A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV includes an external system configured to generate information about its surrounding environment and a communication system configured to provide a data link for transmission of the information to a remote controller associated with the UAV. The method comprises: determining whether a distance between the UAV and the remote controller exceeds a predetermined range; determining whether the UAV is capable of transmitting the information about its surrounding environment to the remote controller, the determination including determining whether at least one of the external system and the data link is in a normal state of operation; and after determining that the distance exceeds the predetermined range and that the UAV is not capable of transmitting the information to the remote controller, controlling the UAV to operate in a return mode.
