diff --git a/src/AIModel/AIThermal.cxx b/src/AIModel/AIThermal.cxx
index 7c3b64742..f79c780b8 100644
--- a/src/AIModel/AIThermal.cxx
+++ b/src/AIModel/AIThermal.cxx
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ void FGAIThermal::readFromScenario(SGPropertyNode* scFileNode) {
 
 bool FGAIThermal::init() {
    factor = 8.0 * max_strength / (diameter * diameter * diameter);
+   setAltitude( height );
    return FGAIBase::init();
 }