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Flying with Litchi

Litchi is a third-party flight app for DJI drones, and is an alternative to DJI Fly. It is useful for models and controllers where DJI Fly is limited, such as the DJI Mini 3.

Before you start, make sure you have completed the steps in Using DJI Drones With DroneTM.

Prerequisites

  • Use Litchi Pilot (Beta), not the original Litchi app.
  • Requires an Android phone or tablet.
  • Requires the DJI RC-N1/RC-N2 controller (the standard controller that connects to a phone). The DJI RC with the built-in screen is not supported by Litchi Pilot.
  • Mini 3 support is available only through Litchi Pilot Beta.
  • Download the beta from the official Litchi Pilot Open Beta page.

1. Download and Install

  1. Open the Litchi Pilot Open Beta page.
  2. Download the latest Android APK.
  3. Allow installation from unknown sources if prompted.
  4. Install and open Litchi Pilot.
  5. Grant all requested permissions (Location, Storage, etc.).

2. Prepare Your Equipment

  1. Charge the drone, controller, and phone.
  2. Connect your Android device to the DJI RC-N1/RC-N2.
  3. Power on the controller, then the drone.
  4. Close the DJI Fly app completely before opening Litchi Pilot.
  5. Launch Litchi Pilot and confirm the drone connects successfully.

3. Create a Mapping Flight Plan

  1. Open Mission Planning (Waypoint or Area Mission).
  2. Zoom to your survey area.
  3. Create a grid (lawnmower) flight pattern.
  4. Set:
    • Flight altitude (e.g. 60 - 100 m)
    • Flight speed (typically 3 - 6 m/s)
    • Front overlap: 75 - 80%
    • Side overlap: 70 - 75%
    • Camera angle: -90 (straight down) for orthomosaic mapping
  5. Save the mission.

Note

Importing a DroneTM-generated mission directly into Litchi is not yet reliable, so for now create the grid within Litchi itself.

4. Before Flying

  • Check GPS lock.
  • Verify battery level.
  • Ensure Return-to-Home altitude is above nearby obstacles.
  • Check local airspace and weather.
  • Format the SD card if needed.

5. Fly the Mission

  1. Take off manually. Make sure you are at your takeoff point or nearby.
  2. Climb to a safe altitude.
  3. Tap Start Mission.
  4. Review the mission summary.
  5. Confirm and let the drone fly automatically.
  6. Monitor the flight and be ready to pause or take manual control if necessary.

6. After the Flight

  1. Land the drone.
  2. Copy the photos from the SD card.
  3. Upload the images to DroneTM for processing.