diff --git a/libraries/SITL/SITL.h b/libraries/SITL/SITL.h
index d54d28e9c3..964d396cea 100644
--- a/libraries/SITL/SITL.h
+++ b/libraries/SITL/SITL.h
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ public:
     AP_Float accel2_noise; // in m/s/s
     AP_Vector3f accel_bias; // in m/s/s
     AP_Float aspd_noise;  // in m/s
-    AP_Int8 aspd_fail;    // pitot tube failure
+    AP_Float aspd_fail;   // pitot tube failure
 
     AP_Float mag_noise;   // in mag units (earth field is 818)
     AP_Float mag_error;   // in degrees