diff --git a/ArduPlane/ArduPlane.cpp b/ArduPlane/ArduPlane.cpp
index db4c86d21c..3773acdc6d 100644
--- a/ArduPlane/ArduPlane.cpp
+++ b/ArduPlane/ArduPlane.cpp
@@ -334,6 +334,13 @@ void Plane::one_second_loop()
             // reset the landing altitude correction
             landing.alt_offset = 0;
     }
+
+    // this ensures G_Dt is correct, catching startup issues with constructors
+    // calling the scheduler methods
+    if (!is_equal(1.0f/scheduler.get_loop_rate_hz(), scheduler.get_loop_period_s()) ||
+        !is_equal(G_Dt, scheduler.get_loop_period_s())) {
+        INTERNAL_ERROR(AP_InternalError::error_t::flow_of_control);
+    }
 }
 
 void Plane::three_hz_loop()