An antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes an antenna having a transmit-receive radiation pattern with a peak strength in a first direction of the antenna, a first strength reducing to a first predetermined strength below the peak strength at a first angle away from the first direction, a second strength reducing to a second predetermined strength lower than the first predetermined strength at a second angle greater than the first angle away from the first direction, and a third strength reducing to a third predetermined strength lower than the second predetermined strength at angles greater than the second angle away from the from the first direction. The antenna system further includes a self-leveling antenna mount to maintain the first direction in substantial alignment with a straight downward direction relative to the UAV despite a change in roll, pitch, or bank of the UAV.