diff --git a/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.cpp b/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.cpp
index 539aa1c672..841c226784 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.cpp
@@ -90,23 +90,6 @@ bool AP_Arming_Copter::barometer_checks(bool display_failure)
     return ret;
 }
 
-bool AP_Arming_Copter::compass_checks(bool display_failure)
-{
-    bool ret = AP_Arming::compass_checks(display_failure);
-
-    if ((checks_to_perform == ARMING_CHECK_ALL) || (checks_to_perform & ARMING_CHECK_COMPASS)) {
-        // check compass offsets have been set.  AP_Arming only checks
-        // this if learning is off; Copter *always* checks.
-        char failure_msg[50] = {};
-        if (!AP::compass().configured(failure_msg, ARRAY_SIZE(failure_msg))) {
-            check_failed(ARMING_CHECK_COMPASS, display_failure, "%s", failure_msg);
-            ret = false;
-        }
-    }
-
-    return ret;
-}
-
 bool AP_Arming_Copter::ins_checks(bool display_failure)
 {
     bool ret = AP_Arming::ins_checks(display_failure);
diff --git a/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.h b/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.h
index 7576bad68b..28f3c58233 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.h
+++ b/ArduCopter/AP_Arming.h
@@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ protected:
 
     // NOTE! the following check functions *DO* call into AP_Arming:
     bool ins_checks(bool display_failure) override;
-    bool compass_checks(bool display_failure) override;
     bool gps_checks(bool display_failure) override;
     bool barometer_checks(bool display_failure) override;
     bool board_voltage_checks(bool display_failure) override;