He also completed work on an autopilot which he patented in October 1913 .
He also successfully demonstrated in December , but a gyroscope - operated autopilot patented by Lawrence Sperry proved more immediately practical and became standard .
He also completed work on an autopilot which he patented in October 1913 , and successfully demonstrated in December , but a gyroscope - operated autopilot patented by Lawrence Sperry proved more immediately practical and became standard .