diff --git a/src/modules/commander/commander.cpp b/src/modules/commander/commander.cpp
index 3d4a297f75..270aa2a1aa 100644
--- a/src/modules/commander/commander.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/commander/commander.cpp
@@ -1747,6 +1747,13 @@ set_main_state_rc(struct vehicle_status_s *status, struct manual_control_setpoin
 			}
 
             print_reject_mode(status, "AUTO_MISSION");
+
+            // fallback to LOITER if home position not set
+            res = main_state_transition(status, MAIN_STATE_AUTO_LOITER);
+
+            if (res != TRANSITION_DENIED) {
+                break;  // changed successfully or already in this state
+            }
 		}
 
         // fallback to POSCTL
diff --git a/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp b/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp
index 423ce2f23c..7fb2e08db2 100644
--- a/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp
@@ -271,7 +271,6 @@ main_state_transition(struct vehicle_status_s *status, main_state_t new_main_sta
 		}
 		break;
 
-	case MAIN_STATE_AUTO_MISSION:
 	case MAIN_STATE_AUTO_LOITER:
 		/* need global position estimate */
 		if (status->condition_global_position_valid) {
@@ -279,6 +278,7 @@ main_state_transition(struct vehicle_status_s *status, main_state_t new_main_sta
 		}
 		break;
 
+	case MAIN_STATE_AUTO_MISSION:
 	case MAIN_STATE_AUTO_RTL:
 		/* need global position and home position */
 		if (status->condition_global_position_valid && status->condition_home_position_valid) {
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/loiter.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/loiter.cpp
index 542483fb15..f827e70c96 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/loiter.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/loiter.cpp
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@
  * Helper class to loiter
  *
  * @author Julian Oes <julian@oes.ch>
+ * @author Anton Babushkin <anton.babushkin@me.com>
  */
 
 #include <string.h>
@@ -51,28 +52,42 @@
 #include <uORB/topics/position_setpoint_triplet.h>
 
 #include "loiter.h"
+#include "navigator.h"
 
 Loiter::Loiter(Navigator *navigator, const char *name) :
 	MissionBlock(navigator, name)
 {
 	/* load initial params */
 	updateParams();
-	/* initial reset */
-	on_inactive();
 }
 
 Loiter::~Loiter()
 {
 }
 
-bool
-Loiter::on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
-{
-	/* set loiter item, don't reuse an existing position setpoint */
-	return set_loiter_item(pos_sp_triplet);
-}
-
 void
 Loiter::on_inactive()
 {
 }
+
+void
+Loiter::on_activation()
+{
+	/* set current mission item to loiter */
+	set_loiter_item(&_mission_item);
+
+	/* convert mission item to current setpoint */
+	struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet = _navigator->get_position_setpoint_triplet();
+	pos_sp_triplet->previous.valid = false;
+	mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&_mission_item, &pos_sp_triplet->current);
+	pos_sp_triplet->next.valid = false;
+
+	_navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(pos_sp_triplet->current.type == SETPOINT_TYPE_LOITER);
+
+	_navigator->set_position_setpoint_triplet_updated();
+}
+
+void
+Loiter::on_active()
+{
+}
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/loiter.h b/src/modules/navigator/loiter.h
index 65ff5c31ee..37ab57a078 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/loiter.h
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/loiter.h
@@ -50,25 +50,15 @@
 class Loiter : public MissionBlock
 {
 public:
-	/**
-	 * Constructor
-	 */
 	Loiter(Navigator *navigator, const char *name);
 
-	/**
-	 * Destructor
-	 */
 	~Loiter();
 
-	/**
-	 * This function is called while the mode is inactive
-	 */
 	virtual void on_inactive();
 
-	/**
-	 * This function is called while the mode is active
-	 */
-	virtual bool on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	virtual void on_activation();
+
+	virtual void on_active();
 };
 
 #endif
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/mission.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/mission.cpp
index 72255103bd..cf6a764bf7 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/mission.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/mission.cpp
@@ -54,25 +54,28 @@
 #include <uORB/topics/mission.h>
 #include <uORB/topics/mission_result.h>
 
-#include "navigator.h"
 #include "mission.h"
+#include "navigator.h"
 
 Mission::Mission(Navigator *navigator, const char *name) :
 	MissionBlock(navigator, name),
 	_param_onboard_enabled(this, "ONBOARD_EN"),
+	_param_takeoff_alt(this, "TAKEOFF_ALT"),
 	_onboard_mission({0}),
 	_offboard_mission({0}),
 	_current_onboard_mission_index(-1),
 	_current_offboard_mission_index(-1),
 	_mission_result_pub(-1),
 	_mission_result({0}),
-	_mission_type(MISSION_TYPE_NONE)
+	_mission_type(MISSION_TYPE_NONE),
+	_need_takeoff(true),
+	_takeoff(false)
 {
 	/* load initial params */
 	updateParams();
+
 	/* set initial mission items */
 	on_inactive();
-
 }
 
 Mission::~Mission()
@@ -82,8 +85,6 @@ Mission::~Mission()
 void
 Mission::on_inactive()
 {
-	_first_run = true;
-
 	/* check anyway if missions have changed so that feedback to groundstation is given */
 	bool onboard_updated;
 	orb_check(_navigator->get_onboard_mission_sub(), &onboard_updated);
@@ -96,13 +97,21 @@ Mission::on_inactive()
 	if (offboard_updated) {
 		update_offboard_mission();
 	}
+
+	if (!_navigator->get_can_loiter_at_sp() || _navigator->get_vstatus()->condition_landed) {
+		_need_takeoff = true;
+	}
 }
 
-bool
-Mission::on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
+void
+Mission::on_activation()
 {
-	bool updated = false;
+	set_mission_items();
+}
 
+void
+Mission::on_active()
+{
 	/* check if anything has changed */
 	bool onboard_updated;
 	orb_check(_navigator->get_onboard_mission_sub(), &onboard_updated);
@@ -117,20 +126,21 @@ Mission::on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
 	}
 
 	/* reset mission items if needed */
-	if (onboard_updated || offboard_updated || _first_run) {
-		set_mission_items(pos_sp_triplet);
-		updated = true;
-		_first_run = false;
+	if (onboard_updated || offboard_updated) {
+		set_mission_items();
 	}
 
 	/* lets check if we reached the current mission item */
 	if (_mission_type != MISSION_TYPE_NONE && is_mission_item_reached()) {
 		advance_mission();
-		set_mission_items(pos_sp_triplet);
-		updated = true;
-	}
+		set_mission_items();
 
-	return updated;
+	} else {
+		/* if waypoint position reached allow loiter on the setpoint */
+		if (_waypoint_position_reached && _mission_item.nav_cmd != NAV_CMD_IDLE) {
+			_navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(true);
+		}
+	}
 }
 
 void
@@ -151,6 +161,7 @@ Mission::update_onboard_mission()
 			}
 			/* otherwise, just leave it */
 		}
+
 	} else {
 		_onboard_mission.count = 0;
 		_onboard_mission.current_index = 0;
@@ -167,10 +178,12 @@ Mission::update_offboard_mission()
 		if (_offboard_mission.current_index >= 0
 		    && _offboard_mission.current_index < (int)_offboard_mission.count) {
 			_current_offboard_mission_index = _offboard_mission.current_index;
+
 		} else {
 			/* if less WPs available, reset to first WP */
 			if (_current_offboard_mission_index >= (int)_offboard_mission.count) {
 				_current_offboard_mission_index = 0;
+
 			/* if not initialized, set it to 0 */
 			} else if (_current_offboard_mission_index < 0) {
 				_current_offboard_mission_index = 0;
@@ -184,6 +197,7 @@ Mission::update_offboard_mission()
 
 		if (_offboard_mission.dataman_id == 0) {
 			dm_current = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_0;
+
 		} else {
 			dm_current = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_1;
 		}
@@ -192,11 +206,13 @@ Mission::update_offboard_mission()
 			                                      (size_t)_offboard_mission.count,
 							      _navigator->get_geofence(),
 							      _navigator->get_home_position()->alt);
+
 	} else {
 		_offboard_mission.count = 0;
 		_offboard_mission.current_index = 0;
 		_current_offboard_mission_index = 0;
 	}
+
 	report_current_offboard_mission_item();
 }
 
@@ -204,46 +220,55 @@ Mission::update_offboard_mission()
 void
 Mission::advance_mission()
 {
-	switch (_mission_type) {
-	case MISSION_TYPE_ONBOARD:
-		_current_onboard_mission_index++;
-		break;
+	if (_takeoff) {
+		_takeoff = false;
 
-	case MISSION_TYPE_OFFBOARD:
-		_current_offboard_mission_index++;
-		break;
+	} else {
+		switch (_mission_type) {
+		case MISSION_TYPE_ONBOARD:
+			_current_onboard_mission_index++;
+			break;
 
-	case MISSION_TYPE_NONE:
-	default:
-		break;
+		case MISSION_TYPE_OFFBOARD:
+			_current_offboard_mission_index++;
+			break;
+
+		case MISSION_TYPE_NONE:
+		default:
+			break;
+		}
 	}
 }
 
 void
-Mission::set_mission_items(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
+Mission::set_mission_items()
 {
-	set_previous_pos_setpoint(pos_sp_triplet);
+	/* make sure param is up to date */
+	updateParams();
+
+	struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet = _navigator->get_position_setpoint_triplet();
+
+	/* set previous position setpoint to current */
+	set_previous_pos_setpoint();
 
 	/* try setting onboard mission item */
-	if (is_current_onboard_mission_item_set(&pos_sp_triplet->current)) {
+	if (_param_onboard_enabled.get() && read_mission_item(true, true, &_mission_item)) {
 		/* if mission type changed, notify */
 		if (_mission_type != MISSION_TYPE_ONBOARD) {
-			mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(),
-					"#audio: onboard mission running");
+			mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(), "#audio: onboard mission running");
 		}
 		_mission_type = MISSION_TYPE_ONBOARD;
-		_navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(false);
 
 	/* try setting offboard mission item */
-	} else if (is_current_offboard_mission_item_set(&pos_sp_triplet->current)) {
+	} else if (read_mission_item(false, true, &_mission_item)) {
 		/* if mission type changed, notify */
 		if (_mission_type != MISSION_TYPE_OFFBOARD) {
-			mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(),
-					"#audio: offboard mission running");
+			mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(), "#audio: offboard mission running");
 		}
 		_mission_type = MISSION_TYPE_OFFBOARD;
-		_navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(false);
+
 	} else {
+		/* no mission available, switch to loiter */
 		if (_mission_type != MISSION_TYPE_NONE) {
 			mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(),
 					"#audio: mission finished");
@@ -252,125 +277,152 @@ Mission::set_mission_items(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
 					"#audio: no mission available");
 		}
 		_mission_type = MISSION_TYPE_NONE;
-        _navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(pos_sp_triplet->current.valid && _waypoint_position_reached);
 
-		set_loiter_item(pos_sp_triplet);
+		/* set loiter mission item */
+		set_loiter_item(&_mission_item);
+
+		/* update position setpoint triplet  */
+		pos_sp_triplet->previous.valid = false;
+		mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&_mission_item, &pos_sp_triplet->current);
+		pos_sp_triplet->next.valid = false;
+
+		_navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(pos_sp_triplet->current.type == SETPOINT_TYPE_LOITER);
+
 		reset_mission_item_reached();
 		report_mission_finished();
+
+		_navigator->set_position_setpoint_triplet_updated();
+		return;
 	}
-}
 
-bool
-Mission::is_current_onboard_mission_item_set(struct position_setpoint_s *current_pos_sp)
-{
-	/* make sure param is up to date */
-	updateParams();
-	if (_param_onboard_enabled.get() > 0 &&
-	    _current_onboard_mission_index >= 0&&
-	    _current_onboard_mission_index < (int)_onboard_mission.count) {
-		struct mission_item_s new_mission_item;
-		if (read_mission_item(DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_ONBOARD, true, &_current_onboard_mission_index,
-					&new_mission_item)) {
-			/* convert the current mission item and set it valid */
-			mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&new_mission_item, current_pos_sp);
-			current_pos_sp->valid = true;
+	/* do takeoff on first waypoint for rotary wing vehicles */
+	if (_navigator->get_vstatus()->is_rotary_wing) {
+		/* force takeoff if landed (additional protection) */
+		if (!_takeoff && _navigator->get_vstatus()->condition_landed) {
+			_need_takeoff = true;
+		}
 
-			reset_mission_item_reached();
-
-			/* TODO: report this somehow */
-			memcpy(&_mission_item, &new_mission_item, sizeof(struct mission_item_s));
-			return true;
+		/* new current mission item set, check if we need takeoff */
+		if (_need_takeoff && (
+				_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_TAKEOFF ||
+				_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_WAYPOINT ||
+				_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_LOITER_TIME_LIMIT ||
+				_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_LOITER_TURN_COUNT ||
+				_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_LOITER_UNLIMITED ||
+				_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_RETURN_TO_LAUNCH)) {
+			_takeoff = true;
+			_need_takeoff = false;
 		}
 	}
-	return false;
-}
 
-bool
-Mission::is_current_offboard_mission_item_set(struct position_setpoint_s *current_pos_sp)
-{
-	if (_current_offboard_mission_index >= 0 &&
-	    _current_offboard_mission_index < (int)_offboard_mission.count) {
-		dm_item_t dm_current;
-		if (_offboard_mission.dataman_id == 0) {
-			dm_current = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_0;
+	if (_takeoff) {
+		/* do takeoff before going to setpoint */
+		/* set mission item as next position setpoint */
+		mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&_mission_item, &pos_sp_triplet->next);
+
+		/* calculate takeoff altitude */
+		float takeoff_alt = _mission_item.altitude;
+		if (_mission_item.altitude_is_relative) {
+			takeoff_alt += _navigator->get_home_position()->alt;
+		}
+
+		/* perform takeoff at least to NAV_TAKEOFF_ALT above home/ground, even if first waypoint is lower */
+		if (_navigator->get_vstatus()->condition_landed) {
+			takeoff_alt = fmaxf(takeoff_alt, _navigator->get_global_position()->alt + _param_takeoff_alt.get());
+
 		} else {
-			dm_current = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_1;
+			takeoff_alt = fmaxf(takeoff_alt, _navigator->get_home_position()->alt + _param_takeoff_alt.get());
 		}
-		struct mission_item_s new_mission_item;
-		if (read_mission_item(dm_current, true, &_current_offboard_mission_index, &new_mission_item)) {
-			/* convert the current mission item and set it valid */
-			mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&new_mission_item, current_pos_sp);
-			current_pos_sp->valid = true;
 
-			reset_mission_item_reached();
+		mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(), "#audio: takeoff to %.1fm above home", takeoff_alt - _navigator->get_home_position()->alt);
 
+		_mission_item.lat = _navigator->get_global_position()->lat;
+		_mission_item.lon = _navigator->get_global_position()->lon;
+		_mission_item.altitude = takeoff_alt;
+		_mission_item.altitude_is_relative = false;
+
+		mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&_mission_item, &pos_sp_triplet->current);
+
+	} else {
+		/* set current position setpoint from mission item */
+		mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&_mission_item, &pos_sp_triplet->current);
+
+		/* require takeoff after landing or idle */
+		if (pos_sp_triplet->current.type == SETPOINT_TYPE_LAND || pos_sp_triplet->current.type == SETPOINT_TYPE_IDLE) {
+			_need_takeoff = true;
+		}
+
+		_navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(false);
+		reset_mission_item_reached();
+
+		if (_mission_type == MISSION_TYPE_OFFBOARD) {
 			report_current_offboard_mission_item();
-			memcpy(&_mission_item, &new_mission_item, sizeof(struct mission_item_s));
-			return true;
 		}
-	}
-	return false;
-}
+		// TODO: report onboard mission item somehow
 
-void
-Mission::get_next_onboard_mission_item(struct position_setpoint_s *next_pos_sp)
-{
-	int next_temp_mission_index = _onboard_mission.current_index + 1;
+		/* try to read next mission item */
+		struct mission_item_s mission_item_next;
 
-	/* try if there is a next onboard mission */
-	if (_onboard_mission.current_index >= 0 &&
-	    next_temp_mission_index < (int)_onboard_mission.count) {
-		struct mission_item_s new_mission_item;
-		if (read_mission_item(DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_ONBOARD, false, &next_temp_mission_index, &new_mission_item)) {
-			/* convert next mission item to position setpoint */
-			mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&new_mission_item, next_pos_sp);
-			next_pos_sp->valid = true;
-			return;
-		}
-	}
+		if (read_mission_item(_mission_type == MISSION_TYPE_ONBOARD, false, &mission_item_next)) {
+			/* got next mission item, update setpoint triplet */
+			mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&mission_item_next, &pos_sp_triplet->next);
 
-	/* give up */
-	next_pos_sp->valid = false;
-	return;
-}
-
-void
-Mission::get_next_offboard_mission_item(struct position_setpoint_s *next_pos_sp)
-{
-	/* try if there is a next offboard mission */
-	int next_temp_mission_index = _offboard_mission.current_index + 1;
-	warnx("next index: %d, count; %d", next_temp_mission_index, _offboard_mission.count);
-	if (_offboard_mission.current_index >= 0 &&
-	    next_temp_mission_index < (int)_offboard_mission.count) {
-		dm_item_t dm_current;
-		if (_offboard_mission.dataman_id == 0) {
-			dm_current = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_0;
 		} else {
-			dm_current = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_1;
-		}
-		struct mission_item_s new_mission_item;
-		if (read_mission_item(dm_current, false, &next_temp_mission_index, &new_mission_item)) {
-			/* convert next mission item to position setpoint */
-			mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&new_mission_item, next_pos_sp);
-			next_pos_sp->valid = true;
-			return;
+			/* next mission item is not available */
+			pos_sp_triplet->next.valid = false;
 		}
 	}
-	/* give up */
-	next_pos_sp->valid = false;
-	return;
+
+	_navigator->set_position_setpoint_triplet_updated();
 }
 
 bool
-Mission::read_mission_item(const dm_item_t dm_item, bool is_current, int *mission_index,
-		           struct mission_item_s *new_mission_item)
+Mission::read_mission_item(bool onboard, bool is_current, struct mission_item_s *mission_item)
 {
+	/* select onboard/offboard mission */
+	int *mission_index_ptr;
+	struct mission_s *mission;
+	dm_item_t dm_item;
+	int mission_index_next;
+
+	if (onboard) {
+		/* onboard mission */
+		mission_index_next = _current_onboard_mission_index + 1;
+		mission_index_ptr = is_current ? &_current_onboard_mission_index : &mission_index_next;
+
+		mission = &_onboard_mission;
+
+		dm_item = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_ONBOARD;
+
+	} else {
+		/* offboard mission */
+		mission_index_next = _current_offboard_mission_index + 1;
+		mission_index_ptr = is_current ? &_current_offboard_mission_index : &mission_index_next;
+
+		mission = &_offboard_mission;
+
+		if (_offboard_mission.dataman_id == 0) {
+			dm_item = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_0;
+
+		} else {
+			dm_item = DM_KEY_WAYPOINTS_OFFBOARD_1;
+		}
+	}
+
+	if (*mission_index_ptr < 0 || *mission_index_ptr >= (int)mission->count) {
+		/* mission item index out of bounds */
+		return false;
+	}
+
 	/* repeat several to get the mission item because we might have to follow multiple DO_JUMPS */
-	for (int i=0; i<10; i++) {
+	for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
 		const ssize_t len = sizeof(struct mission_item_s);
 
+		/* read mission item to temp storage first to not overwrite current mission item if data damaged */
+		struct mission_item_s mission_item_tmp;
+
 		/* read mission item from datamanager */
-		if (dm_read(dm_item, *mission_index, new_mission_item, len) != len) {
+		if (dm_read(dm_item, *mission_index_ptr, &mission_item_tmp, len) != len) {
 			/* not supposed to happen unless the datamanager can't access the SD card, etc. */
 			mavlink_log_critical(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(),
 			                     "#audio: ERROR waypoint could not be read");
@@ -378,18 +430,17 @@ Mission::read_mission_item(const dm_item_t dm_item, bool is_current, int *missio
 		}
 
 		/* check for DO_JUMP item, and whether it hasn't not already been repeated enough times */
-		if (new_mission_item->nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_DO_JUMP) {
+		if (mission_item_tmp.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_DO_JUMP) {
 
 			/* do DO_JUMP as many times as requested */
-			if (new_mission_item->do_jump_current_count < new_mission_item->do_jump_repeat_count) {
+			if (mission_item_tmp.do_jump_current_count < mission_item_tmp.do_jump_repeat_count) {
 
 				/* only raise the repeat count if this is for the current mission item
 				* but not for the next mission item */
 				if (is_current) {
-					(new_mission_item->do_jump_current_count)++;
+					(mission_item_tmp.do_jump_current_count)++;
 					/* save repeat count */
-					if (dm_write(dm_item, *mission_index, DM_PERSIST_IN_FLIGHT_RESET,
-						new_mission_item, len) != len) {
+					if (dm_write(dm_item, *mission_index_ptr, DM_PERSIST_IN_FLIGHT_RESET, &mission_item_tmp, len) != len) {
 						/* not supposed to happen unless the datamanager can't access the
 						 * dataman */
 						mavlink_log_critical(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(),
@@ -399,16 +450,18 @@ Mission::read_mission_item(const dm_item_t dm_item, bool is_current, int *missio
 				}
 				/* set new mission item index and repeat
 				* we don't have to validate here, if it's invalid, we should realize this later .*/
-				*mission_index = new_mission_item->do_jump_mission_index;
+				*mission_index_ptr = mission_item_tmp.do_jump_mission_index;
+
 			} else {
 				mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(),
 						 "#audio: DO JUMP repetitions completed");
 				/* no more DO_JUMPS, therefore just try to continue with next mission item */
-				(*mission_index)++;
+				(*mission_index_ptr)++;
 			}
 
 		} else {
 			/* if it's not a DO_JUMP, then we were successful */
+			memcpy(mission_item, &mission_item_tmp, sizeof(struct mission_item_s));
 			return true;
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/mission.h b/src/modules/navigator/mission.h
index 6e47619467..d4808b6f43 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/mission.h
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/mission.h
@@ -65,25 +65,15 @@ class Navigator;
 class Mission : public MissionBlock
 {
 public:
-	/**
-	 * Constructor
-	 */
 	Mission(Navigator *navigator, const char *name);
 
-	/**
-	 * Destructor
-	 */
 	virtual ~Mission();
 
-	/**
-	 * This function is called while the mode is inactive
-	 */
 	virtual void on_inactive();
 
-	/**
-	 * This function is called while the mode is active
-	 */
-	virtual bool on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	virtual void on_activation();
+
+	virtual void on_active();
 
 private:
 	/**
@@ -104,36 +94,13 @@ private:
 	/**
 	 * Set new mission items
 	 */
-	void set_mission_items(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	void set_mission_items();
 
 	/**
-	 * Try to set the current position setpoint from an onboard mission item
-	 * @return true if mission item successfully set
-	 */
-	bool is_current_onboard_mission_item_set(struct position_setpoint_s *current_pos_sp);
-
-	/**
-	 * Try to set the current position setpoint from an offboard mission item
-	 * @return true if mission item successfully set
-	 */
-	bool is_current_offboard_mission_item_set(struct position_setpoint_s *current_pos_sp);
-
-	/**
-	 * Try to set the next position setpoint from an onboard mission item
-	 */
-	void get_next_onboard_mission_item(struct position_setpoint_s *next_pos_sp);
-
-	/**
-	 * Try to set the next position setpoint from an offboard mission item
-	 */
-	void get_next_offboard_mission_item(struct position_setpoint_s *next_pos_sp);
-
-	/**
-	 * Read a mission item from the dataman and watch out for DO_JUMPS
+	 * Read current or next mission item from the dataman and watch out for DO_JUMPS
 	 * @return true if successful
 	 */
-	bool read_mission_item(const dm_item_t dm_item, bool is_current, int *mission_index,
-			       struct mission_item_s *new_mission_item);
+	bool read_mission_item(bool onboard, bool is_current, struct mission_item_s *mission_item);
 
 	/**
 	 * Report that a mission item has been reached
@@ -156,12 +123,15 @@ private:
 	void publish_mission_result();
 
 	control::BlockParamFloat _param_onboard_enabled;
+	control::BlockParamFloat _param_takeoff_alt;
 
 	struct mission_s _onboard_mission;
 	struct mission_s _offboard_mission;
 
 	int _current_onboard_mission_index;
 	int _current_offboard_mission_index;
+	bool _need_takeoff;
+	bool _takeoff;
 
 	orb_advert_t _mission_result_pub;
 	struct mission_result_s _mission_result;
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.cpp
index 26a5735446..a1c6f09d0a 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.cpp
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@
 
 #include <systemlib/err.h>
 #include <geo/geo.h>
+#include <mavlink/mavlink_log.h>
 
 #include <uORB/uORB.h>
 
@@ -59,8 +60,7 @@ MissionBlock::MissionBlock(Navigator *navigator, const char *name) :
 	_waypoint_position_reached(false),
 	_waypoint_yaw_reached(false),
 	_time_first_inside_orbit(0),
-	_mission_item({0}),
-	_mission_item_valid(false)
+	_mission_item({0})
 {
 }
 
@@ -71,6 +71,10 @@ MissionBlock::~MissionBlock()
 bool
 MissionBlock::is_mission_item_reached()
 {
+	if (_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_IDLE) {
+		return false;
+	}
+
 	if (_mission_item.nav_cmd == NAV_CMD_LAND) {
 		return _navigator->get_vstatus()->condition_landed;
 	}
@@ -84,7 +88,6 @@ MissionBlock::is_mission_item_reached()
 	hrt_abstime now = hrt_absolute_time();
 
 	if (!_waypoint_position_reached) {
-
 		float dist = -1.0f;
 		float dist_xy = -1.0f;
 		float dist_z = -1.0f;
@@ -201,44 +204,48 @@ MissionBlock::mission_item_to_position_setpoint(const struct mission_item_s *ite
 }
 
 void
-MissionBlock::set_previous_pos_setpoint(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
+MissionBlock::set_previous_pos_setpoint()
 {
-    /* reuse current setpoint as previous setpoint */
+	struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet = _navigator->get_position_setpoint_triplet();
+
     if (pos_sp_triplet->current.valid) {
         memcpy(&pos_sp_triplet->previous, &pos_sp_triplet->current, sizeof(struct position_setpoint_s));
     }
 }
 
-bool
-MissionBlock::set_loiter_item(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
+void
+MissionBlock::set_loiter_item(struct mission_item_s *item)
 {
-    /* don't change setpoint if 'can_loiter_at_sp' flag set */
-	if (!(_navigator->get_can_loiter_at_sp() && pos_sp_triplet->current.valid)) {
-		/* use current position */
-		pos_sp_triplet->current.lat = _navigator->get_global_position()->lat;
-		pos_sp_triplet->current.lon = _navigator->get_global_position()->lon;
-		pos_sp_triplet->current.alt = _navigator->get_global_position()->alt;
-		pos_sp_triplet->current.yaw = NAN;	/* NAN means to use current yaw */
+	if (_navigator->get_vstatus()->condition_landed) {
+		/* landed, don't takeoff, but switch to IDLE mode */
+		item->nav_cmd = NAV_CMD_IDLE;
 
-	    _navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(true);
+	} else {
+		item->nav_cmd = NAV_CMD_LOITER_UNLIMITED;
+
+		struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet = _navigator->get_position_setpoint_triplet();
+
+		if (_navigator->get_can_loiter_at_sp() && pos_sp_triplet->current.valid) {
+			/* use current position setpoint */
+			item->lat = pos_sp_triplet->current.lat;
+			item->lon = pos_sp_triplet->current.lon;
+			item->altitude = pos_sp_triplet->current.alt;
+
+		} else {
+			/* use current position */
+			item->lat = _navigator->get_global_position()->lat;
+			item->lon = _navigator->get_global_position()->lon;
+			item->altitude = _navigator->get_global_position()->alt;
+		}
+
+		item->altitude_is_relative = false;
+		item->yaw = NAN;
+		item->loiter_radius = _navigator->get_loiter_radius();
+		item->loiter_direction = 1;
+		item->acceptance_radius = _navigator->get_acceptance_radius();
+		item->time_inside = 0.0f;
+		item->pitch_min = 0.0f;
+		item->autocontinue = false;
+		item->origin = ORIGIN_ONBOARD;
 	}
-
-    if (pos_sp_triplet->current.type != SETPOINT_TYPE_LOITER
-            || (fabsf(pos_sp_triplet->current.loiter_radius - _navigator->get_loiter_radius()) > FLT_EPSILON)
-            || pos_sp_triplet->current.loiter_direction != 1
-            || pos_sp_triplet->previous.valid
-            || !pos_sp_triplet->current.valid
-            || pos_sp_triplet->next.valid) {
-        /* position setpoint triplet should be updated */
-        pos_sp_triplet->current.type = SETPOINT_TYPE_LOITER;
-        pos_sp_triplet->current.loiter_radius = _navigator->get_loiter_radius();
-        pos_sp_triplet->current.loiter_direction = 1;
-
-        pos_sp_triplet->previous.valid = false;
-        pos_sp_triplet->current.valid = true;
-        pos_sp_triplet->next.valid = false;
-        return true;
-    }
-
-    return false;
 }
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.h b/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.h
index f990027522..adf50bc391 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.h
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/mission_block.h
@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ public:
 	 */
 	virtual ~MissionBlock();
 
+protected:
 	/**
 	 * Check if mission item has been reached
 	 * @return true if successfully reached
@@ -85,22 +86,17 @@ public:
     /**
      * Set previous position setpoint to current setpoint
      */
-	void set_previous_pos_setpoint(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	void set_previous_pos_setpoint();
 
 	/**
-	 * Set a loiter item, if possible reuse the position setpoint, otherwise take the current position
-	 *
-	 * @param the position setpoint triplet to set
-	 * @return true if setpoint has changed
+	 * Set a loiter mission item, if possible reuse the position setpoint, otherwise take the current position
 	 */
-	bool set_loiter_item(position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	void set_loiter_item(struct mission_item_s *item);
 
+	mission_item_s _mission_item;
 	bool _waypoint_position_reached;
 	bool _waypoint_yaw_reached;
 	hrt_abstime _time_first_inside_orbit;
-
-	mission_item_s _mission_item;
-	bool _mission_item_valid;
 };
 
 #endif
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/navigator.h b/src/modules/navigator/navigator.h
index 184ecd365f..5dcd8859eb 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/navigator.h
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/navigator.h
@@ -103,6 +103,7 @@ public:
 	 * Setters
 	 */
 	void		set_can_loiter_at_sp(bool can_loiter) { _can_loiter_at_sp = can_loiter; }
+	void		set_position_setpoint_triplet_updated() { _pos_sp_triplet_updated = true; }
 
 	/**
 	 * Getters
@@ -110,6 +111,7 @@ public:
 	struct vehicle_status_s*	    get_vstatus() { return &_vstatus; }
 	struct vehicle_global_position_s*   get_global_position() { return &_global_pos; }
 	struct home_position_s*		    get_home_position() { return &_home_pos; }
+	struct position_setpoint_triplet_s*		    get_position_setpoint_triplet() { return &_pos_sp_triplet; }
 	int		get_onboard_mission_sub() { return _onboard_mission_sub; }
 	int		get_offboard_mission_sub() { return _offboard_mission_sub; }
 	Geofence&	get_geofence() { return _geofence; }
@@ -162,7 +164,7 @@ private:
 	NavigatorMode *_navigation_mode_array[NAVIGATOR_MODE_ARRAY_SIZE];	/**< array of navigation modes */
 
 	bool		_can_loiter_at_sp;			/**< flags if current position SP can be used to loiter */
-	bool		_update_triplet;		/**< flags if position SP triplet needs to be published */
+	bool		_pos_sp_triplet_updated;		/**< flags if position SP triplet needs to be published */
 
 	control::BlockParamFloat _param_loiter_radius;	/**< loiter radius for fixedwing */
 	control::BlockParamFloat _param_acceptance_radius;	/**< acceptance for takeoff */
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/navigator_main.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/navigator_main.cpp
index 546602741f..bb48db829b 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/navigator_main.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/navigator_main.cpp
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ Navigator::Navigator() :
 	_mission(this, "MIS"),
 	_loiter(this, "LOI"),
 	_rtl(this, "RTL"),
-	_update_triplet(false),
+	_pos_sp_triplet_updated(false),
 	_param_loiter_radius(this, "LOITER_RAD"),
 	_param_acceptance_radius(this, "ACC_RAD")
 {
@@ -371,24 +371,21 @@ Navigator::task_main()
 
 		/* iterate through navigation modes and set active/inactive for each */
 		for(unsigned int i = 0; i < NAVIGATOR_MODE_ARRAY_SIZE; i++) {
-			if (_navigation_mode == _navigation_mode_array[i]) {
-				_update_triplet = _navigation_mode_array[i]->on_active(&_pos_sp_triplet);
-			} else {
-				_navigation_mode_array[i]->on_inactive();
-			}
+			_navigation_mode_array[i]->run(_navigation_mode == _navigation_mode_array[i]);
 		}
 
 		/* if nothing is running, set position setpoint triplet invalid */
 		if (_navigation_mode == nullptr) {
+			// TODO publish empty sp only once
 			_pos_sp_triplet.previous.valid = false;
 			_pos_sp_triplet.current.valid = false;
 			_pos_sp_triplet.next.valid = false;
-			_update_triplet = true;
+			_pos_sp_triplet_updated = true;
 		}
 
-		if (_update_triplet) {
+		if (_pos_sp_triplet_updated) {
 			publish_position_setpoint_triplet();
-			_update_triplet = false;
+			_pos_sp_triplet_updated = false;
 		}
 
 		perf_end(_loop_perf);
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.cpp
index 25e767c2b3..f432156652 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.cpp
@@ -33,12 +33,14 @@
 /**
  * @file navigator_mode.cpp
  *
- * Helper class for different modes in navigator
+ * Base class for different modes in navigator
  *
  * @author Julian Oes <julian@oes.ch>
+ * @author Anton Babushkin <anton.babushkin@me.com>
  */
 
 #include "navigator_mode.h"
+#include "navigator.h"
 
 NavigatorMode::NavigatorMode(Navigator *navigator, const char *name) :
 	SuperBlock(NULL, name),
@@ -56,15 +58,38 @@ NavigatorMode::~NavigatorMode()
 }
 
 void
-NavigatorMode::on_inactive()
-{
-	_first_run = true;
+NavigatorMode::run(bool active) {
+	if (active) {
+		if (_first_run) {
+			/* first run */
+			_first_run = false;
+			on_activation();
+
+		} else {
+			/* periodic updates when active */
+			on_active();
+		}
+
+	} else {
+		/* periodic updates when inactive */
+		_first_run = true;
+		on_inactive();
+	}
 }
 
-bool
-NavigatorMode::on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
+void
+NavigatorMode::on_inactive()
+{
+}
+
+void
+NavigatorMode::on_activation()
+{
+	/* invalidate position setpoint by default */
+	_navigator->get_position_setpoint_triplet()->current.valid = false;
+}
+
+void
+NavigatorMode::on_active()
 {
-	pos_sp_triplet->current.valid = false;
-	_first_run = false;
-	return false;
 }
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.h b/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.h
index cbb53d91b9..a7ba79bba7 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.h
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/navigator_mode.h
@@ -33,9 +33,10 @@
 /**
  * @file navigator_mode.h
  *
- * Helper class for different modes in navigator
+ * Base class for different modes in navigator
  *
  * @author Julian Oes <julian@oes.ch>
+ * @author Anton Babushkin <anton.babushkin@me.com>
  */
 
 #ifndef NAVIGATOR_MODE_H
@@ -65,21 +66,27 @@ public:
 	 */
 	virtual ~NavigatorMode();
 
+	void run(bool active);
+
 	/**
 	 * This function is called while the mode is inactive
 	 */
 	virtual void on_inactive();
 
 	/**
-	 * This function is called while the mode is active
-	 *
-	 * @param position setpoint triplet to set
-	 * @return true if position setpoint triplet has been changed
+	 * This function is called one time when mode become active, poos_sp_triplet must be initialized here
 	 */
-	virtual bool on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	virtual void on_activation();
+
+	/**
+	 * This function is called while the mode is active
+	 */
+	virtual void on_active();
 
 protected:
 	Navigator *_navigator;
+
+private:
 	bool _first_run;
 };
 
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp
index 597a2c0ec2..142a734098 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp
@@ -75,62 +75,57 @@ RTL::~RTL()
 void
 RTL::on_inactive()
 {
-	_first_run = true;
-
 	/* reset RTL state only if setpoint moved */
 	if (!_navigator->get_can_loiter_at_sp()) {
 		_rtl_state = RTL_STATE_NONE;
 	}
 }
 
-bool
-RTL::on_active(struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
+void
+RTL::on_activation()
 {
-	bool updated = false;
+	/* decide where to enter the RTL procedure when we switch into it */
+	if (_rtl_state == RTL_STATE_NONE) {
+		/* for safety reasons don't go into RTL if landed */
+		if (_navigator->get_vstatus()->condition_landed) {
+			_rtl_state = RTL_STATE_LANDED;
+			mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(), "#audio: no RTL when landed");
 
-	if (_first_run) {
-		_first_run = false;
+		/* if lower than return altitude, climb up first */
+		} else if (_navigator->get_global_position()->alt < _navigator->get_home_position()->alt
+			   + _param_return_alt.get()) {
+			_rtl_state = RTL_STATE_CLIMB;
 
-		/* decide where to enter the RTL procedure when we switch into it */
-		if (_rtl_state == RTL_STATE_NONE) {
-			/* for safety reasons don't go into RTL if landed */
-			if (_navigator->get_vstatus()->condition_landed) {
-				_rtl_state = RTL_STATE_LANDED;
-				mavlink_log_info(_navigator->get_mavlink_fd(), "#audio: no RTL when landed");
-
-			/* if lower than return altitude, climb up first */
-			} else if (_navigator->get_global_position()->alt < _navigator->get_home_position()->alt
-				   + _param_return_alt.get()) {
-				_rtl_state = RTL_STATE_CLIMB;
-
-			/* otherwise go straight to return */
-			} else {
-				/* set altitude setpoint to current altitude */
-				_rtl_state = RTL_STATE_RETURN;
-				_mission_item.altitude_is_relative = false;
-				_mission_item.altitude = _navigator->get_global_position()->alt;
-			}
+		/* otherwise go straight to return */
+		} else {
+			/* set altitude setpoint to current altitude */
+			_rtl_state = RTL_STATE_RETURN;
+			_mission_item.altitude_is_relative = false;
+			_mission_item.altitude = _navigator->get_global_position()->alt;
 		}
-
-		set_rtl_item(pos_sp_triplet);
-		updated = true;
-
-	} else if (_rtl_state != RTL_STATE_LANDED && is_mission_item_reached()) {
-		advance_rtl();
-		set_rtl_item(pos_sp_triplet);
-		updated = true;
 	}
 
-	return updated;
+	set_rtl_item();
 }
 
 void
-RTL::set_rtl_item(position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
+RTL::on_active()
 {
+	if (_rtl_state != RTL_STATE_LANDED && is_mission_item_reached()) {
+		advance_rtl();
+		set_rtl_item();
+	}
+}
+
+void
+RTL::set_rtl_item()
+{
+	struct position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet = _navigator->get_position_setpoint_triplet();
+
 	/* make sure we have the latest params */
 	updateParams();
 
-	set_previous_pos_setpoint(pos_sp_triplet);
+	set_previous_pos_setpoint();
 	_navigator->set_can_loiter_at_sp(false);
 
 	switch (_rtl_state) {
@@ -277,11 +272,13 @@ RTL::set_rtl_item(position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet)
 		break;
 	}
 
+	reset_mission_item_reached();
+
 	/* convert mission item to current position setpoint and make it valid */
 	mission_item_to_position_setpoint(&_mission_item, &pos_sp_triplet->current);
-	reset_mission_item_reached();
-	pos_sp_triplet->current.valid = true;
 	pos_sp_triplet->next.valid = false;
+
+	_navigator->set_position_setpoint_triplet_updated();
 }
 
 void
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/rtl.h b/src/modules/navigator/rtl.h
index b4b729e898..5928f1f07b 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/rtl.h
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/rtl.h
@@ -57,35 +57,21 @@ class Navigator;
 class RTL : public MissionBlock
 {
 public:
-	/**
-	 * Constructor
-	 */
 	RTL(Navigator *navigator, const char *name);
 
-	/**
-	 * Destructor
-	 */
 	~RTL();
 
-	/**
-	 * This function is called while the mode is inactive
-	 */
-	void on_inactive();
+	virtual void on_inactive();
 
-	/**
-	 * This function is called while the mode is active
-	 *
-	 * @param position setpoint triplet that needs to be set
-	 * @return true if updated
-	 */
-	bool on_active(position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	virtual void on_activation();
 
+	virtual void on_active();
 
 private:
 	/**
 	 * Set the RTL item
 	 */
-	void		set_rtl_item(position_setpoint_triplet_s *pos_sp_triplet);
+	void		set_rtl_item();
 
 	/**
 	 * Move to next RTL item