(AMA Safety Code for 2004)

"A model aircraft is defined as a non-human-carrying device capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere not exceeding the limitations established in this
Code, exclusively for recreation, sport, and/or competition activities. The operators of radio control model aircraft shall control the aircraft from the ground and maintain
unenhanced visual contact with the aircraft throughout the entire flight operation. No aircraft shall be equipped with devices that would allow for autonomous flight."

" autonomous" undertaken or carried on without outside control : SELF-CONTAINED

a : existing or capable of existing independently <an autonomous zooid (Maybe that is it![:-])> b : responding, reacting, or developing independently of the whole

The FMA autopilot will keep a model on level flight until it runs out of airspeed. That fits all definitions of autonomous flight as so did the V-1 Bombs Hitler sent to England.
The FMA and similar A/Ps are a definite enhancement for very high performance aircraft.

The lawyers will have a field day with that one. Again the EC reacts to a crock from Jay mealy (EC minutes) with little foresight and/or knowledge of what they are doing.

As I say LESS RULES. Even the IRS has now (past 10 years) enough sense to do cases on a one on one basis and not to let a court ruling in one case interfere with another court case.
The liberal mental fiasco of "Make another law" prevails and will cause AMA much pain as they continue to stomp their foot on their own more and more each day.
What a shame.