diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL/Scheduler.h b/libraries/AP_HAL/Scheduler.h
index 77a47b0ef4..a3f44dfd15 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL/Scheduler.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL/Scheduler.h
@@ -29,6 +29,14 @@ public:
      */
     virtual void     delay_microseconds_boost(uint16_t us) { delay_microseconds(us); }
 
+    /*
+      inform the scheduler that we are calling an operation from the
+      main thread that may take an extended amount of time. This can
+      be used to prevent watchdog reset during expected long delays
+      A value of zero cancels the previous expected delay
+     */
+    virtual void     expect_delay_ms(uint32_t ms) { }
+    
     /*
       end the priority boost from delay_microseconds_boost()
      */