diff --git a/Blimp/Blimp.h b/Blimp/Blimp.h
index 086f17f44a552..aa4d2e449d3cc 100644
--- a/Blimp/Blimp.h
+++ b/Blimp/Blimp.h
@@ -168,7 +168,6 @@ class Blimp : public AP_Vehicle
     // There are multiple states defined such as STABILIZE, ACRO,
     Mode::Number control_mode;
     ModeReason control_mode_reason = ModeReason::UNKNOWN;
-    Mode::Number prev_control_mode;
 
     RCMapper rcmap;
 
diff --git a/Blimp/mode.cpp b/Blimp/mode.cpp
index 849b4af27568d..dd7299d4cf29d 100644
--- a/Blimp/mode.cpp
+++ b/Blimp/mode.cpp
@@ -102,9 +102,6 @@ bool Blimp::set_mode(Mode::Number mode, ModeReason reason)
     // perform any cleanup required by previous flight mode
     exit_mode(flightmode, new_flightmode);
 
-    // store previous flight mode (only used by tradeheli's autorotation)
-    prev_control_mode = control_mode;
-
     // update flight mode
     flightmode = new_flightmode;
     control_mode = mode;