The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word AUTOPILOT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
U
T
O
P
I
L
O
T
More clues leading to the result AUTOPILOT
- Cunningly, I plot out a device for aircraft
- Gold to trial TV show – it involves action, but lacks self-awareness
- Robot applying gold to upper surface over one portion
- Aid for flier getting good deal on gold hat
- Air traffic controller that’s first leaving 20?
- George a 27? Too bad!
- George in paradise, almost opening a parcel
- Ideal place almost in a group for flight aid
- Part-time flyer in perfect place, with a leading band
- George wants gold given to religious group
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Aid for flier" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case aid for flier = autopilot.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does AUTOPILOT mean?
AUTOPILOT noun- A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being.
- (by extension) A state of mind where one no longer thinks about doing one's actions, but acts mechanically
- (of a vehicle) To pilot itself; to drive or travel automatically.