diff --git a/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp b/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp
index c9dcdd1f4d..22578320f2 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp
@@ -201,6 +201,9 @@ void Copter::parachute_check()
         // release parachute
         parachute_release();
     }
+
+    // pass sink rate to parachute library
+    parachute.set_sink_rate(-inertial_nav.get_velocity_z() * 0.01);
 }
 
 // parachute_release - trigger the release of the parachute, disarm the motors and notify the user