diff --git a/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_Block.cpp b/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_Block.cpp
index 108c418e6a..67a69ceefd 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_Block.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_Block.cpp
@@ -827,7 +827,7 @@ bool AP_Logger_Block::logging_failed() const
 bool AP_Logger_Block::io_thread_alive() const
 {
     // if the io thread hasn't had a heartbeat in 3s it is dead
-    return (AP_HAL::millis() - io_timer_heartbeat) < 3000U || hal.scheduler->in_expected_delay();
+    return (AP_HAL::millis() - io_timer_heartbeat) < 3000U || !hal.scheduler->is_system_initialized();
 }
 
 /*
diff --git a/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_File.cpp b/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_File.cpp
index 72caf0c4fa..772946d4a3 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_File.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Logger/AP_Logger_File.cpp
@@ -1003,7 +1003,7 @@ bool AP_Logger_File::io_thread_alive() const
 {
     // if the io thread hasn't had a heartbeat in a full seconds then it is dead
     // this is enough time for a sdcard remount
-    return (AP_HAL::millis() - _io_timer_heartbeat) < 3000U;
+    return (AP_HAL::millis() - _io_timer_heartbeat) < 3000U || !hal.scheduler->is_system_initialized();
 }
 
 bool AP_Logger_File::logging_failed() const