diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_Calibration.cpp b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_Calibration.cpp
index 24548fae58..27db528c35 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_Calibration.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_Calibration.cpp
@@ -334,7 +334,9 @@ bool Compass::is_calibrating() const
             case CompassCalibrator::Status::FAILED:
             case CompassCalibrator::Status::BAD_ORIENTATION:
             case CompassCalibrator::Status::BAD_RADIUS:
-                break;
+                // this backend isn't calibrating,
+                // but maybe the next one is:
+                continue;
             case CompassCalibrator::Status::WAITING_TO_START:
             case CompassCalibrator::Status::RUNNING_STEP_ONE:
             case CompassCalibrator::Status::RUNNING_STEP_TWO: