DJI 3 Pro Height Limit

Specialist · Jan 30, 2016

I know I know .. some will think i'm naughty for asking

.. Does anyone know if it's possible to by-pass the height restriction?.

Here in the UK my drone is limited to 400ft which is a measly 120m. This is quite high but doesn't give me the flexibility I'd like.

Most websites i've read say the limit is 500m which is 1600ft .. I'd be happy with that .. is 500m a US limit ?

Thanks in advance

msinger · Jan 30, 2016

The Phantom is not technically restricted to 400 feet in any country. You can fly as high as 500 meters.

Hamguy · Jan 30, 2016

Specialist said:
. I'd be happy with that .. is 500m a US limit ?

Thanks in advance

Here in U.S. the FAA has set a limit of 400 ft. Some folks have said that there is no real advantage to going any higher, anyway.

Specialist · Jan 30, 2016

When I hit 400ft - I get red alert and text saying limit reached and the drone stops ascending.. it won't let me push through the 400ft mark.

Meta4 · Jan 30, 2016

Specialist said:
I know I know .. some will think i'm naughty for asking .. Does anyone know if it's possible to by-pass the height restriction?.

There is an adjustable limit. Sounds like yours is set to 400 ft.
There is a physical limit of 500 metres

todd hawkeye · Jan 30, 2016

If I red it correctly its 400 feet near airports. 7 miles? I think. That was on my faa registration

todd hawkeye · Jan 30, 2016

Read not red

msinger · Jan 30, 2016

Specialist said:
When I hit 400ft - I get red alert and text saying limit reached and the drone stops ascending

The Phantom is programmed to stop at 400 feet by default. You need to increase the "Set maximum flight altitude" setting in the "MC Settings" section of the DJI GO app.

Specialist · Jan 30, 2016

Thank you all, i'll give this a test tomorrow .. I've seen the setting within the application now.

TheLightSpeedz · Jan 30, 2016

400ft is "recommended" by the FAA for safe operation. But not required by law. So is all the other "guidelines" they suggest.

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msinger · Jan 30, 2016

It's a great recommendation. Just fly safe. That's what's most important

TheLightSpeedz · Jan 30, 2016

Yeah well I've been as high as the limit 1400' something feet. It's cool in remote areas. But you lose range going that high. 400' and a few miles out is where it's at

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TheLightSpeedz · Jan 30, 2016

Flying today over a remote valley, I went up 800' and had a Helicopter come right next to my copter. I assume he was aware I was there?

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Meta4 · Jan 30, 2016

Stephen Kelly said:
Flying today over a remote valley, I went up 800' and had a Helicopter come right next to my copter. I assume he was aware I was there?

Why would you assume that?

Hamguy · Jan 30, 2016

Risky operation will result in rules, for sure. Following the "suggestions" is a sign of respect for others– kinda like not speeding in a residential neighborhood.

Air Ontario · Jan 30, 2016

Stephen Kelly said:
Flying today over a remote valley, I went up 800' and had a Helicopter come right next to my copter. I assume he was aware I was there?

Sent from my iPhone using PhantomPilots mobile app

Drones are hard to see until relatively close or you catch them below and over contrasting terrain or at night and they have nav lights on.

If he was real close and not above you, he likely didn't see you. Most attempt to keep the rotor wash between you and them.................

TheLightSpeedz · Jan 30, 2016

Well I was in the middle of nowhere, and he was flying below 500' I would say. I moved away when I saw, then heard him.

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CactusJackSlade · Jan 31, 2016

Glad you took evasive action.... it is your responsibility to stay clear of aircraft, regardless if they are below their supposed 500 foot AGL level.

Rumbaar · Jan 31, 2016

Stephen Kelly said:
Flying today over a remote valley, I went up 800' and had a Helicopter come right next to my copter. I assume he was aware I was there?

That's a silly assumption and if you are ever in the air and a commercial aircraft is in the area and it's not in your direct control you should land or remove your craft from it's location.