diff --git a/ArduCopter/mode_loiter.cpp b/ArduCopter/mode_loiter.cpp
index 8c65cf0d65..d20951c5d5 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/mode_loiter.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/mode_loiter.cpp
@@ -12,10 +12,6 @@ bool Copter::ModeLoiter::init(bool ignore_checks)
         // set target to current position
         wp_nav->init_loiter_target();
 
-        // initialize vertical speed and acceleration
-        pos_control->set_speed_z(-get_pilot_speed_dn(), g.pilot_speed_up);
-        pos_control->set_accel_z(g.pilot_accel_z);
-
         // initialise position and desired velocity
         if (!pos_control->is_active_z()) {
             pos_control->set_alt_target_to_current_alt();