diff --git a/libraries/AP_Logger/LoggerMessageWriter.h b/libraries/AP_Logger/LoggerMessageWriter.h
index 051ee9224d..4c645807a9 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Logger/LoggerMessageWriter.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Logger/LoggerMessageWriter.h
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ private:
     };
 
     uint16_t _rally_number_to_send;
-    all_rally_points_blockwriter_stage stage;
+    all_rally_points_blockwriter_stage stage = ar_blockwriter_stage_write_new_rally_message;
 };
 
 class LoggerMessageWriter_DFLogStart : public LoggerMessageWriter {