diff --git a/ArduCopterMega/system.pde b/ArduCopterMega/system.pde
index d9caffbcfb..348d048068 100644
--- a/ArduCopterMega/system.pde
+++ b/ArduCopterMega/system.pde
@@ -453,9 +453,9 @@ static void resetPerfData(void) {
 static void
 init_compass()
 {
+	compass.set_orientation(MAG_ORIENTATION);						// set compass's orientation on aircraft
 	dcm.set_compass(&compass);
 	bool junkbool 		= compass.init();
-	compass.set_orientation(MAG_ORIENTATION);						// set compass's orientation on aircraft
 	Vector3f junkvector = compass.get_offsets();					// load offsets to account for airframe magnetic interference
 }