diff --git a/test_node/app/src/threads/rc.c b/test_node/app/src/threads/rc.c
index 0c9d5aa0..43689e43 100644
--- a/test_node/app/src/threads/rc.c
+++ b/test_node/app/src/threads/rc.c
@@ -18,7 +18,10 @@ bool rc_command_received(rc_data_t command) {
     // atomic_set(&latest_rc_command, (atomic_t));
     // send the command over the UART interface
     // 'I' means idle
-    // order should (i think) be 1. [L/R] 2. [F/B] 3. [U/D]
+    // order should (i think) be 1. [U/D] 2. [L/R] 3. [F/B]
+
+    uart_poll_out(uart_dev, command.rc_vert);
+
     if(command.rc_horiz == 'F' || command.rc_horiz == 'B') {
         uart_poll_out(uart_dev, 'I');
         uart_poll_out(uart_dev, command.rc_horiz);
@@ -27,8 +30,6 @@ bool rc_command_received(rc_data_t command) {
         uart_poll_out(uart_dev, 'I');
     }
 
-    uart_poll_out(uart_dev, command.rc_vert);
-
     return true;
 }
 
@@ -39,6 +40,11 @@ int rc_init(const struct device* dev) {
         return -1;
     }
 
+    // send an initial UP command to DUT to start in hover state
+    uart_poll_out(dev, 'U');
+    uart_poll_out(dev, 'I');
+    uart_poll_out(dev, 'I');
+
     uart_dev = dev;
     return 0;
 }