diff --git a/APMrover2/system.cpp b/APMrover2/system.cpp
index acb73a3698..f3d5251ab9 100644
--- a/APMrover2/system.cpp
+++ b/APMrover2/system.cpp
@@ -217,6 +217,9 @@ void Rover::init_ardupilot()
     // set the correct flight mode
     // ---------------------------
     reset_control_switch();
+
+    // disable safety if requested
+    BoardConfig.init_safety();
 }
 
 //*********************************************************************************