3DR Solo User Manual - 7  Advanced Settings

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7  Advanced Settings

This section provides instructions for accessing and using Solo’s advanced features and settings.

7.1  Advanced Flight Modes

Are you a quadcopter pro? We designed Solo to be simple and reliable, but also really fun to fly. Solo includes five 

advanced flight modes: FLY:Manual, stabilize, acro, sport, and drift.

7.1.1 

Fly:Manual

Fly:Manual mode is a version of standard flight without GPS lock. In Fly:Manual, the throttle stick controls altitude 

the same way as standard flight (Fly mode). However, Fly:Manual includes no GPS positioning so that, when 

you release the right stick, Solo will not hold its position; it will drift according to wind conditions and existing 

momentum. When flying in Fly:Manual, make constant adjustment to the right stick to control Solo’s position and 

use the left stick to maintain Solo’s orientation. 

7.1.2 

Stabilize

Stabilize mode provides full manual control without autopilot assistance. In stabilize, the autopilot regulates Solo’s 

roll and pitch angles so that Solo returns to level when you release the right stick. The throttle stick controls power 

and acceleration directly; it does not correspond to altitude. Stabilize requires fine-tuned control of both the left and 

right sticks to fly Solo. Stabilize does not require GPS lock.

7.1.3 

Drift

Drift modes requires GPS lock and provides a plane-like flying experience. Drift is ideal for navigating Solo using 

the video feed. This is known as first-person view (FPV) and provides an immersive flying experience. In drift, Solo 

combines roll, pitch, and yaw onto the controller’s right stick. To navigate Solo in drift, move the right stick to initiate 

a coordinated turn in that direction. Releasing the right stick will cause Solo to drift to a stop over a two-second 

period. Solo does not automatically control altitude in drift, and will require constant adjustments to the throttle stick 

when flying in drift.

7.1.4 

Acro

Acro is the most advanced of Solo’s flight modes. It provides unrestricted control over Solo’s roll and pitch angles. 

Acro is intended for performing aerial acrobatics, flips, and maneuvers requiring extreme angles. There is no altitude 

or position assistance in acro, so be prepared to make constant adjustment to both sticks. Acro is a copter-frame 

oriented mode, meaning that, in acro, Solo will always respond to controls relative to its own orientation. Acro does 

not require GPS lock.

Advanced flight modes are for experienced operators only. Do not 

attempt to fly in any advanced modes unless you are comfortable 

flying multicopters without positioning and altitude assistance. 

Do not fly in acro unless you are an extremely experienced operator. 

Without the proper skills, crashes in acro are highly likely.