diff --git a/ArduCopter/radio.pde b/ArduCopter/radio.pde
index 5ae507dfeb..549be8f5ac 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/radio.pde
+++ b/ArduCopter/radio.pde
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ static void read_radio()
         uint32_t elapsed = tnow_ms - last_update_ms;
         // turn on throttle failsafe if no update from the RC Radio for 500ms or 2000ms if we are using RC_OVERRIDE
         if (((!failsafe.rc_override_active && (elapsed >= FS_RADIO_TIMEOUT_MS)) || (failsafe.rc_override_active && (elapsed >= FS_RADIO_RC_OVERRIDE_TIMEOUT_MS))) &&
-            (g.failsafe_throttle && motors.armed() && !failsafe.radio)) {
+            (g.failsafe_throttle && (ap.rc_receiver_present||motors.armed()) && !failsafe.radio)) {
             Log_Write_Error(ERROR_SUBSYSTEM_RADIO, ERROR_CODE_RADIO_LATE_FRAME);
             set_failsafe_radio(true);
         }
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ static void set_throttle_and_failsafe(uint16_t throttle_pwm)
     if (throttle_pwm < (uint16_t)g.failsafe_throttle_value) {
 
         // if we are already in failsafe or motors not armed pass through throttle and exit
-        if (failsafe.radio || !motors.armed()) {
+        if (failsafe.radio || !(ap.rc_receiver_present || motors.armed())) {
             g.rc_3.set_pwm(throttle_pwm);
             return;
         }