

direction, home point and POI during flying. Note that no BTM recording is required. Read the following table for 

the recording method details.

CL HL POI

Recorded 

Orientation

Aircraft’s nose as forward 

direction

Home point

The position that the user 

wish to fly around.

Conditions 36 secs after power on

10secs later after ≥6;

Motors have been started.

10secs later after ≥6.

Automatically

Automatically record at 36

secs after power on

Automatically record at the first 

time you push the throttle stick

No Automatic record method

Manual 

According to any option of IOC switch setting, quickly toggle the switch between adjacent 

positions 3-5 times to record manually.

1

2

A

Forward

direction

C 2

3

A

HP

B

POI

C

None

B

Forward

direction

Forward

direction

Successful (20) (20) (20)

 

(1) DO NOT toggle the switch between the position 1 and 3 frequently, which may re-record the 

position 2.

(2) The new Home Point and Forward Direction can be set only after one has already been recorded 

automatically.

(3) HP is not only used in IOC, but also in FailSafe and Low voltage as go home and landing

destination. The flight control system will automatically record the HP even if IOC function is 

disabled in Assistant software but Forward direction and POI can be recorded only after IOC is 

enabled.

(4) Once the Home Point is recorded successfully, LED will blink (6) continually under the 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 35

following conditions. All conditions must be true.

1. ≥6.

2. Distance between aircraft and the recorded home point is less than 8m.

3. Current control mode is in GPS ATTI. Mode or ATTI. Mode of switch position-2.

 

Step 3 CL, HL and POI flying test

Please study the following diagram then make an IOC flying test. IOC LED indicator blinks ( (2) means not all 

stick(s) at the midpoint)

HP POI Flying direction Forward direction Route Auxiliary line

Flying 

IOC

switch

Record 

Pitch stick control of aircraft Roll stick control of aircraft

Normal OFF None

CL CL

HL HL

>10m

>10m

>

10m

>

10m

POI POI

5~500m

5~500m

5~500m

5~500m

DO NOT toggle the IOC switch frequently in HL flying to avoid re-recording the HP unwittingly.

IOC function is available only when all the required conditions are satisfied. If any condition is omitted

the flight control system will exit IOC. Please keep an eye on the LED to know the current control mode.

(1) It is recommended to start the HL flight when the aircraft is >10m away from the HP. If starting

the HL when the distance between aircraft and HP is less than 10m and it’s the first time you 

start HL after power on, then the flight control system will only enter HL after flying out of the 

10m range.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 36

(2) During HL flying if one of the following conditions occur, the flight control system will exit HL and 

enter into CL: the aircraft is within of 10m from HP; the control mode is changed to ATTI. Mode; 

<6(LED (2) or (3)).

Step 4 Banked Turn mode flying test 

Banked Turn Mode is useful when you want to perform banked turns one handed. It allows you to pitch and roll to 

turn without using the yaw stick. 

Application examples:

1. Normal and FPV aerial photography in this mode is smooth and simple, giving a different visual feel to your 

work.

2. In this mode, the roll and yaw sticks are combined to help you perform banked turns with only one hand.

Setting steps (Mode 2):

1. To enable Banked Turn Mode, replace the POI gear of the IOC switch with Banked Turn gear. 

2. With Banked Turn Mode activated, you can circle the aircraft with just one stick. To do this, Mode 2 (throttle 

on the left stick) users should select the “Use Roll” option while Mode 1 (throttle on the right stick) users 

should select the “Use Yaw” option. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 37

Using Banked Turn Mode (Mode 2):

1. Select “Use Roll” to disable the yaw stick or select “Use Yaw” to disable the roll stick.

2. Push pitch stick to move the aircraft forward or backward.

3. After that, Push roll stick left or right to perform banked turn as the following diagram shown. No yaw stick 

required. 

4. When the aircraft is hovering, yaw is controlled by the roll stick instead.

5. Rapidly pull the pitch stick to the mid-point to stop the aircraft.

Flying 

IOC

switch

Record 

Pitch stick Roll stick Pitch stick Roll stick Pitch stick Roll stick Pitch stick Roll stick 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BTM BTM None

(1) Banked Turn Mode works only with GPS-ATTI mode (GPS ≥6). The aircraft will stop and hover when 

less than 6 satellites are found. 

(2) Once the aircraft performs side slip, adjust the drift damping value. Note that too big value may lead 

to aircraft vibration.

4.1.2 Cruise Control 

Cruise Control allows you to lock the speed of the aircraft, freeing you to control the gimbal while maintaining 

flight. 

Application examples:

1. By maintaining steady flight, you can focus more on your shots and gimbal control, and your total flight time is 

increased by eliminating unnecessary speed changes.

2. Activate Cruise Control to lock your aircraft into its current horizontal speed when you release the control 

sticks.

Cruise Control only works when IOC has been enabled. Tick the Cruise Control box in the A2 Assistant to enable it. 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 38

Assign a 3-gear switch on the remote control for Cruise Control. Follow the steps below to use Cruise Control. 

Use the control sticks to accelerate the aircraft to your target speed then toggle the assigned Cruise Control switch 

to “Set” or “Continues”.

The action of three different gears of the cruise speed is defined as follow:

 Close 

Deactivate Cruise Control. 

 Set 

Move the switch to this position in flight to “Set” the cruising speed. The speed at the point that the switch is 

toggled will be maintained. If you use the control sticks to adjust aircraft speed, the aircraft will return to its 

original speed once the control sticks return to center.

 Continues 

In this position the aircraft will maintain its speed of flight however if you accelerate or slow down, it will 

continue flying at the new speed once the control sticks return to center.

(1) Cruise Control only works in GPS-ATTI mode (GPS > 6).

(2) The aircraft will exit Cruise Control mode and hover at its current altitude when less than 6 GPS 

satellites are detected, switches to ATTI. mode or enters auto go home mode. To enter“Set” and 

“Continue” modes, you must first go into “OFF” mode.

(3) Cruise Control is disabled during Banked Turn mode flying.

(4) Maximum speed is 15m/s under Cruise Control mode.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 39

4.2 Servo Gimbal function 

Connect the servos of your gimbal to the Controller Unit as the fig. below,roll servo connects to F3 port and 

pitch servo connects to F2, and configure in Advanced->Gimbal page in the Assistant software. No Receiver

channel is asked to be mapped for the F2 or F3 port if gimbal function is enabled in the Assistant Software.

Note: Even you map Receiver channels to F3 and F2 (Which are shown as D3 and D2 in the Assistant Software

-> Channel Mapping), the F3 and F2 will not give output signals from the mapped Receiver channels.

F3

F2 Pitch Roll

4.3 Flight Limits 

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

(International Civil Aviation Organization) and their own national airspace regulations. For safety reasons, the flight 

limits function is enabled by default to help users use this product safely and legally. The flight limits function 

includes height, distance limits and safety zone.

In Ready to Fly mode, height, distance limits and No Fly Zones work together to manage flight. In Ready to Fly

(non-GPS) status, only height limits applies and flights cannot go higher than 120m.

Default parameters in Assistant Software are 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 these parameters to comply with these rules before flying.

4.3.1 Max Height, Radius Limits & Home Fence

The Max Height & Radius restricts the flying height and distance. Configuration can be done in the A2 Assistant. 

Once complete, your aircraft will fly in a restricted cylinder.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 40

 

Max Height Max Radius

Home Point Height of aircraft when powered on

GPS ATTI mode 

 Limits Ground Station Tips 

Max Height Flight height must be under the set height. Warning: Height limit reached.

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

ATTI mode 

 Flight Limits Ground Station Tips 

Max Height Flight height restricted to 120m and under. Warning: Height limit reached.

Max Radius No limits 

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

(2) If the aircraft flies out of the max radius in ATTI mode, it will fly back within range automatically.

Home fence is a safety feature that prevents the aircraft from coming in too close to an operator. When enabled, 

the aircraft will not be able to enter a safe area defined by the user.

Application examples:

1. Supply safe guard for new users in case of damage from wrong operation.

2. Keep users safe when aircraft flies close in a high speed.

The safety radius can be set in the A2 Assistant as shown below:
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 41

 

Assign a switch on the remote control to turn the home fence feature on and off. The safety radius range can 

be set between 12m and 100m.

(1) Home fence feature works only with GPS-ATTI mode. NO home fence limit for ATTI mode and 

navigation mode.

(2) Failsafe procedure overrides the home fencing feature. 

4.3.2 Flight Limits of Special Areas

Restricted areas include airports worldwide. All restricted areas are listed on the DJI official website at 

http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc. Restricted areas are divided into category A and category B. Category A 

areas cover major international airport such as LAX and Heathrow, while category B areas includes smaller airports.

Category A Safety Zone 

 The category A “safety zone” is comprised of a small “no-fly zone” and a range of “restricted-altitude zones”. 

Flight is prevented in the “no-fly zone” but can continue with height restrictions in the restricted-altitude zone.

 1.5 miles (2.4 km) around a designated safety zone is a no-fly zone, inside which takeoff is prevented. 

 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to 5 miles (8 km) around restricted areas are altitude restricted, with maximum altitude going 

from 35 feet (10.5 m) at 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to 400 feet (120 m) at 5 miles (8 km).

 A “warning zone” has been set around the safety zone. When you fly within 320 feet (100m) of the safety zone, a 

warning message will appear on the DJI Ground Station.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 42

 Category A 

Category B Safety Zone 

 Category B “safety zone” is comprised of a “no-fly zone” and a “warning zone”.

 0.6 miles (1 km) around the safety zone is a designated “no-fly zone”.

 A “warning zone” has been set around the safety zone. When you fly within 0.6 miles (1Km) of this zone, a warning 

will appear on the DJI Ground Station.

Category B

GPS ATTI mode 

Zone Restriction Rear LED Flight Indicator 

No-fly Zone

Motors will not start.

If the aircraft enters the restricted area in ATTI mode but 

GPS ATTI mode activates, the aircraft will automatically

descend to land then stop its motors after landing. 

Blink red quickly and continue 

for 3 seconds before normal 

blinks.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 43

Restricted-altitude 

flight zone

If the aircraft enters a restricted area in ATTI mode and 

GPS ATTI mode activates, it will descend to a safe altitude 

and hover 15 feet below the safe altitude.

Blink yellow quickly and 

continue for 3 seconds before 

Warning zone normal blinks.

 

No flight restriction applies, but there will be warning 

message.

Free zone

 

No restrictions. None. 

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

the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing. Users must toggle the S1 

switch to regain control. This is the same as regaining control during Failsafe. Please refer to regain 

control during failsafe procedure. 

(1) When flying in the No-fly Zone, 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) When flying in the Restricted-altitude flight zone and Warning zone, LED flight indicators will 

blink yellow 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.

(3) 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. 

4.3.3 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.

Control Mode number of GPS found Limits of Special Area Max Height Max Radius 

GPS 

≥6 √ √ √

<6 × √ ×

ATTI. ≥6 √ √ ×
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 44

<6 × √ ×

Manual ≥6 × × ×

Flight Limits can be disabled in the Assistant as below.

Users cannot take off the aircraft in some Special Areas even the Flight Limits is disabled in the 

Assistant.

4.4 Parachute Function 

The A2 now supports the DJI Dropsafe parachute system which can be enabled in the A2 Assistant. The X3 and F4 

ports should be connected. There are two methods to deploy the parachute.

1. Motors will automatically stop and the parachute will deploy by using switch on the remote control. 

2. In the event of an emergency (aircraft descends faster than 10 m/s), motors will automatically stop and the 

parachute will deploy. 

(1) Parachute will deploy once the aircraft descends faster than 10 m/s in manual mode.

(2) Once parachute function enabled, motors will automatically stop and the parachute will deploy.

(3) Refer to DJI Dropsafe user manual for more details.

4.5 Gear function 

Once enable the Intelligent Gear function, the gear is default down on the ground or in case of emergency (e.g. 

motor failure tolerance, auto landing); you can control it to be up or down by a switch when the aircraft altitude 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 45

is above 5m during flight.

Please configure in the Advanced->Gear page in the Assistant software. Connect the landing gear of S800 EVO 

to the Controller Unit as fig. below.

 

(1) Make sure to enable and configure the Intelligent Gear function in the Assistant software first, 

and then connect the gear to the F1 port.

(2) The Gear channel is required to be mapped with a channel on Receiver if the Intelligent Gear 

function is enabled in Assistant Software, and the F1 port will give outputs for retracting control.

(3) Once you map the Gear channel, F1 port will give output signals from the controller for retract 

control. Otherwise, even the Intelligent Gear function is enabled; F1 will give output from D1 (it’s 

necessary to map the D1 channel with a channel on Receiver as your demands).

4.6 Attitude Control When One Motor Output Fails 

For Hexa-rotor, including Hexa-rotor I, Hexa-rotor V, Hexa-rotor IY and Hexa-rotor Y, the aircraft with A2 flight 

control system is attitude controllable when one motor output fails.

Select Course lock or home lock mode for flying the aircraft into a safe area to land when the aircraft is 

far away or the attitude can’t be recognized.

4.7 DJI Assistant App Usage 

There is a built-in Bluetooth in the A2 LED-BT-I module. With a DJI Assistant App installed on your mobile 

device, remote parameter configuration can be obtained via Bluetooth communication between the A2 Flight 

Control System and the mobile device.

Antenna of Bluetooth

Bluetooth status indicator Abnormal Normal Communicating
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 46

Supported iOS devices 

iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPod Touch 5, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad air, iPad mini,

iOS6.1 or above is required. Bluetooth version is required to be 4.0 or above.

 

Required versions of DJI Assistant App & Firmware 

Require DJI Assistant App version 1.1.14 or above and the firmware of A2 Controller Unit version 2.1 or above, as 

well as the firmware of LED-BT-I module version 2.0 or above.

 

Specifications 

Bluetooth version 4.0 Environment temperature -10°C~+50°C

Communication distance 50m Consumption 240mw(0.04A@6V)

 

DJI Assistant App Usage 

Step 1 Download and installation 

1. Search the DJI Assistant in App store on mobile device and install it.

 

Step 2 Connect the A2 Controller Unit and the DJI Assistant App 

1. Prepare an iOS device supported 4.0 Bluetooth, and then enable the Bluetooth function on the mobile 

device.

2. Power on the transmitter and the A2 Flight Control System, make sure the Bluetooth Status Indicator is 

solid Red .

3. Run the DJI Assistant App. You may be asked to register through internet when first login (the account of 

PC Assistant software is OK for login); follow the tips to set Main Controller name and password.

4. Observe the indicators on the left bottom of the software. ( connection indicator and 

communication indicator) On the DJI Assistant App, if the communication indicator is , please double 

check the connections and driver installation; otherwise if the indicator is blinking , go to next step.

5. Select the “Basic” option. Please follow step-by-step for your first-time-configuration. Basic configuration 

is necessary. Click the icon to get the configuration details.

6. You can click the “Advanced” option for more parameter settings. Advanced setting is optional. There are 

Motor, F/S, IOC, Gimbal, Voltage, Limits, Gear, etc.

7. Check all parameters in the View page.

8. Select “More” to obtain more details. Including: Restore MC default settings, Accounts, Main Controller 

List, Information, wiki, Rate DJI Assistant, FAQ, Feedback, About.

1. Make sure to upgrade the LED-BT-I module to the latest firmware via the PC Assistant software 

on a PC before you use the DJI Assistant App with the A2 Flight Control System.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 47

2. Every time you run the DJI Assistant App, the App will search the Controller Unit automatically.

3. The gain value displayed on Mobile Device and PC may be a little different, that is OK for use.

 

Step 3 Flying Test Procedures 

1. Get the aircraft ready, run the DJI Assistant and make sure it is connected with the main controller. (The 

indicators on the DJI Assistant are )

2. Start the motors.

3. The “View” page shows the relative parameters real-time when flying.

4. Go to the “Basic” and click into the “Gain” page to set the values of all gains real-time during flying.

5. Go to the “Basic” and click into the “Tool” page to view the values of IMU & Compass real-time during 

flying.

6. Finish the flying and land your aircraft.

Only the parameter referred above can be changed during flying. Others can be configured after 

landing.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 48

Appendix 

 

LED indicator descriptions 

Control mode GPS signal 

Manual Mode: No indicator Best ( > 6): No indicator

ATTI. Mode: (1) (sticks not in mid-point (2)) Good ( = 6): (1)

GPS ATTI. Mode: (1) (sticks not in mid-point (2)) Bad ( = 5) : (2)

Ground Station: (1) Worst ( < 5): (3)

Flight Attitude

Attitude good: No indicator Attitude status bad: (3)

IMU data lost, calibrate IMU needed: (4)

Compass calibration

Horizontal calibration (∝) Calibration Failed (∝)

Vertical calibration (∝) Abnormal Compass Data (∝)

Low voltage alert

First level alert (∝) Second level alert (∝)

FailSafe mode

 During the FailSafe (∝) Compass Abnormal after power on (∝)

Errors

System Error (4) Compass Abnormal after power on (∝)

IOC Recording 

Record home-point successfully (20) 

Aircraft is in the 8m range of HP (6) 

Record forward direction successfully (20)

Record a Point Of Interest successfully (20)

Bluetooth 

A2 Assistant is connected / disconnected to the flight control system (∝)

 

When the LED blinks (3), please hover or land the aircraft and wait for the white LED to go off.

When the LED blinks (3), it is not recommended to fly.

When the LED blinks (4), please contact your dealer.
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 49

Specifications 

General 

Built-In Functions  Built-in Receiver

 Multiple Control Modes

 2-axle Gimbal Supported

 Enhanced FailSafe

 Intelligent Orientation Control

 Dynamical Systems Protection

 PC & Bluetooth Ground Station

 External Receiver Supported

 9 Types of Supported Multi-rotor

 Other DJI Products Supported

 Low Voltage Protection

 4 Configurable Outputs

 Sound Alarm

 Configure Parameters Via Bluetooth

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peripheral 

Supported Multi-rotor  Quad-rotor: I4, X4

 Hexa-rotor: I6, V6, Y6, IY6

 Octo-rotor: X8, I8, V8

Supported ESC output 400Hz refresh frequency.

Supported Transmitter for Built-in Receiver Futaba FASST (MULT, MLT2, 7CH) Series and DJI DESST Series

External Receiver Supported Futaba S-Bus, DSM2, PPM

Recommended Battery 2S ~ 6S LiPo

Other DJI Products Supported Z15, iOSD Mark II, D-BUS Adapter, S1000,S900 EVO, 2.4G

Data Link, H3-2D, H3-3D, DJI Dropsafe Parachute

Electrical & Mechanical 

Power Consumption MAX 5W (Typical Value: 0.3A@12.5V)

Operating Temperature -5°C to +60°C

Total Weight <= 224g (overall)

Dimensions  MC: 54mm x 39mm x 14.9mm

 IMU: 41.3mm x 30.5mm x 26.3mm

 GPS-COMPASS PRO: 62 mm (diameter) x 14.3 mm

 PMU: 39.5mm×27.6mm×9.8mm 

 LED-BTU-I:30mm x 30mm x 7.9mm

Flight Performance (can be effected by mechanical performance and payloads)

Hovering Accuracy (In GPS ATTI. Mode)  Vertical: ± 0.5m

 Horizontal: ± 1.5m

Maximum Wind Resistance <8m/s (17.9mph / 28.8km/h)

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 150deg/s

Max Tilt Angle 35°

Ascent / Descent 6m/s
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 50

FAQ 

 

Use with other DJI products 

The A2 can be used with other DJI products such as iOSD Mark II, Z15 series gimbals, S800 EVO and 2.4G 

Data Link(iPAD Ground Station function), H3-2D, H3-3D, etc. Users should connect them to the correct 

CAN-Bus port.

CAN1: iOSD Mark II, Z15 series.

CAN2: 2.4G Data Link (iPAD Ground Station function), H3-2D, H3-3D.

The following 2.4G Data Link connection diagram is the connection for your reference.

9 0 o

ESC 1# ESC 2# ESC 3# ESC 4# ESC 5# ESC 6# ESC 7# ESC 8#

2S~6S Battery

2S~6S Battery
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 51

The following H3-2D connection diagram is the connection for your reference.

90o

ESC 1# ESC 2# ESC 3# ESC 4# ESC 5# ESC 6# ESC 7# ESC 8#

2S~6S Battery

2S~6S Battery

 

 

(1) H3-2D/3D users should upgrade the firmware to the latest version (GCU V1.6& IMU V1.6 or 

above).

(2) If the 2.4G Data Link and H3-2D/3D are used at the same time, a CAN-HUB module is required.

When using the A2 flight control system firmware version V2.1, the firmware of other DJI products used in 

conjunction must be matched with the requirements in the table below. 

Other DJI Products Firmware/Software Version (or above) Assistant Software( use to upgrade) 

iOSD Mark II V3.0 iOSD V4.0 & OSD Viewer V4.0

Zenmuse H3-2D/3D GCU V1.6 & IMU V1.6 & CMU1.0 H3-2D V1.02

Z15-GH3 GCU V0.12 & IMU V1.4 Z15-GH3 V1.00

Z15-5D GCU V0.12 & IMU V1.4 Z15-5D V1.00

Z15-5N/7N/GH2/5R GCU V0.0.12 & IMU V1.0.18_beta Z15 V1.4

2.4G Bluetooth 

Datalink

The Ground end V1.0.1.5 & The Air End 

V1.0.1.1 & BTU V1.0.1.2

2.4G Bluetooth Datalink V1.0.0.6

iPAD Ground Station V1.3.56 ----
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 52

Channel Mapping Instructions for PC Assistant Software 

Basic Channel Default Settings Usage Descriptions

A Roll Control of the Controller Unit, mapped 

to the Channel 1 of Receiver During Assistant Software usage, please click 

the “Calibration” button, to calibrate the 

Transmitter sticks travel. During calibrating, 

make sure to operate strictly following the 

prompts; otherwise may lead to calibration 

failure.

Click the “Map” button, then you can re-do 

mapping for A/E/T/R/U. 

E Pitch Control of the Controller Unit,

mapped to the Channel2 of Receiver

T Throttle Control of the Controller Unit,

mapped to the Channel3 of Receiver

R Yaw Control of the Controller Unit, mapped 

to the Channel4 of Receiver

U Control Mode Switch of the Controller Unit, 

mapped to the Channel7 of Receiver

Others Default Settings Usage Descriptions

K1~K6 Remote Gains Adjustment of the Controller 

Unit, unmapped.

Click “Unmapped” button to map K1~K6 to the 

channels of Receiver.

Pitch Gimbal Pitch Control of the Controller Unit, 

unmapped.

Click “Unmapped” button to map Pitch to a 

Receiver channel for the gimbal servo control.

D1~D4 Direct Channels (The corresponding ports 

are F1~F4 on the Controller Unit) of 

Click “Unmapped” button to map D1~D4 to 

the Receiver channels. If you enable the 
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 53

Controller Unit, unmapped. Gimbal functions in Assistant Software, then 

the F3/F2 are used for gimbal control; even

D3/D2 are mapped to channels of Receiver,

and the signals from the mapped Receiver 

channels will be ignored.

You can use F4 for switching the video 

channel of iOSD Mark II, then map D4 to a 

Receiver channel.

IOC IOC function of the Controller Unit, 

unmapped.

Click “Unmapped” button to map IOC to a 

Receiver channel. It is recommended to use a 

3-position switch channel.

Go Home One-Key Go Home function of the 

Controller Unit, unmapped.

Click “Unmapped” button to map Go Home to 

the Receiver channel. It is recommended to 

use a 2-position switch channel.

Gear Intelligent Gear function of the Controller 

Unit, unmapped.

If you enable the Gear function in Assistant 

Software, then the F1 is used for the gear 

control of S800 EVO landing.

H3-2D/3D H3-2D/3D function of the Controller Unit, 

unmapped.

Click “Unmapped” button to map H3-2D/3D

to a Receiver channel. It is recommended to 

use a Knob switch channel, which is only used 

for H3-2D/3D pitch control.

H-Fence(Home 

Fence)

Unmapped Click “Unmapped” button to map Home

Fence onto the Receiver channel. It is

recommended to use a 2-position switch 

channel.

CC (Cruise 

Control)

Unmapped Click “Unmapped” button to map Cruise 

Control to the Receiver channel. It is 

recommended to use a 3-position switch 

channel.

The Pitch and the H3-2D/3D channels can be used at the same time. The Pitch is for the pitch 

control of servo gimbal, and the H3-2D/3D is for the pitch control of H3-2D/3D gimbal
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 54

Recommended Mapping for Futaba Transmitter (Mode 2) User 

Controller Unit Channel Receiver Channel Recommended Transmitter Switch

A Channe 1 (AIL) Joystick J1

E Channe 2 (ELE) Joystick J2

T Channe 3 (THR) Joystick J3

R Channe 4 (RUD) Joystick J4

U Channe 7 (AUX5) 3-Position switch, e.g. SG

K1~K6 Channe 5 (GEAR) Knob switch, e.g. LD, RD

Pitch Channe 6 (Vpp) Knob switch, e.g. LD, RD

D1/D3/D2 ---- ----

D4 Channe 9 (AUX1) 2-Position switch, e.g. SF

IOC Channe 10 (AUX2) 3-Position switch, e.g. SG

Go Home Channe 11 (AUX3) 2-Position switch with spring back function, e.g. SH

Gear Channe 8 (AUX4) 2-Position switch, e.g. SF

H3-2D Channe 12(AUX5) Knob switch, e.g. LD、RD

Settings of gain values for Your Reference 

To set the value of basic gain and attitude gain you can refer to the following diagram. These values are only for 

reference and may vary in practice.

The Transmitter setup of FUTABA 

Please configure the Frequency item on your Transmitter adhere to the table below. (The names of FASST modes 

here are based to the Transmitter FUTABA T8FG, please ensure to select the most similar mode as the names 

differs for different Transmitters)

Aircraft 

Configuration Information Basic Attitude 

Motor ESC Propeller Battery Weight Pitch Roll Yaw Pitch Roll Vertical

F450 DJI-2212 DJI-30A DJI-8 Inch 3S-2200 890 g 150 150 135 150 150 140

F550 DJI-2212 DJI-30A DJI-8 Inch 4S-3300 1530 g 170 170 150 160 160 150

S800 EVO/Z15 DJI-4114 DJI-40A DJI-15Inch 6S-15000 7000g 140 140 130 140 140 130

S1000/5D gimbal/

5D camera

DJI-4114 DJI-40A DJI-15Inch 6S-15000 9200g 120 120 120 170 170 120

S1000/5D gimbal/

5D camera

DJI-4114 DJI-40A DJI-15Inch 6S-15000 9300g 120 120 120 170 170 120
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 55

Transmitter type AREA FASST 

FUTABA 18MZ Default FASST-MULTI\FASST-7CH

FUTABA 14MZ with TM-14 Default MULT\7CH

FUTABA 14SG FRANCE\GENERAL FASST-MULTI\FASST-7CH

FUTABA 12Z 2.4G FASST with TM-14 Default MULT\7CH

FUTABA 12FG 2.4G FASST with TM-14 Default MULT\7CH

FUTABA 10CG or 10C with TM-10 Default 7CH

FUTABA 9C SUPER with TM-7 or TM-8 Default 7CH

FUTABA 8FG SUPER FRANCE\GENERAL MLT2\MULT\7CH

FUTABA 8FG FRANCE\GENERAL MULT/7CH

FUTABA 7C 2.4G Default Default

FUTABA 6EX FASST Default Default
©2013-2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 56

Disclaimer 

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 it fully. 

THIS PRODUCT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. 

A2 flight controller is designed for experience multi-rotor enthusiasts providing excellent self-leveling and altitude 

holding, which completely takes the stress out of flying RC multi-rotors for both professional and hobby applications. 

Despite the product having a built-in flight control system and our efforts in making the operation of the controller 

as safe as possible when the main power battery is connected, we strongly recommend users to remove all 

propellers when calibrating and setting parameters. Make sure all connections are good, and keep children and 

animals away during firmware upgrade, system calibration and parameter setup. DJI Innovations accepts no liability 

for damage(s) or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this product in the following conditions:

1. Damage(s) or injuries incurred when users are drunk, taking drugs, drug anesthesia, dizziness, fatigue, nausea 

and any other conditions no matter physically or mentally that could impair your ability.

2. Damage(s) or injuries caused by subjective intentional operations.

3. Any mental damage compensation caused by accident.

4. Failure to follow the guidance of the manual to assemble or operate.

5. Malfunctions caused by refit or replacement with non-DJI accessories and parts.

6. Damage(s) or injuries caused by using third party products or fake DJI products.

7. Damage(s) or injuries caused by mis-operation or subjective mis-judgment.

8. Damage(s) or injuries caused by mechanical failures due to erosion, aging.

9. Damage(s) or injuries caused by continued flying after low voltage protection alarm is triggered.

10. Damage(s) or injuries caused by knowingly flying the aircraft in abnormal condition (such as water, oil, soil, 

sand and other unknown material ingress into the aircraft or the assembly is not completed, the main 

components have obvious faults, obvious defect or missing accessories).

11. Damage(s) or injuries caused by flying in the following situations such as the aircraft in magnetic interference 

area, radio interference area, government regulated no-fly zones or the pilot is in backlight, blocked, fuzzy 

sight, and poor eyesight is not suitable for operating and other conditions not suitable for operating.

12. Damage(s) or injuries caused by using in bad weather, such as a rainy day or windy (more than moderate 

breeze), snow, hail, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes etc.

13. Damage(s) or injuries caused when the aircraft is in the following situations: collision, fire, explosion, floods, 

tsunamis, subsidence, ice trapped, avalanche, debris flow, landslide, earthquake, etc.

14. Damage(s) or injuries caused by infringement such as any data, audio or video material recorded by the use of 

aircraft.

15. Damage(s) or injuries caused by the misuse of the battery, protection circuit, RC model and battery chargers.

16. Other losses that are not covered by the scope of DJI Innovations liability.

Trademark 

DJI and A2 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 copyrighted 

by DJI with all rights reserved. No part of this product or manual shall be reproduced in any form without the prior 

written consent or authorization of DJI. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the product or 

information contained herein. 
AUTOPILOT

QUICK START GUIDE
PARTS

1 Pixhawk

2 Buzzer

3 Safety switch 

4 Micro-SD card and adapter

5 Micro-USB cable

6 Six-wire cable x2 

 7 Power module

 8 I2C splitter module

 9 Four-position I2C splitter cable

10 Three-wire servo cable

11 Mounting foam

1 2 3 4 5 7

8 11

 MOUNT

Use the provided foam to mount Pixhawk as close as possible to your vehicle’s center of gravity. 

Make sure to orient the board with the arrow pointing forward.

Vehicle front

Attach the foam squares to the 

corners of the board.

GETTING STARTED

With the help of APM firmware, Pixhawk turns any 

RC plane, copter, or rover into a full-featured personal 

drone. Once you have a fully-assembled frame, follow 

this guide to install Pixhawk.

6

9 10

1 Mount

2 Connect

3 Load firmware

4 Calibrate

1
 CONNECT

(Required) Connect the buzzer 

and safety switch.

(Optional) Connect a 3DR 

Radio to Pixhawk’s Telem 

port using the 6-wire cable 

provided with your 3DR Radio 

Kit to receive data and 

communicate with 

the autopilot in flight. 

(GPS or GPS+Compass required)

Connect a 3DR GPS+Compass to 

provide the autopilot with positioning 

data during flight. This kit includes a 

6-wire cable to connect the GPS ports. 

Connect the MAG to the I2C port using 

the 4-wire cable provided with the 3DR 

GPS+Compass.

(Required) Connect the 3DR 

Power Module to the Power port 

using the 6-wire cable to direct 

power from your lithium polymer 

(LiPo) battery to the autopilot.

(Optional) The I2C splitter expands the I2C port to allow up 

to four additional peripherals to connect to Pixhawk. Use the 

4-wire cable to connect the I2C splitter and add a compass 

module, external LED, digital airspeed sensor, or other 

peripherals to your vehicle.

2
Connect the ground (-), power (+), and signal (S) wires to the RC 

pins using the provided 3-wire servo cable.

For a Spektrum DSM, DSM2, or DSM-X Satellite RC receiver, connect to 

the SPKT/DSM port.

CONNECT RADIO CONTROL

FOR PPM RC RECEIVERS AND FUTABA S.BUS RECEIVERS

FOR SPEKTRUM SATELLITE RECEIVERS

FOR PWM RECEIVERS

Purchase a PPM Encoder module to connect a PWM 

RC receiver to Pixhawk at store.3dr.com.

LOAD SD CARD INTO PIXHAWK

If the SD card is not preloaded into Pixhawk, insert the micro-SD card into the slot at the 

bottom end of the board.

For a complete list of RC systems compatible with Pixhawk, visit the APM wiki page here.
 LOAD FIRMWARE 

APM firmware is the brains of your autopilot operation and must be installed before using Pixhawk. 

To load firmware onto Pixhawk, install a mission planner application on your ground station computer. Choose 

either Mission Planner (Windows) or APM Planner for (Windows, OS X, and Linux). 

Both applications are available for free download from ardupilot.com.

For rovers, connect the throttle and steering 

wires to the main output signal pins.

Pin 3 = Throttle

Pin 4 = Steering

Mission planner

firmware

FOR COPTERS

FOR PLANES

FOR ROVERS

Connect each signal wire from the PDB to 

the main output signal (S) pins by motor 

number. Connect one wire for each motor 

to the corresponding pin.

Pin 1 = Motor 1 Pin 5 = Motor 5

Pin 2 = Motor 2 Pin 6 = Motor 6

Pin 3 = Motor 3 Pin 7 = Motor 7

Pin 4 = Motor 4 Pin 8 = Motor 8

For planes, connect the control channel 

wires to the main output signal pins.

Pin 1 = Aileron

Pin 2 = Elevator

Pin 3 = Throttle

Pin 4 = Rudder

CONNECT OUTPUTS

3
Download Mission Planner (Windows)

Mission Planner « Downloads

Sort by: Title | Hits | Date

■ MissionPlanner - Installer Select the installer 

package to download.

Ardupilot.com Downloads Mission Planner

After selecting the correct file, read the safety information and select Download.

Open the file to run the setup wizard. Proceed through any security warnings, and install all 

suggested drivers. When the installation is complete, open the application, and connect Pixhawk to your 

computer using the micro-USB cable. 

Your computer will automatically install the correct drivers. Do not select Connect at this time; Pixhawk can only 

load firmware while unconnected to Mavlink. 

Download APM Planner (Windows, OS X, and Linux)

APM Planner 2.0 « Downloads

Sort by: Title | Hits | Date

■ APM Planner 2.0 Mac

■ APM Planner 2.0 Windows

■ APM Planner 2.0 Linux

Select your platform to 

download.

Ardupilot.com Downloads APM Planner 2.0

INSTALL PLANNER
When prompted, follow the directions to load the firmware. Once the status bar shows that the download is 

complete, power cycle the board by disconnecting and reconnecting the USB.

If you hear a musical tone, your firmware installation is complete. If you hear a series of tones followed by three 

beeps, disconnect the USB and reconnect while holding down the safety button. Upon restart, listen for a series 

of tones followed by two beeps indicating that your firmware has loaded successfully.

beep BEEP beep... 

BEEP BEEP  Pixhawk needs your attention:

beep BEEP beep... BEEP BEEP BEEP

Everything is OK:

musical tone 

Select Initial Setup, Install Firmware, and select your vehicle.

 CALIBRATE

With Pixhawk connected to your computer, select the communication option from the drop-down menu for 

PX4 FMU, set the rate to 115200, and select the Connect icon. Select Initial Setup and Mandatory Hardware to 

access the calibration wizards. 

Remove propellers before performing calibration. !

4
SELECT FRAME TYPE (COPTERS ONLY)

CALIBRATE COMPASS

Select the options to enable the compass; to allow automatic declination 

calculation; and to specify Pixhawk. Select Live Calibration to launch the wizard, 

and follow the prompts.

Show Me

videos demonstrating live calibration techniques at 3dr.com/learn.

For copter, select your frame orientation. 
CALIBRATE ACCELEROMETER

SELECT FLIGHT MODES

4

5

6

RC CALIBRATION

left stick

right stick

Select Accel Calibration, check the box for AC 3.0+, select Calibrate, and 

follow the prompts to calibrate Pixhawk’s accelerometer. Make sure to wait a 

couple of seconds before and after changing the positions of the vehicle.

Select Radio Calibration to teach Pixhawk to work with your RC 

transmitter. Turn on your transmitter, select Calibrate Radio, and move 

all sticks and switches to their extreme positions. Select Click when Done

once the red bars are set for all available channels.

Move each switch on your transmitter to its available positions. The mission 

planner will indicate the currently selected position with green highlighting. Select 

a mode for each switch position, and select Save Modes to assign.
LED MEANINGS

Flashing red and blue: initializing. Please wait.

Double flashing yellow: error. System refuses to arm.

Flashing blue: disarmed, searching for GPS. Autonomous, loiter, and return-to-launch 

modes require GPS lock.

Flashing green: disarmed, GPS lock acquired. Ready to arm. Quick double tone when 

disarming from the armed state.

Solid green plus single long tone: armed and ready to fly!

Flashing yellow: RC failsafe activated.

Flashing yellow plus quick repeating tone: battery failsafe activated.

Flashing yellow and blue plus high-high-high-low tone: GPS glitch or GPS failsafe 

activated.

Quick, constant blinking: performing system check. Please wait.

Solid: ready to arm. Proceed to the arming procedure.

Intermittent blinking: system ready. Press the safety button to activate.

SAFETY SWITCH MEANINGS

Learn more

about LED meanings and buzzer tones at 3dr.com/learn.
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

1 Spektrum DSM receiver

2 Telemetry (radio telemetry)

3 Telemetry (on-screen display)

4 USB

5 SPI (serial peripheral interface) bus

6 Power module

7 Safety switch button

8 Buzzer

 9 Serial

10 GPS module

11 CAN (controller area network) bus

12 I

2

C splitter or compass module

13 Analog to digital converter 6.6 V

14 Analog to digital converter 3.3 V 

15 LED indicator

PORTS

1 2

3 4

1 Input/output reset button

2 SD card

3 Flight management reset button 

4 Micro-USB port

1 2

ground

power

signal

1 Radio control receiver input

2 S.Bus output

3 Main outputs

4 Auxiliary outputs

3 4
Processor

32-bit ARM Cortex M4 core with FPU

168 Mhz/256 KB RAM/2 MB Flash

32-bit failsafe co-processor

Sensors

ST Micro 16-bit gyroscope

ST Micro 14-bit accelerometer/magnetometer

MEAS barometer

MPU6000 accelerometer/magnetometer

Power

Ideal diode controller with automatic failover

Servo rail high-power (7 V) and high-current ready

All peripheral outputs over-current protected, all 

inputs ESC protected

Interfaces

5x UART serial ports, 1 high-power capable, 2x with 

HW flow control

Spektrum DSM/DSM2/DSM-X Satellite input

Futaba S.BUS input and output

PPM sum signal

RSSI (PWM or voltage) input

I

2

C, SPI, 2x CAN, USB

3.3 and 6.6 ADC inputs

Dimensions

Weight 38 g (1.3 oz)

Width 50 mm (2.0”)

Height 15.5 mm (.6”)

Length 81.5 mm (3.2”)

SPECIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT NOTE

SUPPORT

For more information about Pixhawk and other documentation, visit 

3dr.com/learn. For more instruction on using APM firmware and 

planner software, visit ardupilot.com.

For customer support, contact us at help@3dr.com or call our 

support line at +1 (858) 225-1414 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, PST.

Please note that these instructions describe basic setup for Pixhawk and do not represent the 

complete set of configuration procedures required to build a copter, plane, or rover. 

For more information on ESC calibration, battery monitoring, failsafes, mode descriptions, 

and more, visit ardupilot.com. Do not operate your vehicle without a complete understanding 

of the online instructions.
Operating a powered vehicle of any kind can be a lot of fun, but it carries certain inherent risks. Regulations 

governing the use of powered vehicles, including aircraft, vary from locale to locale, even within the same country 

or district. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand and comply with all local laws and regulations.

Safety basics:

•	 Never operate the vehicle or software in a way that could be dangerous to you, other people, or property.

•	 Always keep propeller arcs free of objects and body parts while the vehicle is live.

•	 Keep in mind that software and hardware failures happen. Although we design our products to minimize 

such issues, you should always operate with the understanding that a failure could occur at any time and 

without warning. Accordingly, you should take the appropriate precautions to minimize danger in case of 

product failure.

•	 Never use the software or hardware for manned vehicles.

•	 Always operate within local laws and regulations.

•	 Do not operate the aircraft if you are under the age of 18. 

Additional safety information:

•	 Be sure to maintain safe distances between people and your aircraft. 

•	 Never operate your aircraft if your ability to do so with the utmost attention to safety is impaired in any 

way. Do not operate your aircraft while tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise unable to 

operate it with the highest attention to safety. 

•	 Environment conditions can change rapidly and can make operation difficult. If this occurs, land your aircraft 

and discontinue use immediately. Do not operate your aircraft if operating conditions are not ideal. This 

includes, but is not limited to, rain, snow or excessive wind.

•	 Always ensure the battery cable is disconnected from the aircraft until you are ready to fly, and ensure that 

your batteries are fully charged prior to use.

•	 Always turn on the transmitter and ensure the throttle stick is all the way down before connecting the 

battery.

•	 After landing, disarm your vehicle immediately and disconnect the battery cable.

•	 Do not turn off the transmitter until after you have disconnected the battery.

•	 Always remove the propellers while testing the motors.

•	 When the battery is connected, always assume the vehicle is live and the motors are armed.

•	 Do not attempt to fly longer than the battery’s safe capacity.

•	 Do not operate the vehicle with excess weight attached.

•	 Ensure that all vehicle components are well maintained before each flight. Ensure that components are 

firmly attached and operating properly. 

•	 Replace any worn or damaged components before each flight. Never operate with any damaged or worn 

components.

•	 SAFETY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY. Take all precautions necessary to ensure your own safety as well as the 

safety of other people and property.

SAFETY
DISCLAIMER

THE LIMITED WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO 3D ROBOTICS-BRANDED HARDWARE CAN BE FOUND AT 

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ROBOTICS MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES FOR 3D ROBOTICS-BRANDED PRODUCTS, AND MAKES 

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SERVICES, MAINTENANCE OR SUPPORT ARE PROVIDED BY THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER OR 

SUPPLIER, NOT BY 3D ROBOTICS. 3D ROBOTICS MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE STATED 

IN 3D ROBOTICS’ APPLICABLE WARRANTY IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF THE INVOICE, PACKING SLIP OR 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

3D ROBOTICS OFFERS THE HARDWARE AS-IS AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF 

ANY KIND CONCERNING THE HARDWARE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, 

INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A 

PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR THE ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, 

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JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO SUCH EXCLUSION MAY 

NOT APPLY TO YOU.

EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL 3D ROBOTICS BE LIABLE TO 

YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR 

EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE HARDWARE.

3D ROBOTICS ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE(S) OR INJURIES INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY 

FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

SOFTWARE IS SUBJECT TO THE SEPARATE SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT ACCOMPANYING OR MADE 

AVAILABLE TO YOU IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE. A PORTION OF THE SOFTWARE MAY 

CONTAIN OR CONSIST OF OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE, WHICH YOU MAY USE UNDER THE TERMS AND 

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YOU AGREE THAT YOU WILL BE BOUND BY ANY AND ALL SUCH LICENSE AGREEMENTS, AND THAT YOUR 

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DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING 

OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE.

Pixhawk Kit User Guide V8 © 3D Robotics, Inc. 20 March 2014