diff --git a/ArduPlane/system.pde b/ArduPlane/system.pde
index 75ba37bec8..ff0e14d84e 100644
--- a/ArduPlane/system.pde
+++ b/ArduPlane/system.pde
@@ -183,6 +183,9 @@ static void init_ardupilot()
 	}
 #endif
 
+    // give AHRS the airspeed sensor
+    ahrs.set_airspeed(&airspeed);
+
 	// Do GPS init
 	g_gps = &g_gps_driver;
     // GPS Initialization