Provided are computer-implemented methods for autonomously controlling an aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities and folding wings that includes controlling a plurality of thrust producing components of an aircraft to cause the aircraft to rise vertically when wings of the aircraft are in a first folded configuration, where when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded configuration, a leading edge of each wing is oriented in a vertical direction setting motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded configuration, and causing the aircraft to align with a direction of airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded configuration, and controlling thrust producing components and control surfaces and internal articulation mechanisms of the aircraft to cause the aircraft to transition from folded wing configuration to unfolded wing configuration. Systems and computer program products are also provided.