diff --git a/ArduCopter/system.cpp b/ArduCopter/system.cpp
index b90ea0a05a..0341c5083b 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/system.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/system.cpp
@@ -80,8 +80,8 @@ void Copter::init_ardupilot()
     allocate_motors();
 
     // initialise rc channels including setting mode
-    rc().init();
     rc().convert_options(RC_Channel::AUX_FUNC::ARMDISARM_UNUSED, RC_Channel::AUX_FUNC::ARMDISARM_AIRMODE);
+    rc().init();
 
     // sets up motors and output to escs
     init_rc_out();