diff --git a/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py b/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py
index f1027a1008..682d28471b 100644
--- a/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py
+++ b/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py
@@ -266,10 +266,12 @@ class AutoTestCopter(AutoTest):
         self.save_wp()
 
         # switch back to stabilize mode
-        self.set_rc(3, 1500)
         self.mavproxy.send('switch 6\n')
         self.wait_mode('STABILIZE')
 
+        # increase throttle a bit because we're about to pitch:
+        self.set_rc(3, 1525)
+
         # pitch forward to fly north
         self.progress("Going north %u meters" % side)
         self.set_rc(2, 1300)
@@ -310,6 +312,9 @@ class AutoTestCopter(AutoTest):
         self.progress("Save WP 6")
         self.save_wp()
 
+        # reduce throttle again
+        self.set_rc(3, 1500)
+
         # descend to 10m
         self.progress("Descend to 10m in Loiter")
         self.mavproxy.send('switch 5\n')  # loiter mode