diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/HAL_SITL_Class.h b/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/HAL_SITL_Class.h
index 2f3a890b64..4ddc20b2cb 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/HAL_SITL_Class.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/HAL_SITL_Class.h
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ private:
     void setup_signal_handlers() const;
     static void exit_signal_handler(int);
 
-    bool storage_posix_enabled;
+    bool storage_posix_enabled = true;
     bool storage_flash_enabled;
     bool storage_fram_enabled;