[WordyMcWordface]

I expect an inflatable driver to appear and take the wheel, requiring only an occasional top up of air to keep things on the level.

[mikeash]

I actually wonder if Airplane! is where people got the idea that "autopilot" means "the plane entirely flies itself." The bit where it's an inflatable doll is obviously satire, but maybe people thought the capabilities were real and the satire was just the doll part?