diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/RCOutput.h b/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/RCOutput.h
index fe6324d4ba2390..81924047943876 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/RCOutput.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL_SITL/RCOutput.h
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ class HALSITL::RCOutput : public AP_HAL::RCOutput {
     bool _corked;
     uint16_t _pending[SITL_NUM_CHANNELS];
 
-    AP_HAL::Util::safety_state safety_state;
+    AP_HAL::Util::safety_state safety_state = AP_HAL::Util::safety_state::SAFETY_DISARMED;
 };
 
 #endif