diff --git a/libraries/AP_Vehicle/AP_Vehicle.h b/libraries/AP_Vehicle/AP_Vehicle.h
index 5e56e16414..f0f8ac0a7f 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Vehicle/AP_Vehicle.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Vehicle/AP_Vehicle.h
@@ -189,6 +189,9 @@ public:
     // returns true if the EKF failsafe has triggered
     virtual bool has_ekf_failsafed() const { return false; }
 
+    // allow for landing descent rate to be overridden by a script, may be -ve to climb
+    virtual bool set_land_descent_rate(float descent_rate) { return false; }
+    
     // control outputs enumeration
     enum class ControlOutput {
         Roll = 1,