diff --git a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp
index 07d0f6064e66e..9ad1d7390bebc 100644
--- a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp
+++ b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp
@@ -555,6 +555,9 @@ float Aircraft::rangefinder_range() const
     // Add some noise on reading
     altitude += sitl->sonar_noise * rand_float();
 
+    // this rangefinder is mounted on the simulated frame, 5cm off the ground:
+    altitude += 0.05;
+
     return altitude;
 }