diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp
index 080eaad0ab..adcf941a73 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp
@@ -247,12 +247,20 @@ AP_Compass_HMC5843::init()
 	 return false;
   }
 
+  _initialised = true;
+
   return success;
 }
 
 // Read Sensor data
 bool AP_Compass_HMC5843::read()
 {
+   if (!_initialised) {
+	  // someone has tried to enable a compass for the first time
+	  // mid-flight .... we can't do that yet (especially as we won't
+	  // have the right orientation!)
+	  return false;
+   }
    if (!healthy) {
 	  if (millis() < _retry_time) {
 		 return false;
diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.h b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.h
index d5ef7e967d..d419686f08 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.h
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ class AP_Compass_HMC5843 : public Compass
 {
   private:
 	float calibration[3];
+    bool _initialised;
 	virtual bool read_raw(void);
     uint8_t _base_config;
 	virtual bool re_initialise(void);