This maneuver originates from the First World War and was the first to fully use the three dimensional ability of aircraft. It was used to get behind an enemy aircraft flying in the opposite direction - an aggessive maneuver. The basic maneuver is a half-loop followed by a half-roll - in effect, the maneuver swaps speed for height and a 180 degree change in direction. Start wings level as if executing a full loop and when you reach the top, immediately half-roll to the left or right, opening the throttle to regain speed.

Aresti Diagram

A variation is the quarter-loop, half-roll, quarter-loop then another half-roll. This loses speed, gains height but does not change direction. Sounds complicated but the diagrams should make this clearer.

Start as before but when you have completed a quarter-loop, immediately half-roll then quarter-loop. You finish up inverted at the top so half-roll again to exit straight and level.

Aresti Diagram

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