diff --git a/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp b/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp
index a631a1a3e5..483f52cc08 100644
--- a/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/commander/state_machine_helper.cpp
@@ -674,8 +674,12 @@ bool set_nav_state(struct vehicle_status_s *status, struct commander_state_s *in
 				}
 
 			/* As long as there is RC, we can fallback to ALTCTL, or STAB. */
-			/* A local position estimate is enough for POSCTL, this enables POSCTL using e.g. flow. */
-			} else if (!status_flags->condition_local_position_valid && armed) {
+			/* A local position estimate is enough for POSCTL for multirotors,
+			 * this enables POSCTL using e.g. flow.
+			 * For fixedwing, a global position is needed. */
+			} else if (((status->is_rotary_wing && !status_flags->condition_local_position_valid) ||
+				   (!status->is_rotary_wing && !status_flags->condition_global_position_valid))
+				   && armed) {
 				status->failsafe = true;
 
 				if (status_flags->condition_local_altitude_valid) {