I think the big problem is that "autopilot" in a small plane just means "fly in the same direction at the same height and speed" like cruise control, but the bi

I think the big problem is that "autopilot" in a small plane just means "fly in the same direction at the same height and speed" like cruise control, but the big commercials jets absolutely can and do take off and land themselves, technically requiring zero input from a pilot at any point in the flight. I think more people are aware of the second point than the first, and that's why the common perception of "autopilot" is more about level-5 driving than cruise control