dji Air 3S User Manual

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v1.0 2024.10

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Walt Chany

June 8, 2025

Everything on my drone and controller are working as it should except my RTH. My drone was purchase on 4/2/25 and has not been in any accidents. When I press the RTH button, it does not go to the height that I have set in the controller, it only returns at the height the drone is flying. Is there something I need to reset? All my software is up to date.

Summary of Contents for dji Air 3S

Page 1 User Manual v1.0 2024.10...
Page 2 This document is copyrighted by DJI with all rights reserved. Unless otherwise authorized by DJI, you are not eligible to use or allow others to use the document or any part of the document by reproducing, transferring or selling the document. Only refer to this document and the content thereof as instructions to operate DJI UAVs.
Page 3: Using This Manual
Go to the address below or scan the QR code to watch the tutorial videos, which demonstrate how to use the product safely: https://www.dji.com/air-3s/video Download the DJI Fly App Make sure to use DJI Fly during flight. Scan the QR code to download the latest version. © 2024 DJI All Rights Reserved.
Page 4: Download Dji Assistant 2
For increased safety, flight is restricted to a height of 98.4 ft (30 m) and a range of 164 ft (50 m) when not connected or logged into the app during flight. This applies to DJI Fly and all apps compatible with DJI aircraft.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
DJI Air 3S User Manual Contents Using this Manual Legend Read Before First Flight Video Tutorials Download the DJI Fly App Download DJI Assistant 2 Product Profile Using for the First Time Preparing the Aircraft Preparing the Remote Controller DJI RC 2...
Page 6 DJI Air 3S User Manual Controlling the Aircraft Takeoff/Landing Procedures Video Suggestions and Tips Intelligent Flight Mode FocusTrack Notice Using FocusTrack MasterShots Notice Using MasterShots Using the Editor QuickShots Notice Using QuickShots Hyperlapse Using Hyperlapse Waypoint Flight Using Waypoint Flight...
Page 7 DJI Air 3S User Manual Using the Battery Charging the Battery Using a Charger Using the Charging Hub Battery Protection Mechanisms Gimbal and Camera Gimbal Notice Gimbal Angle Gimbal Operation Modes Camera Notice 5.10 Storing and Exporting Photos and Videos...
Page 8 Specifications Compatibility Firmware Update Flight Recorder Enhanced Transmission Installing the nano-SIM Card Installing the DJI Cellular Dongle 2 to the Aircraft Using Enhanced Transmission Removing the DJI Cellular Dongle 2 Security Strategy Remote Controller Usage Notes 4G Network Requirements Post-Flight Checklist...
Page 10: Using For The First Time
DJI Air 3S User Manual Product Profile 1.1 Using for the First Time Click the link or scan the QR code to watch the tutorial videos. https://www.dji.com/air-3s/video Preparing the Aircraft 1. Remove the gimbal protector from the camera. 2. Unfold the front arms and the rear arms as shown.
Page 11: Preparing The Remote Controller
DJI Air 3S User Manual • It is recommended to use the DJI charger to charge the Intelligent Flight Battery. Visit the official DJI website for details. • Make sure the gimbal protector is removed and all arms are unfolded before powering on the aircraft.
Page 12: Dji Rc-N3
DJI Air 3S User Manual 2. Unfold the antennas. 3. The remote controller needs to be activated before first use and an internet connection is required for activation. Press, then press and hold the power button to power on the remote controller. Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the remote controller.
Page 13: Activation
DJI Fly to bind the aircraft and remote controller for an optimal warranty service experience. Firmware Update A prompt will appear in DJI Fly when a firmware update is available. Update the firmware whenever prompted to ensure the optimal user experience. ©...
Page 14: Overview
DJI Air 3S User Manual 1.2 Overview Aircraft 1. Forward-Facing LiDAR 9. Landing Gears (Built-in antennas) 2. Omnidirectional Vision System 10. Aircraft Status Indicators 3. Gimbal and Camera 11. Motors a. Medium Tele Camera 12. Propellers b. Wide-Angle Camera 13. Intelligent Flight Battery 4.
Page 15: Dji Rc-N3 Remote Controller
DJI Air 3S User Manual 3. Status LED 13. Camera Control Dial 4. Battery Level LEDs 14. Focus/Shutter Button 5. Flight Pause/Return to Home (RTH) 15. Speaker Button 16. Control Stick Storage Slots 6. Flight Mode Switch 17. Customizable C2 Button 7.
Page 17: Flight Restrictions
Flight Altitude and Distance Limits Max altitude restricts the flight altitude of the aircraft, while max distance restricts the flight radius around the Home Point of the aircraft. These limits can be changed in the DJI Fly app for improved flight safety.
Page 18: Geo Zones
GEO Zones The DJI GEO system designates safe flight locations, provides risk levels and safety notices for individual flights, and offers information on restricted airspace. All restricted flight areas are referred to as GEO Zones, which are further divided into Restricted Zones, Authorization Zones, Warning Zones, Enhanced Warning Zones, and Altitude ©...
Page 19: Unlocking Geo Zones
Once the unlocking request is approved, you can synchronize the unlocking license through the DJI Fly app. To unlock the zone, alternatively, you can launch or fly the aircraft directly into the approved Authorization Zone and follow the prompts in DJI Fly to unlock the zone.
Page 20: Operating The Aircraft Responsibly
DJI Air 3S User Manual 3. Fly the aircraft within visual line of sight (VLOS). Avoid mountains and trees blocking GNSS signals. Any flight beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) can be conducted only when the aircraft performance, the knowledge and skills of the pilot, and the operational safety management are compliant with local regulations for BVLOS.
Page 21: Pre-Flight Checklist
9. Only use genuine DJI parts or DJI-authorized parts. Unauthorized parts may cause system malfunctions and compromise flight safety. 10. Make sure the Obstacle Avoidance Action is set in DJI Fly, and the Max Altitude, Max Distance and Auto RTH Altitude are all set properly according to local laws and regulations.
Page 23: Auto Takeoff/Landing
Basic Flight 3.1 Auto Takeoff/Landing Auto Takeoff 1. Launch DJI Fly and enter the camera view. 2. Complete all steps in the pre-flight checklist. 3. Tap . If conditions are safe for takeoff, press and hold the button to confirm.
Page 24: Stopping The Motors Mid-Flight
• Stopping the motors mid-flight will cause the aircraft to crash. The default setting for Emergency Propeller Stop in the DJI Fly app is Emergency Only, which means that the motors can only be stopped mid-flight when the aircraft detects...
Page 25: Takeoff/Landing Procedures
DJI Air 3S User Manual Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 3.4 Takeoff/Landing Procedures • DO NOT launch the aircraft from your palm or while holding it with your hand. • DO NOT operate the aircraft when the lighting is too bright or too dark to use the remote controller to monitor flight.
Page 26: Video Suggestions And Tips
> Safety, and then set the Obstacle Avoidance Action to Bypass or Brake. Make sure to set an appropriate Auto RTH Altitude and Max Altitude. 6. Wait for the aircraft self-diagnostics to complete. If DJI Fly does not show any irregular warning, you can start the motors.
Page 28: Focustrack
DJI Air 3S User Manual Intelligent Flight Mode 4.1 FocusTrack It is recommended to click the link below or scan the QR code to watch the tutorial video. https://www.dji.com/air-3s/video Spotlight Point of Interest (POI) ActiveTrack The aircraft follows the subject in the following sub-modes.
Page 29: Notice
(e.g., white walls). • Always be prepared to press the Flight Pause button on the remote controller or in DJI Fly in order to operate the aircraft manually in case any emergency situation occurs. • Be extra vigilant when using FocusTrack in any of the following situations: ©...
Page 30: Using Focustrack
DJI Air 3S User Manual The tracked subject is not moving on a level plane. ◆ The tracked subject changes shape drastically while moving. ◆ The tracked subject is out of sight for an extended period. ◆ The tracked subject is moving on a snowy surface.
Page 31: Mastershots
DJI Air 3S User Manual • ActiveTrack only supports moving subjects such as vehicles, boats, and people within 3× zoom. 4.2 MasterShots It is recommended to click the link below or scan the QR code to watch the tutorial video.
Page 32: Using Mastershots
DJI Air 3S User Manual • DO NOT use MasterShots in places close to buildings or where the GNSS signal is weak. Otherwise, the flight path may become unstable. • Make sure to follow local privacy laws and regulations when using MasterShots.
Page 33: Notice
DJI Air 3S User Manual Notice • Make sure there is sufficient space when using Boomerang. Allow a radius of at least 30 m (99 ft) around the aircraft and a space of at least 10 m (33 ft) above the aircraft.
Page 34: Hyperlapse
DJI Air 3S User Manual 3. Tap or press the Flight Pause button on the remote controller once. The aircraft will exit QuickShots immediately and hover. 4.4 Hyperlapse It is recommended to click the link below or scan the QR code to watch the tutorial video.
Page 35: Waypoint Flight
• After selecting the Hyperlapse shooting mode, tap > Camera > Hyperlapse in DJI Fly to select the photo type of the original hyperlapse photos to be saved, or select Off to not save any original hyperlapse photos. • A one second video needs 25 photos.
Page 36: Using Waypoint Flight
DJI Air 3S User Manual https://www.dji.com/air-3s/video With Waypoint Flight, you can set waypoints for different shooting locations in advance, and then generate a flight route based on the set waypoints. The aircraft will then fly automatically along the preset route and complete the preset camera actions.
Page 37: Cruise Control
The aircraft cannot enter or will exit cruise control in the following situations: When near the max altitude or max distance. ◆ When the aircraft disconnects from the remote controller or DJI Fly. ◆ When the aircraft senses an obstacle and thus brakes and hovers in place.
Page 39: Aircraft
DJI Air 3S User Manual Aircraft 5.1 Flight Mode The aircraft supports the following flight modes, which can be switched via the Flight Mode switch on the remote controller. Normal Mode: Normal mode is suitable for most flight scenarios. The aircraft can hover precisely, fly stably, and use Intelligent Flight Modes.
Page 40: Aircraft Status Indicators
DJI Air 3S User Manual 5.2 Aircraft Status Indicators The aircraft has front LEDs and aircraft status indicators. 1. Front LEDs 2. Aircraft Status Indicators When the aircraft is powered on but the motors are not running, the front LEDs glow solid green to display the orientation of the aircraft.
Page 41: Return To Home
GNSS signal or the lighting is sufficient. After the Home Point is recorded, DJI Fly will issue a voice prompt. If it is necessary to update the Home Point during a flight (such as if you have changed your position), the Home Point can be manually updated in >...
Page 42: Notice
30 meters. If the positioning system is functioning abnormally, the aircraft will enter ATTI mode. • It is important to set a suitable RTH altitude before each flight. Launch DJI Fly and set the RTH altitude. The default RTH altitude is 100 m. •...
Page 43: Advanced Rth
When Advanced RTH is triggered, the aircraft will automatically plan the best RTH path, which will be displayed in DJI Fly and will be adjusted according to the environment. During RTH, the aircraft will adjust the flight speed automatically according to environmental factors such as the wind speed, wind direction, and obstacles.
Page 44: Trigger Method
During flight, if the battery level is low and only sufficient to fly to the Home Point, a warning prompt will appear in DJI Fly. If you tap to confirm RTH or do not take action before the countdown ends, the aircraft will automatically initiate low battery RTH.
Page 45: Rth Procedure
DJI Air 3S User Manual • If the RTH distance is farther than 5 m but less than 50 m, the aircraft adjusts its orientation and flies straight horizontally back to the home point at the current altitude. • The aircraft lands immediately if the RTH distance is less than 5 m.
Page 46: Rth Settings
The aircraft lands immediately if the RTH distance is less than 5 m. ◆ RTH Settings RTH settings are available for Advanced RTH. Go to the camera view in DJI Fly, tap > Safety, and scroll to Return to Home (RTH).
Page 47 DJI Air 3S User Manual • Preset: Suitable Lighting and Unsuitable Lighting and RTH Distance/Altitude Environment Conditions Environment Conditions The aircraft will plan the RTH path, fly to an open The aircraft will ascend Current alti- area while bypassing ob- to the RTH altitude, and tude <...
Page 48: Landing Protection
• If landing protection is not operational, DJI Fly will display a landing prompt when the aircraft descends to 0.5 m from the ground. Tap Confirm or push the throttle stick all the way down and hold for one second, and the aircraft will land.
Page 49: Sensing System
It will automatically turn on by default in low-light environments when the flight altitude is under 5 m after takeoff. You can also turn it on or off manually in the DJI Fly app. Each time the aircraft is restarted, the auxiliary light will revert back to the default setting Auto.
Page 50: Notice
Pay attention to the flight environment. The sensing system only work in certain scenarios and cannot replace human control and judgment. During a flight, always pay attention to the surrounding environment and the warnings in DJI Fly, and be responsible for and maintain control of the aircraft at all times.
Page 51: Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems
DO NOT use the aircraft in dusty or humid environments. • The vision system cameras may need to be calibrated after being stored for an extended period. A prompt will appear in DJI Fly and calibration will be performed automatically. •...
Page 52: Notice
Be extra cautious when flying in extremely dark (<300 lux) or bright (>10,000 lux) environments. • Pay attention to DJI Fly and make sure APAS is working normally. • APAS may not function properly when the aircraft is flying near flight limits or in a GEO zone.
Page 53: Landing Protection
DJI Air 3S User Manual Landing Protection If Obstacle Avoidance Action is set to Bypass or Brake, Landing Protection will be activated when you push the throttle stick down to land the aircraft. Landing Protection is enabled once the aircraft begins to land.
Page 54: Propeller Notice
• Make sure that the propellers and motors are installed securely before each flight. • Only use official DJI propellers. DO NOT mix propeller types. • Propellers are consumable components. Purchase additional propellers if necessary. • Make sure that all propellers are in good condition before each flight. DO NOT use aged, chipped, or broken propellers.
Page 55: Intelligent Flight Battery
DJI Air 3S User Manual • To avoid damaging the propellers, place the aircraft correctly during transportation or storage. DO NOT squeeze or bend the propellers. If propellers are damaged, the flight performance may be affected. • Make sure the motors are mounted securely and rotating smoothly. Land the aircraft immediately if a motor is stuck and unable to rotate freely.
Page 56: Inserting/Removing The Battery
DJI Air 3S User Manual • It is recommended to warm up the battery to at least 10° C (50° F) before takeoff when flying in low-temperature environments. The ideal temperature to warm up the battery is above 20° C (68° F). • The reduced battery capacity in low-temperature environments reduces the wind speed resistance performance of the aircraft.
Page 57: Using The Battery
DJI Air 3S User Manual • DO NOT insert or remove the battery while the aircraft is powered on. • Ensure the battery is inserted with a clicking sound. DO NOT launch the aircraft when the battery is not securely mounted, as this may cause poor contact between the battery and the aircraft and present hazards.
Page 58: Charging The Battery
Charging the Battery Fully charge the battery before each use. It is recommended to use the charging devices provided by DJI or other chargers that support the USB PD fast charging protocol. Using a Charger •...
Page 59: Using The Charging Hub
DJI Air 3S User Manual Blinking Pattern Battery Level 0-50% 51-75% 76-99% 100% • The blinking frequency of the battery level LEDs differs depending on the USB charger used. If the charging speed is fast, the battery level LEDs will blink quickly.
Page 60 DJI Air 3S User Manual How to Charge Insert the batteries into the charging hub until there is a click. Connect the charging hub to a power outlet using a charger. The battery with the highest power level will be charged first.
Page 61 DJI Air 3S User Manual • If the remaining charge of a battery is lower than 7%, the battery cannot charge the external device. Accumulating Power 1. Insert more than one battery into the charging hub, and press and hold the function button until the status LED turns green.
Page 62: Battery Protection Mechanisms
The gimbal will be level when the aircraft is powered on, if the gimbal rotates, recenter the gimbal using the remote controller or DJI Fly as follows: In the camera view of DJI Fly, tap >...
Page 63: Gimbal Angle
Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the tilt of the gimbal. Alternatively, do so through the camera view in DJI Fly. Press and hold the screen until the gimbal adjustment bar appears. Drag the bar to control the gimbal’s angle.
Page 64: Camera Notice
DJI Air 3S User Manual Camera Notice • DO NOT expose the camera lens to an environment with laser beams, such as a laser show, or point the camera at intense light sources for an extended period of time, such as the sun on a clear day, in order to avoid damaging the sensor.
Page 65: Quicktransfer
Make sure to power off the aircraft correctly. Otherwise, the camera parameters will not be saved, and any recorded images or videos may be affected. DJI is not responsible for any loss caused by an image or video recorded in a way that is not machine-readable.
Page 66 6 MB/s. • When using QuickTransfer, it is not necessary to enter the Wi-Fi password on the settings page of the mobile device in order to connect. Launch DJI Fly and a prompt will appear to connect the aircraft. •...
Page 68: Dji Rc
Remote Controller 6.1 DJI RC 2 DJI RC 2 is equipped with a touchscreen powered by the Android operating system to run the DJI Fly app. The remote controller comes with many other functions such as built-in GNSS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
Page 69: Controlling The Gimbal And Camera
DJI Air 3S User Manual Controlling the Gimbal and Camera 1. Gimbal Dial: Control the tilt of the gimbal. 2. Record Button: Press once to start or stop recording. 3. Camera Control Dial: Use to adjust the zoom by default. The dial function can be set to adjust the focal length, EV, shutter speed, and ISO.
Page 70: Customizable Buttons
C1 and C2 are customizable buttons. Press the C1 button once to recenter the gimbal or point the gimbal downward by default. Press the C2 button once to switch between Landscape and Portrait mode by default. To set the function, go to camera view in DJI Fly, and tap >...
Page 71: Battery Level Leds
The remote controller beeps to indicate an error or warning. Pay attention when prompts appear on the touchscreen or in DJI Fly. Slide down from the top of the screen and select Mute to disable all alerts, or slide the volume bar to 0 to disable some alerts.
Page 72: Linking The Remote Controller
Otherwise, the remote controller will experience interference. • A prompt will be displayed in DJI Fly if the transmission signal is weak during flight. Adjust the remote controller orientation according to the attitude indicator display to make sure that the aircraft is in the optimal transmission range.
Page 73 DJI Air 3S User Manual Screen Gestures Back: Slide from the left or right to the Return to DJI Fly: Slide up from the center of the screen to return to the bottom of the screen to return to DJI previous screen.
Page 74: Dji Rc-N3
DJI Air 3S User Manual 6.2 DJI RC-N3 Operations Powering On/Off Press the power button once to check the current battery level. Press, then press and hold to power the remote controller on or off. Charging the Battery Connect the charger to the USB-C port on the remote controller.
Page 75: Flight Mode Switch
Press the customizable button once to recenter the gimbal or point the gimbal downward by default. Press twice to switch between Landscape and Portrait mode by default. To set the function, go to camera view in DJI Fly, and tap > Control > Customizable Button.
Page 76: Battery Level Leds
There will be an alert if the remote controller is not used for a period while it is powered on but is not connected to the aircraft or the DJI Fly app on the mobile device. The remote controller will automatically power off after the alert stops. Move the control sticks or press any button to cancel the alert.
Page 77: Linking The Remote Controller
Otherwise, the remote controller will experience interference. • A prompt will be displayed in DJI Fly if the transmission signal is weak during flight. Adjust the remote controller orientation according to the attitude indicator display to make sure that the aircraft is in the optimal transmission range.
Page 79: Appendix
Using DJI Fly When connecting the aircraft or remote controller to DJI Fly, you will be notified if a new firmware update is available. To start updating, connect your remote controller or mobile device to the internet and follow the on-screen instructions. Note that you cannot update the firmware if the remote controller is not linked to the aircraft.
Page 80: Flight Recorder
Flight data including flight telemetry, aircraft status information, and other parameters are automatically saved to the internal data recorder of the aircraft. The data can be accessed using DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series). 7.5 Enhanced Transmission It is recommended to click the link below or scan the QR code to watch the tutorial video for installation and usage methods.
Page 81: Installing The Nano-Sim Card
The installation requirements are as shown below: • The aircraft needs to be installed with a DJI Cellular Dongle 2, and a nano-SIM card should be installed into the dongle in advance. Both the DJI Cellular Dongle 2 and the nano-SIM card need to be purchased separately.
Page 82: Installing The Dji Cellular Dongle 2 To The Aircraft
3. Install the battery to the aircraft. Power on the aircraft and the remote controller. Enter the camera view of DJI Fly, check and make sure that the 4G signal icon is displayed in the upper right corner, which indicates that dongle is installed correctly and is successfully detected by the aircraft.
Page 83: Removing The Dji Cellular Dongle 2
DJI Air 3S User Manual subscription. One year after the first use, the Enhanced Transmission service will require a renewal fee. To check the validity of the service, enter the home screen of DJI Fly, tap Profile > Device Management > My Accessories.
Page 84: Network Requirements
DJI Air 3S User Manual Due to certain restrictions on Android/iOS systems, if you receive a call, the DJI Fly app may be restricted from using the 4G network in the background, which can lead to unavailability of Enhanced Transmission. If the OcuSync link is disconnected at this time, it will lead to failsafe RTH.
Page 85: Maintenance Instructions
4. DO NOT connect this product to any USB interface older than version 3.0. 5. Check every aircraft part after any crash or serious impact. If there are any problems or questions, contact a DJI authorized dealer. 6. Regularly check the Battery Level Indicators to see the current battery level and overall battery life.
Page 86: Troubleshooting Procedures
8. How to detect careless handling or storage in unsafe conditions Contact DJI Support. 7.9 Risks and Warnings When the aircraft detects a risk after powering on, there will be a warning prompt on DJI Fly. Pay attention to the list of situations below. •...
Page 87: Disposal
81 dB Maximum Propeller Speed 8600 RPM MTOM Statement The MTOM of DJI Air 3S (Model CZ3SCL) is 740 g to comply with C1 requirements. You must follow the instructions below to comply with the MTOM requirements for each model: •...
Page 88 Remote Controller Warnings DJI RC 2 The remote controller indicator will glow red after disconnecting with the aircraft. DJI Fly will issue a warning prompt after disconnecting from the aircraft. The remote controller will beep and power off automatically after disconnecting from aircraft and with no operation for a long time.
Page 89 The vertical part of Geo-Awareness may use the AMSL altitude or the AGL height. The choice between these two references is specified individually for each UGZ. Neither AMSL altitude nor the AGL height is supported by DJI Air 3S. The height H appears in the DJI ©...
Page 90 3. You can apply on the DJI official website after manual approval Authorization Zones Appear blue in the DJI app. You will be prompted with a warning, and flight is limited by default. UA cannot fly or take off in these zones unless authorized. Authorization Zones may be unlocked by authorized users using a DJI verified account.
Page 91 Ground Altitude Zones Altitude zones are zones with a limited altitude and appear in gray on the map. When approaching, you will receive a warning in the DJI app. 20 m Altitude Zone Receiving a warning...
Page 92: Far Remote Id Compliance Information
DJI mobile devices without an integrated GNSS system, and must run the DJI flight control app such as DJI Fly in the foreground and always allow the DJI flight control app to obtain its accurate location information. The connected external device must minimally be one of the following: ©...
Page 93: Aftersales Information
PFST. The results of the PFST of the Remote ID system can be viewed in either a DJI flight control app such as DJI Fly or DJI goggles.
Page 94 This content is subject to change without notice. Download the latest version from https://www.dji.com/air-3s/downloads If you have any questions about this document, please contact DJI by sending a message to DocSupport@dji.com. DJI is a trademark of DJI. Copyright © 2024 DJI All Rights Reserved.

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