autopilot
noun
au·to·pi·lot
ˈȯ-tō-ˌpī-lət 
1
: a device for automatically steering ships, aircraft, and spacecraft
also
: the automatic control provided by such a device
Examples of autopilot in a Sentence
an airplane equipped with an autopilot
The plane was flying on autopilot.
Recent Examples on the Web
In cases where turbulence cannot be avoided, Airbus recommends pilots fasten their shoulder harnesses and secure loose objects in the cockpit, leave autopilot systems on and possibly descend to a lower altitude.
—
TIME, 21 May 2024
For the first time, conditions were calm enough to rely on the autopilot.
—Tomas Weber, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2024
Using the engine management system brings propulsion to its most efficient output for both speed and fuel efficiency, while the autopilot coordinates the Racer’s very different features together to assure its best flight performance.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 May 2024
Bennett notes that people are already skeptical of complex algorithms on autopilot, like self-driving cars.
—Stephanie Cain, Fortune, 25 Jan. 2024
Tesla’s big differentiator is its autopilot and FSD.
—Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024
The crew of a 737 Max 8 jet on autopilot momentarily lost control without warning during a flight in 2021.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2024
With smartphone control, an autopilot mode, and a gyro stabilizer, this kit turns a simple piece of paper into an advanced flying machine.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2024
Tesla recalling more than 2 million vehicles to fix a safety issue with its autopilot feature 02:28
Tesla has issued a series of recalls in recent weeks.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2024
TIME, 21 May 2024
For the first time, conditions were calm enough to rely on the autopilot.
—Tomas Weber, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2024
Using the engine management system brings propulsion to its most efficient output for both speed and fuel efficiency, while the autopilot coordinates the Racer’s very different features together to assure its best flight performance.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 May 2024
Bennett notes that people are already skeptical of complex algorithms on autopilot, like self-driving cars.
—Stephanie Cain, Fortune, 25 Jan. 2024
Tesla’s big differentiator is its autopilot and FSD.
—Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024
The crew of a 737 Max 8 jet on autopilot momentarily lost control without warning during a flight in 2021.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2024
With smartphone control, an autopilot mode, and a gyro stabilizer, this kit turns a simple piece of paper into an advanced flying machine.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2024
Tesla recalling more than 2 million vehicles to fix a safety issue with its autopilot feature 02:28
Tesla has issued a series of recalls in recent weeks.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autopilot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near autopilot
Cite this Entry
“Autopilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autopilot. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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