Gene Autry Tests New Plane Device

HOLLYWOOD–One of the first civilian fliers to have the new electronic auto-pilot installed on his plane is Gene Autry, who depends on his twin-engined Beechcraft for all of his extensive traveling.

The auto-pilot, being used now on our jet fighters, does all the flying, including turns and altitude control and will fly a plane more accurately than a human can. The 36 pound mechanism was installed on Autry’s seven passenger ship in Grand Rapids, Mich. The cowboy star will test it personally during location flights to Pioneertown for his Columbia picture, “Winning of the West.”

Source:

  • Deseret News
  • July 28, 1952

Posted: October 14, 2025

Deseret New article clipping
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