In pattern competitions, you do have a preset routine to fly. However, pattern flying is commonly used to mean a style of flying. Pattern flying is a very smooth type of flying. Slow rolls, point rolls, hammer heads, humpty-bumps, immelmans, split-s's, sharks teeth, etc. All of those maneuvers are typical maneuvers, and you're judged on maintaining altitude, maintaining consistency through all the maneuvers, and precise angles. Go to Youtube and watch some F3A videos or IMAC videos....and that's what Pattern's all about. Pattern flying normal requires a much more forward CG and MUCH smaller control surfaces (both in total size and deflection). True pattern flying is limited to 11lbs and 2m by 2m. IMAC isn't limited by size or weight, but you do have to have a plane that is (and let's see if I can get the words right) a scale representation of a plane that has been flown in full scale aerobatic competitions. It doesn't have to be perfect, but close enough.

3D is 3D....you know what it is. It requires a much more aft CG and MUCH larger control throws (both in size and deflection). I guess you COULD fly a predetermined 3D flight...and I'm sure most (if not all) of the world-class pilots plan a routine to fly. If you go to www.mini-iac.org you can look up the Aresti maneuver script. They don't have a script for High Alpha maneuvers, hovering, torque-rolling, etc.