diff --git a/ArduPlane/mode_qloiter.cpp b/ArduPlane/mode_qloiter.cpp
index 3a43f3670a..836143192e 100644
--- a/ArduPlane/mode_qloiter.cpp
+++ b/ArduPlane/mode_qloiter.cpp
@@ -15,9 +15,6 @@ bool ModeQLoiter::_enter()
 
     quadplane.init_throttle_wait();
 
-    // remember initial pitch
-    quadplane.loiter_initial_pitch_cd = MAX(plane.ahrs.pitch_sensor, 0);
-
     // prevent re-init of target position
     quadplane.last_loiter_ms = AP_HAL::millis();
     return true;
diff --git a/ArduPlane/quadplane.h b/ArduPlane/quadplane.h
index de58ae3766..5d9b670731 100644
--- a/ArduPlane/quadplane.h
+++ b/ArduPlane/quadplane.h
@@ -374,9 +374,6 @@ private:
 
     Location last_auto_target;
 
-    // pitch when we enter loiter mode
-    int32_t loiter_initial_pitch_cd;
-
     // when did we last run the attitude controller?
     uint32_t last_att_control_ms;