AUTOPILOT

Set to 4 different clues across 4 published puzzles, most often “Unthinking state” — The New York Times, Friday, 5 September 2008.

9 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Unthinking stateonce
The New York Times — Friday, 5 September 2008
It maintains a proper attitudeonce
The New York Times — Friday, 16 November 2007
Cockpit aidonce
The New York Times — Wednesday, 15 January 2003
Heading maintaineronce
The New York Times — Thursday, 14 September 2000