diff --git a/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.cpp b/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.cpp
index 2ee9e09374..581a306e36 100644
--- a/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.cpp
+++ b/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.cpp
@@ -511,3 +511,11 @@ uint16_t RC_Channel::get_limit_pwm(LimitValue limit) const
     // invalid limit value, return trim
     return radio_trim;
 }
+
+/*
+  Return true if the channel is at trim and within the DZ
+*/
+bool RC_Channel::in_trim_dz()
+{
+    return is_bounded(radio_in, radio_trim - _dead_zone, radio_trim + _dead_zone);
+}
diff --git a/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.h b/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.h
index 4dfe990ec1..3562b13b06 100644
--- a/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.h
+++ b/libraries/RC_Channel/RC_Channel.h
@@ -135,6 +135,8 @@ public:
 
     static RC_Channel *rc_channel(uint8_t i);
 
+    bool in_trim_dz();
+
 private:
     AP_Int8         _reverse;
     AP_Int16        _dead_zone;