An autopilot's a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being. Most people understand an autopilot to refer specifically to aircraft, but self-steering gear for ships, boats, space craft and missiles are sometimes also called by this term. The autopilot of an aircraft's sometimes referred to as "George." First autopilots In the early days of aviation, aircraft required the continuous attention of a pilot in order to fly safely. As airc… (More on Autopilot)