Originally Posted by rcprecision

GorillaToast,

One of the fundamental elements of AMA pattern is demonstrating straight and level flight before entering and when exiting airborne maneuvers. So that being the case, after the Immelmann 1/2 roll straight and level flight for approximately 15-meters should be demonstrated, followed by another 15-meter straight and level flight before the 45 downline radius begins.

Here's a snippet from the rule book which explains.

E. Description of Maneuvers
All maneuvers will start and finish in straight and level flight. Maneuver entries
and exits which are preceded or followed by unscored turnarounds will be at least
15 meters in length. Center maneuvers will have the same altitude and heading for
entry and exit unless otherwise noted. Scored turnarounds will finish on a track
180 degrees from the entry. In general, turnaround maneuvers are positioning
maneuvers. Therefore, entry and exit altitude need not be the same if the
contestant is making an altitude correction.