diff --git a/OpenRA.Mods.RA/Air/ReturnToBase.cs b/OpenRA.Mods.RA/Air/ReturnToBase.cs
index e21762e576..e2b4285890 100755
--- a/OpenRA.Mods.RA/Air/ReturnToBase.cs
+++ b/OpenRA.Mods.RA/Air/ReturnToBase.cs
@@ -52,7 +52,11 @@ namespace OpenRA.Mods.RA.Air
 
 			var speed = .2f * aircraft.MovementSpeed;
 
-			var approachStart = landPos.ToFloat2() - new float2(aircraft.Altitude * speed, 0);
+			/* if the aircraft is on the ground, it will take off to the cruise altitude first before approaching */
+			var altitude = aircraft.Altitude;
+			if (altitude == 0) altitude = self.Info.Traits.Get<PlaneInfo>().CruiseAltitude;
+
+			var approachStart = landPos.ToFloat2() - new float2(altitude * speed, 0);
 			var turnRadius = (128f / self.Info.Traits.Get<AircraftInfo>().ROT) * speed / (float)Math.PI;
 
 			/* work out the center points */