diff --git a/Tools/autotest/arduplane.py b/Tools/autotest/arduplane.py
index 7637183387..5f8e42c89f 100644
--- a/Tools/autotest/arduplane.py
+++ b/Tools/autotest/arduplane.py
@@ -814,6 +814,8 @@ class AutoTestPlane(AutoTest):
 #            raise NotAchievedException("Sensor healthy when it shouldn't be")
         self.set_parameter("SIM_RC_FAIL", 0)
         self.drain_mav_unparsed()
+        # have to allow time for RC to be fetched from SITL
+        self.delay_sim_time(0.5)
         m = self.mav.recv_match(type='SYS_STATUS', blocking=True)
         self.progress("Testing receiver enabled")
         if (not (m.onboard_control_sensors_enabled & receiver_bit)):