diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL_PX4/RCOutput.h b/libraries/AP_HAL_PX4/RCOutput.h
index d093adace06..7e3ab8dce1c 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL_PX4/RCOutput.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL_PX4/RCOutput.h
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ private:
     uint16_t _enabled_channels;
     uint32_t _period_max;
     uint32_t _last_safety_options_check_ms;
-    uint16_t _last_safety_options;
+    uint16_t _last_safety_options = 0xFFFF;
     struct {
         int pwm_sub;
         actuator_outputs_s outputs;