diff --git a/ArduCopter/system.cpp b/ArduCopter/system.cpp
index 0db2a52c63..0fee061582 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/system.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/system.cpp
@@ -20,15 +20,6 @@ static void failsafe_check_static()
 
 void Copter::init_ardupilot()
 {
-    if (!hal.gpio->usb_connected()) {
-        // USB is not connected, this means UART0 may be a Xbee, with
-        // its darned bricking problem. We can't write to it for at
-        // least one second after powering up. Simplest solution for
-        // now is to delay for 1 second. Something more elegant may be
-        // added later
-        delay(1000);
-    }
-
     // initialise serial port
     serial_manager.init_console();