6.19. Barrel Roll (Figure 6.6).

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6.19.1. Objective. Maintain coordinated flight through a 360-degree roll that describes a circle around a point near the horizon.

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6.19.2. Description. A barrel roll is a coordinated roll in which the nose of the aircraft describes a circle around a point on or near the horizon. Definite seat pressure should be felt throughout the roll. Practice in both directions. The maneuver is complete when the aircraft is wings level, abeam the reference point on the original side, at approximately entry airspeed.

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6.19.2.1. Airspeed - 200-220 KIAS.

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6.19.2.2. Power - 80 percent to MAX power.

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6.19.2.3. Attitude - Entry: wings level.

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6.19.2.4. Altitude - Approximately 2,000 feet above and 1,000 feet below entry altitude.

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6.19.2.5. FCP visual reference - Reference point at or near the corner of the front windscreen.

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6.19.3. Procedure. Select a reference point, such as a cloud or landmark, up to 45 degrees off the nose of the aircraft, on or slightly above the horizon. Set briefed power and attain briefed entry airspeed with the nose of the aircraft below the horizon. Begin a coordinated turn in the opposite direction of the desired roll, as necessary, to place the aircraft up to 45 degrees to the side of the reference point, as required (you may have picked a point that is already 45 degrees off). The distance from the reference point defines the size of the barrel roll, and it should remain constant throughout the maneuver. From level flight, increase pitch and bank. As the bank reaches 90 degrees, the aircraft should be directly above the reference point.

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6.19.3.1. Passing 90 degrees of bank, relax some back pressure and increase aileron deflection to continue the roll with reduced airspeed. Back pressure must be reduced compared to the first quarter of the roll because gravity is now in the same direction as the lift vector when inverted (downward). Plan the roll so the wings become level just as the aircraft reaches the inverted level-flight attitude. The aircraft should be displaced from the reference point the same distance as at the beginning of the maneuver.

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6.19.3.2. Continue the roll and apply increased elevator pressure. As the bank again reaches the 90 degrees at the bottom of the maneuver, the nose track should continue to arc around the reference point. In the last quarter of roll, increase back stick pressure because gravity is now working against the lift vector. Maintain coordinated control pressure to continue the roll so the nose completes the circle around the reference point, ending up wings level at the horizon.

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6.19.4. Technique. Choosing a reference point above the horizon and slightly outside the canopy bow helps ensure reasonable displacement and barrel roll size. After wings level inverted, attempt to pull the aircraft more horizontal as gravity/trajectory sag will maintain the desired displacement.

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