# Betaflight Launch Control Setup: How to Configure Race Start Mode
Launch Control is Betaflight’s built-in race start assistant that holds your quad at a pre-configured angle and throttle level until you release the switch. If you race FPV drones, mastering Launch Control gives you consistent, repeatable starts every heat. Here’s how to set it up.
## What Is Betaflight Launch Control?
Launch Control is a feature introduced in Betaflight 4.1 that locks pitch angle and throttle during the race start countdown. You arm the quad, flip a switch to activate Launch Control, and the quad holds position even at full throttle. When you release the switch, the quad launches forward at the pre-set angle.
## Prerequisites
– Betaflight 4.1 or newer
– An available AUX channel on your radio
– Accelerometer enabled (Launch Control uses the accelerometer for angle hold)
## Step 1: Enable Launch Control
In Betaflight Configurator, go to the **Modes** tab and assign **Launch Control** to an AUX switch. Choose a momentary switch (spring-loaded) if possible — this makes release timing more precise.
## Step 2: Configure Launch Control Settings
Go to the **PID Tuning** tab and scroll to **Launch Control** settings. Here’s what each parameter does:
| Parameter | Description | Recommended Starting Value |
|———–|————-|—————————-|
| Launch Angle | Angle the quad holds during launch (degrees from horizontal) | 25-30° |
| Launch Throttle | Maximum allowed throttle percentage during hold mode | 80-90% |
| Launch Trigger | What happens when you release the switch (Normal or Pit) | Normal |
| Launch Control Mode | Angle control mode (Normal or Stick) | Normal |
## Step 3: CLI Fine-Tuning
For advanced control, use these CLI commands:
“`
set launch_control_mode = NORMAL
set launch_trigger_allow_reset = ON
set launch_angle_limit = 30
set launch_control_gain = 40
save
“`
### Key CLI Parameters Explained
| CLI Command | Function | Range | Recommended |
|————-|———-|——-|————-|
| `launch_angle_limit` | Maximum pitch angle in degrees | 0-80 | 25-35 |
| `launch_control_gain` | How aggressively angle is held | 0-100 | 35-45 |
| `launch_trigger_allow_reset` | Allows re-activation during same flight | ON/OFF | ON |
## Step 4: Test Your Setup
1. Arm the quad (props off for bench testing).
2. Activate Launch Control switch.
3. Raise throttle — motors should spin up but the FC should hold angle.
4. Release the switch — quad should respond immediately to stick inputs.
5. Check the OSD: “LAUNCH” should appear when active.
## Step 5: Field Tuning
At the field, tune these values based on real-world performance:
| Symptom | Adjustment |
|———|————|
| Quad pitches up too aggressively on release | Reduce Launch Angle by 5° |
| Quad doesn’t launch fast enough | Increase Launch Throttle by 5% |
| Angle wobbles during hold | Increase Launch Control Gain by 5 |
| Quad overcorrects and oscillates | Decrease Launch Control Gain by 5 |
## Launch Control Pitfalls to Avoid
– **Don’t set Launch Angle too high**: Above 40°, the quad may flip backward on release.
– **Don’t run Launch Throttle at 100%**: Leave 10-15% headroom for stabilization.
– **Ensure your radio endpoints are calibrated**: Incorrect endpoints cause Launch Control to engage unexpectedly.
– **Test on a flat surface**: The accelerometer needs a level reference for accurate angle hold.
## Pro Tip: Combine with Race Mode
Enable Race Mode in the CLI to get even faster response on release:
“`
set gyro_use_dyn_lpf = ON
set dterm_lpf1_dyn_min_hz = 100
set dterm_lpf1_dyn_max_hz = 250
save
“`
## Hardware That Benefits from Launch Control
Launch Control puts extra stress on ESCs during the hold phase since motors are fighting to maintain angle. Quality ESCs with fast PWM switching (48kHz+) handle this stress better. Browse high-performance ESCs at [uavmodel.com](https://uavmodel.com) — our BLHeli_32 selection covers everything from 20×20 whoop boards to 30×30 high-current stacks.