diff --git a/ArduCopter/mode_land.cpp b/ArduCopter/mode_land.cpp
index 2d979f46ce..a7361c7ee5 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/mode_land.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/mode_land.cpp
@@ -105,6 +105,9 @@ void Copter::ModeLand::nogps_run()
 
         // get pilot's desired yaw rate
         target_yaw_rate = get_pilot_desired_yaw_rate(channel_yaw->get_control_in());
+        if (!is_zero(target_yaw_rate)) {
+            auto_yaw.set_mode(AUTO_YAW_HOLD);
+        }
     }
 
     // if not auto armed or landed or motor interlock not enabled set throttle to zero and exit immediately