diff --git a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h
index be59921be1..69e693835b 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h
@@ -96,6 +96,7 @@ public:
     // these functions should not be used by Copter which holds the armed state in the motors library
     Required arming_required() const;
     virtual bool arm(AP_Arming::Method method, bool do_arming_checks=true);
+    virtual bool arm_force(AP_Arming::Method method) { return arm(method, false); }
     virtual bool disarm(AP_Arming::Method method, bool do_disarm_checks=true);
     bool is_armed() const;
     bool is_armed_and_safety_off() const;