diff --git a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp
index fe84c341d8..ff85fb1018 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.cpp
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ bool AP_Arming::is_armed()
     return (Required)require.get() == Required::NO || armed;
 }
 
-uint16_t AP_Arming::get_enabled_checks()
+uint32_t AP_Arming::get_enabled_checks() const
 {
     return checks_to_perform;
 }
diff --git a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h
index 68bfadaad2..9844541053 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Arming/AP_Arming.h
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ public:
     bool is_armed();
 
     // get bitmask of enabled checks
-    uint16_t get_enabled_checks();
+    uint32_t get_enabled_checks() const;
 
     // pre_arm_checks() is virtual so it can be modified in a vehicle specific subclass
     virtual bool pre_arm_checks(bool report);