diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp
index ba77a74d98..f57d7f5320 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HIL.cpp
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 bool AP_Compass_HIL::read()
 {
 	// values set by setHIL function
+	last_update = millis();  // record time of update
 	return true;
 }