To try to steer back on-topic (pardon me for doing so) it might be worthwhile to review
currently effective guidance from FAA as to what makes a model airplane a model airplane. Germaine, because public and commercial operators of commercial sUAS (ex: Aerosonde), attempting to masquerade as model airplanes are the root cause that prompted FAA to convene the sUAS ARC and all the uglyness that will fall out of it. Strangely, it appears that some people working in the public and commercial UAS industry still don't comprehend the distinction between their aircraft and model aircraft that FAA has very painstakingly and deliberately tried to convey to them.
from UAS Interim Operational Approval Guidance 08-01
The guidance information presented in this document applies to approvals for both COA and special airworthiness certificates. Unless otherwise stated, recommended procedures and guidance that appear in this document apply to both.
The applicability and process to be used in a UAS operational approval is dependent on whether the applicant is a civil user or a public user. A public user is one that is intrinsically governmental in nature (i.e., federal, state, and local agencies). Public applicants should utilize the COA application process. Civil applicants must apply for an airworthiness certificate.
Regardless of authorization method, all UAS applications are ultimately processed through ATO, UAPO, Flight Standards, and Aircraft Certification staff at the headquarters level for final approval and disposition.
Notes:
• This document and the processes prescribed do not apply to hobbyists and amateur model aircraft users when operating systems for sport and recreation. Those individuals should seek guidance under Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57, Model Aircraft Operating Standards, which is currently under revision.
• Civil UAS operations require a special airworthiness certificate and should follow the process as specified in this document.
• AC 91-57 shall not be used as a basis of approval for UAS operations and is applicable to recreational and hobbyists use only.
Note that there is nothing in referenced guidance document for model aircraft operation that is in any way related to autonomous control.