40 years an airline pilot and 20 years a check airman for a major airline. You are the one incorrect. Just because an airline has autopilot and auto light system does most certainly NOT mean they fly themselves.
Yes they can!
I used to fix and calibrate the stuff!
If actuated a C5 can take off, fly somewhere, and land with someone just twisting dials.
In reality pilots are only needed for random events.