[lotsofpulp]

Autopilot is used when referring to a plane (until Tesla started using it as a name for their cruise control that can steer and keep distance).

In the context of a plane, autopilot always meant automatic piloting at altitude, and everyone knew it was the human pilots that were taking off and landing the plane.

[MBCook]

Did they?

I think you may be overestimating how much average people know about autopilot systems.

[lotsofpulp]

Pilot is a relatively high status career. They are always shown taking off and landing in tv shows and movies. I would be surprised if people thought they just sit back and relax the entire time.

[aaomidi]

Be prepared to be surprised