How to land drone using dronekit python

Pcb-designHow-ToBeginner · 4 min read

How to Land a Drone Using DroneKit Python

To land a drone using dronekit in Python, connect to the vehicle, set the mode to LAND, and wait until the drone finishes landing. Use vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('LAND') to command the drone to land safely.

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Syntax

The basic syntax to land a drone with DroneKit Python involves setting the vehicle's mode to LAND. This tells the drone to start descending and land automatically.

vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('LAND'): Changes the drone's mode to land.
vehicle.is_armable: Checks if the drone is ready to be controlled.
vehicle.armed: Indicates if the drone's motors are armed.

python

from dronekit import connect, VehicleMode

# Connect to the vehicle
vehicle = connect('127.0.0.1:14550', wait_ready=True)

# Set mode to LAND to start landing
vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('LAND')

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Example

This example connects to a drone, checks if it is armable, arms it, takes off to 10 meters, then commands it to land safely.

python

from dronekit import connect, VehicleMode, LocationGlobalRelative
import time

# Connect to the vehicle
vehicle = connect('127.0.0.1:14550', wait_ready=True)

# Wait until the vehicle is armable
while not vehicle.is_armable:
    print('Waiting for vehicle to become armable...')
    time.sleep(1)

# Arm the vehicle
vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('GUIDED')
vehicle.armed = True

while not vehicle.armed:
    print('Waiting for arming...')
    time.sleep(1)

# Take off to 10 meters
target_altitude = 10
vehicle.simple_takeoff(target_altitude)

# Wait until the vehicle reaches a safe height
while True:
    print(f'Altitude: {vehicle.location.global_relative_frame.alt:.1f} m')
    if vehicle.location.global_relative_frame.alt >= target_altitude * 0.95:
        print('Reached target altitude')
        break
    time.sleep(1)

# Command the vehicle to land
print('Landing...')
vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('LAND')

# Wait until the vehicle lands and disarms
while vehicle.armed:
    print(f'Altitude: {vehicle.location.global_relative_frame.alt:.1f} m')
    time.sleep(1)

print('Landed and disarmed')

# Close vehicle object
vehicle.close()

Output

Waiting for vehicle to become armable... Waiting for vehicle to become armable... ... Waiting for arming... Altitude: 0.0 m Altitude: 2.3 m Altitude: 5.1 m Altitude: 9.8 m Reached target altitude Landing... Altitude: 9.5 m Altitude: 6.2 m Altitude: 3.0 m Altitude: 0.5 m Landed and disarmed

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Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when landing a drone with DroneKit Python include:

Not checking if the vehicle is armable before arming.
Forgetting to set the mode to GUIDED before arming and takeoff.
Not waiting for the drone to reach the target altitude before landing.
Not monitoring the vehicle's armed state to confirm landing completion.

Always ensure proper mode changes and state checks to avoid unsafe commands.

python

from dronekit import VehicleMode

# Wrong: Trying to land without setting mode to GUIDED or arming
vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('LAND')  # This may fail if not armed or guided

# Right: Proper sequence
vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('GUIDED')
vehicle.armed = True
# Wait for arming
while not vehicle.armed:
    pass
vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('LAND')

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Quick Reference

Summary tips for landing a drone using DroneKit Python:

Always connect and wait for vehicle readiness.
Set mode to GUIDED before arming and takeoff.
Use simple_takeoff() to reach a safe altitude.
Set mode to LAND to start landing.
Monitor vehicle.armed to confirm landing completion.

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Key Takeaways

Set the vehicle mode to 'LAND' using vehicle.mode = VehicleMode('LAND') to command landing.

Always check if the drone is armable and set mode to 'GUIDED' before arming and takeoff.

Use vehicle.simple_takeoff() to reach a safe altitude before landing.

Monitor vehicle.armed to confirm the drone has landed and disarmed.

Proper mode changes and state checks prevent unsafe drone commands.