diff --git a/Tools/autotest/test_build_options.py b/Tools/autotest/test_build_options.py
index d848b27aea519b..a553589f1fa01b 100755
--- a/Tools/autotest/test_build_options.py
+++ b/Tools/autotest/test_build_options.py
@@ -304,6 +304,8 @@ def define_is_whitelisted_for_feature_in_code(self, target, define):
         if target.lower() not in ["plane", "copter"]:
             feature_define_whitelist.add('HAL_ADSB_ENABLED')
             feature_define_whitelist.add('AP_LANDINGGEAR_ENABLED')
+            # only Plane and Copter instantiate Parachute
+            feature_define_whitelist.add('AP_PARACHUTE_ENABLED')
 
         if target.lower() != "rover":
             # only on Rover: