diff --git a/libraries/GCS_MAVLink/GCS_Common.cpp b/libraries/GCS_MAVLink/GCS_Common.cpp
index aa6191cd65..4cdbdebf8b 100644
--- a/libraries/GCS_MAVLink/GCS_Common.cpp
+++ b/libraries/GCS_MAVLink/GCS_Common.cpp
@@ -337,7 +337,8 @@ void GCS_MAVLINK::handle_mission_request(AP_Mission &mission, mavlink_message_t
         mavlink_mission_request_t packet;
         mavlink_msg_mission_request_decode(msg, &packet);
 
-        if (packet.seq >= mission.num_commands()) {
+        if (packet.seq != 0 && // always allow HOME to be read
+            packet.seq >= mission.num_commands()) {
             // try to educate the GCS on the actual size of the mission:
             mavlink_msg_mission_count_send(chan,msg->sysid, msg->compid, mission.num_commands());
             goto mission_item_send_failed;