diff --git a/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_WeatherVane.cpp b/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_WeatherVane.cpp
index 087f4b2274..7c0e6b8154 100644
--- a/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_WeatherVane.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_WeatherVane.cpp
@@ -219,7 +219,8 @@ bool AC_WeatherVane::get_yaw_out(float &yaw_output, const int16_t pilot_yaw, con
     }
 
     if (!active_msg_sent) {
-        gcs().send_text(MAV_SEVERITY_INFO, "Weathervane Active: %s", dir_string);
+        GCS_SEND_TEXT(MAV_SEVERITY_INFO, "Weathervane Active: %s", dir_string);
+        (void)dir_string;  // in case GCS is disabled
         active_msg_sent = true;
     }