Roger-
Did you overlook 2b?
It's been a long time, but in my recollection, a traditional contest FF model is controlled by an onboard timer/sequencer that controls the engine run, adjustment of control surfaces to transition from climb to glide trim, and usually some form of mechanism to drastically alter the CG or otherwise bring about its rapid descent after a pre-programmed lapse of time. That's old stuff, and I expect that contemporary FF models are a bit more sophisticated, but it sure sounds to me like the model has autonomous control over its flight.

Abe