diff --git a/ArduCopter/system.cpp b/ArduCopter/system.cpp
index c034a5c78e..cbbd25faf3 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/system.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/system.cpp
@@ -250,6 +250,9 @@ void Copter::init_ardupilot()
     init_precland();
 #endif
 
+    // initialise landing gear position
+    landinggear.init();
+
 #ifdef USERHOOK_INIT
     USERHOOK_INIT
 #endif