A flight maneuver is an aerial maneuver performed by an aircraft in order to change its altitude, direction, or speed. The LOOP is one of the most basic and recognizable flight maneuvers, where the aircraft follows a circular path, usually in a vertical plane. The aircraft will climb vertically until it reaches the top of the LOOP, then descend in a circular motion until it returns to its original altitude. This maneuver is often used in air shows and aerobatic competitions.