diff --git a/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.cpp b/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.cpp
index 44734f970f..e6a9ccddfe 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.cpp
@@ -204,7 +204,6 @@ NavEKF::NavEKF(const AP_AHRS *ahrs, AP_Baro &baro) :
     _ahrs(ahrs),
     _baro(baro),
     staticModeDemanded(true),   // staticMode demanded from outside
-    useAirspeed(true),          // activates fusion of compass data
     useCompass(true),           // activates fusion of airspeed data
     covTimeStepMax(0.07f),      // maximum time (sec) between covariance prediction updates
     covDelAngMax(0.05f),        // maximum delta angle between covariance prediction updates
@@ -242,6 +241,7 @@ NavEKF::NavEKF(const AP_AHRS *ahrs, AP_Baro &baro) :
     hgtRate = 0.0f;
     mag_state.q0 = 1;
     mag_state.DCM.identity();
+    useAirspeed = _ahrs->get_airspeed();
 }
 
 bool NavEKF::healthy(void) const
diff --git a/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.h b/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.h
index bf58feae73..d1915be27a 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_NavEKF/AP_NavEKF.h
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ private:
     ftype dt;                       // time lapsed since the last covariance prediction (sec)
     ftype hgtRate;                  // state for rate of change of height filter
     bool onGround;                  // boolean true when the flight vehicle is on the ground (not flying)
-    const bool useAirspeed;         // boolean true if airspeed data is being used
+    bool useAirspeed;               // boolean true if airspeed data is being used
     const bool useCompass;          // boolean true if magnetometer data is being used
     Vector6 innovVelPos;            // innovation output for a group of measurements
     Vector6 varInnovVelPos;         // innovation variance output for a group of measurements