diff --git a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsHeli.h b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsHeli.h
index 472e86d01a..31189f5e21 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsHeli.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsHeli.h
@@ -133,7 +133,10 @@ public:
     // set_in_autorotation - allows main code to set when aircraft is in autorotation.
     void set_in_autorotation(bool autorotation) { _heliflags.in_autorotation = autorotation; }
 
-    // set_enable_bailout - allows main code to set when RSC can immediately ramp engine instantly
+    // get_in_autorotation - allows main code to determine when aircraft is in autorotation.
+    bool get_in_autorotation() { return _heliflags.in_autorotation; }
+
+// set_enable_bailout - allows main code to set when RSC can immediately ramp engine instantly
     void set_enable_bailout(bool bailout) { _heliflags.enable_bailout = bailout; }
 
     // set land complete flag