diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp
index 48746c142f..66409a2afa 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp
@@ -15,9 +15,7 @@
 AP_Compass_HIL::AP_Compass_HIL() : orientation(0), declination(0.0)
 {
   // mag x y z offset initialisation
-  offset[0] = 0;
-  offset[1] = 0;
-  offset[2] = 0;
+  memset(offset, 0, sizeof(offset));
   
   // initialise orientation matrix
   orientation_matrix = ROTATION_NONE;