> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.deltaquad.com/sth/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.deltaquad.com/sth/flight/planning-a-mission/mission-start-action.md).

# Mission Start Action

Before creating a new mission plan make sure that there are no items such as waypoint commands on the map. 

1. First, enter the Plan view by selecting the Plan tab from the AMC menu.

<figure><img src="/files/s3VkAd0DKnbepNUgVhc2" alt="" width="207"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can clear all waypoints from AMC and the vehicle by selecting the File Tool from the Plan Tools. Choose the clear option.

<figure><img src="/files/hGCugvevGXVR5oqs9Q16" alt="" width="272"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. When selecting the Start tab the option Add VTOL Takeoff is available.

<figure><img src="/files/gqiA6nNnlrXt19IqAXjc" alt="" width="225"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Click on the map to specify the start location <img src="/files/zo8VbTgHAhuQlbawgKmu" alt="" data-size="line"> where the vehicle will initiate its takeoff. If the vehicle is currently connected, this location will automatically default to the vehicle's current position.
4. Adjust the Transition Direction icon <img src="/files/WaeSE0obEVE1sKUGb6y9" alt="" data-size="line"> displayed on the map. This action determines the transition direction for the vehicle, indicating how it will transition from Hover mode to Aerodynamic mode before proceeding to the next mission item. It is important to set the transition direction against the wind, ensuring that the vehicle is also facing the wind. The default distance between the Start item and the Transition Direction item is set to 70m and can be left at that value.

<figure><img src="/files/HkEB3bU9tU4C2e5vzQe1" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Set the VTOL Takeoff altitude in the Plan Item Editor. This is the altitude at which the vehicle transitions from Hover mode to Aerodynamic mode.

<figure><img src="/files/BIdlRdOaDpkcrPyqLIFY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. We recommend a minimum VTOL Takeoff altitude of 60m for all safety features to function properly. Always make sure to set an altitude that surpasses the height of all obstacles present between the Start and Transition Direction waypoints.

{% hint style="info" %}
Please be aware that the altitudes of mission items in the Plan View are relative to the launch altitude, rather than Above Ground Level (AGL).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
For maximum endurance, this value can be set as low as 25m. At that altitude, the safety features might not function properly in the event of an emergency.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
In Hover mode, the DeltaQuad EVO uses up to 12 times more energy compared to the Aerodynamic mode (Fixed-wing mode). We recommend setting the VTOL Takeoff altitude not higher than 100m as this will have an impact on the total flight time. As a rule of thumb, every additional minute ascending in Hover mode will take off 10km from the total mission length. Every extra minute of descending in Hover mode will take off 7km of the total mission length.
{% endhint %}

7. In the Initial Mission Settings, the default Waypoints altitude can be set.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/sJDnjyP14z3DE6PNF3G5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This value can be changed for each individual waypoint in the Mission tab. The default value can be set in the application settings of AMC when the [Advanced Mode](/sth/flight/ground-control-station-overview.md#normal-and-advanced-mode) is enabled. Settings > General > Plan View

<figure><img src="/files/TolYpfcNlQWcC99ht0LV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
The vehicle has been designed to transition in the direction it was when positioned on the ground. This allows the operator to perform upwind transitions, regardless of the mission plan. During the transition phase, the vehicle may travel as much as 300 meters. The mission plan should account for this.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
During the transition phase, the vehicle's heading may change due to wind influence. The mission plan should account for this.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.deltaquad.com/sth/flight/planning-a-mission/mission-start-action.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.