Autopilot: meaning, definitions and examples
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autopilot
[ ˈɔːtɵˌpaɪlət ]
technology, aviation
An autopilot is a device that automatically controls the trajectory of a vehicle without constant input from a human operator. It is commonly used in aircraft to manage flight paths, reducing the workload of pilots during long flights.
Synonyms
automatic control system, automatic pilot, self-steering
Examples of usage
- The airplane’s autopilot engaged after takeoff.
- He relied on the autopilot feature during his long-distance drive.
- The ship's autopilot adjusted the course to avoid an obstacle.
- Modern drones use advanced autopilot systems to navigate autonomously.
Translations
Translations of the word "autopilot" in other languages:
🇵🇹 piloto automático
🇮🇳 स्वचालित पायलट
🇩🇪 Autopilot
🇮🇩 autopilot
🇺🇦 автопілот
🇵🇱 autopilot
🇯🇵 オートパイロット
🇫🇷 pilote automatique
🇪🇸 piloto automático
🇹🇷 otopilot
🇰🇷 자동 조종 장치
🇸🇦 الطيار الآلي
🇨🇿 autopilot
🇸🇰 autopilot
🇨🇳 自动驾驶仪
🇸🇮 avtopilot
🇮🇸 sjálfvirkur flugmaður
🇰🇿 автопилот
🇬🇪 ავტოპილოტი
🇦🇿 avtopilot
🇲🇽 piloto automático
Etymology
The term 'autopilot' originates from the early 20th century. The word is a combination of 'auto-', meaning self or automatic, and 'pilot', which refers to a person who navigates a vessel. The concept of automatic flight control began to take shape in the aviation industry during World War I, with the first practical autopilot systems developed in the 1930s. Initially, these systems were rudimentary, merely maintaining level flight. However, advancements throughout the decades have led to increasingly sophisticated autopilot systems that utilize complex algorithms and technologies such as GPS and inertial navigation. Today, autopilots are a critical component in modern aircraft, allowing for enhanced safety and operational efficiency.