Otto Pilot

From the May 2024 newsletter, by John Meyers, page 6

Open the PDF at page 6 See the whole May 2024 issue

Aviation history

Pilot in sunglasses and tie seated in an airliner cockpit, with a red glove on the control column

The view: Prototype of “OTTO-PILOT” in May 1968. A later version appeared in the 1980 movie “Airplane” with all-star cast.

The pilot: John Meyers

The airplane: Douglas DC-6

The mission: Pulling a prank on novice cabin crews in the era.

The memory: Inflight demonstration of the DC-6 “autopilot”. It’s actually a Playtex glove which was rubber-banded to a cold-air eyeball outlet near the control wheel. The geometry was perfect and the glove mimicked the yoke movement. The dishwashing glove actually pulsated given the uneven airflow from the vent.

Want to share your “Friday Photo?” Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: airfacts@sportys.com.

John soloed in a J-3 Cub at age 16 in Newark, Ohio, attended Ohio State in 1961, and managed to begin an airline career at United in 1966. He maintained a connection to small airplanes, both legacy and experimental types, owning some interesting types along the way. Examples include: Harmon Rocket II, Citabria, RV-6, Maule, and now his “old-man’s airplane,” a 1963 Cessna 150 TD (taildragger).