A barrel roll is an aerial maneuver in which an airplane makes a complete rotation on its longitudinal axis while following a helical path, approximately maintaining its original altitude. The barrel roll is commonly confused with the aileron roll.
The aileron roll is an aerobatic maneuver in which the airplane is rolled around its longitudinal axis using the ailerons. This maneuver is often confused with the barrel roll. The aileron roll is performed by applying opposite aileron input to create roll and yaw. The yaw created by the aileron input is compensated for with rudder input in the same direction. This will result in the airplane flying a coordinated turn and not slipping or skidding.
The barrel roll is performed by using aileron input in one direction and rudder input in the opposite direction. This will result in the airplane performing a rolling motion around its longitudinal axis while following a helical path. The barrel roll is often confused with