diff --git a/libraries/AP_Parachute/AP_Parachute.h b/libraries/AP_Parachute/AP_Parachute.h
index 40d2fd29fa2952371c8cf4d0a2a33439b9f3e0d8..344079ed431389793ef16c8d79aa4793a791b10f 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Parachute/AP_Parachute.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Parachute/AP_Parachute.h
@@ -33,7 +33,8 @@ public:
     /// Constructor
     AP_Parachute(AP_Relay& relay) :
         _relay(relay),
-        _release_time(0)
+        _release_time(0),
+        _released(false)
     {
         // setup parameter defaults
         AP_Param::setup_object_defaults(this, var_info);