There is no judging criteria that dictates a roll direction other than in some complex figure in F3A sequence where rolls are reversed. Example in the current Preliminary sequence P-09. There are a few figures that require reversing rolls. maneuver #2 is a 1/2 Reverse Cuban 8 with 2 half rolls in opposite direction.

You can roll either way you like on the first one but the second one must be reversed.

When you are looking at Aresti drawings like you are referencing. The rolls are shown reversed on the same line means they must be reversed. If there is only one roll on a line. It can be either direction. When different rolls combinations are on the same line and one arrow points up and the other down...this dictates a reversed element. If the rolls both go the same direction then they are the same direction.

One other thing to consider. In some figures a roll direction is determined by the exit of the maneuver. Some figures like Top hats or cross box stuff as turn around maneuvers will require you to exit upright or inverted. If the rolls are 3/4 or 1/4 rolls and you roll the wrong direction you will exit inverted when the figure required you to be upright.

Not sure how the skill levels work in your country. Here in the USA we have lower skill levels for learning pilots. In these different categories its rare that you have these types of roll direction decisions to make. However there are some instances where you must do some reversed rolls.

The best thing you or anyone else should do is get a copy of the rule book. Each maneuver has a description and it also talks about what types of defects a judge can deduct points from your score. If your country uses only the F3A schedules or class then this is the FAI sporting code for F3A. In the USA the AMA has a specific rule book for pattern flying. But these rules only apply to AMA class events and have zero weight in the F3A events.


I hope this helps answer your questions.

Troy Newman
Team JR