diff --git a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Helicopter.cpp b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Helicopter.cpp
index 9d4fae4c1c..43ea91ec72 100644
--- a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Helicopter.cpp
+++ b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Helicopter.cpp
@@ -316,7 +316,8 @@ void Helicopter::update(const struct sitl_input &input)
 
 
     update_dynamics(rot_accel);
-    
+    update_external_payload(input);
+
     // update lat/lon/altitude
     update_position();
     time_advance();