A system and method for providing autonomous control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is disclosed. The system includes a ground station in communication with an unmanned aerial vehicle. The method for providing autonomous control of a UAV includes methods for processing communications between the ground station and UAV. The method also includes procedures for processing commands from the ground station. Also included in the method is a process for estimating the attitude of the UAV and autonomously maintaining its altitude within a desired threshold. The method also includes a process for autonomously orbiting about a specified point in space. Combined with these processes, the method also includes a process for an autonomous takeoff and landing of the UAV.