diff --git a/sw/airborne/firmwares/fixedwing/stabilization/stabilization_attitude.c b/sw/airborne/firmwares/fixedwing/stabilization/stabilization_attitude.c
index cff5f79434..7685a8719c 100644
--- a/sw/airborne/firmwares/fixedwing/stabilization/stabilization_attitude.c
+++ b/sw/airborne/firmwares/fixedwing/stabilization/stabilization_attitude.c
@@ -120,6 +120,8 @@ void h_ctl_init( void ) {
   h_ctl_course_dgain = H_CTL_COURSE_DGAIN;
   h_ctl_roll_max_setpoint = H_CTL_ROLL_MAX_SETPOINT;
 
+  h_ctl_pitch_mode = 0;
+
   h_ctl_disabled = FALSE;
 
   h_ctl_roll_setpoint = 0.;