Pattern was the first type of serious competition. It is flying a "Pattern" of set maneuvers. All maneuvers must be performed within an imaginary "Box" and the maneuvers must be precise. Like 3 consecutive loops, but the loops must be perfectly round (no ovals), and they must be one on top of the other, and you must maintain the same speed while coming down as you had going up.

At each end of the "Box" you must do a turning maneuver, like a Split S, or Hammer Head, then return for the next maneuver on the list.