automatic pilot

A state of performing tasks or actions without conscious thought, often due to habit or routine; also refers to the autopilot system in aircraft or vehicles.

• 🇫🇷État d'exécution de tâches ou d'actions sans pensée consciente, souvent par habitude ou routine ; désigne aussi le système qui pilote automatiquement un avion ou un véhicule.

1. Aircraft autopilot system B2 formal

   A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being, typically used in aircraft.

   • The pilot engaged the automatic pilot during the long flight.
   • Modern aircraft rely heavily on the automatic pilot for navigation.
   • The automatic pilot corrected the plane's course automatically.

   🇫🇷Pilote automatique

2. Unconscious routine behavior B2 informal

   A state of mind where a person performs actions automatically, without conscious thought, often due to habit or repetition.

   • After years of driving the same route, he does it on automatic pilot.
   • She cleaned the house on automatic pilot while thinking about work.
   • When I'm tired, I often work on automatic pilot.

   🇫🇷pilote automatique