Frequently Asked Questions

Why join the Mooney Caravan?

The original purpose of the Mooney Caravan was to ensure that a group of friends could camp together in the famous North 40 at AirVenture Oshkosh. The only way to ensure a group of airplanes will be parked together and therefore able to camp together at Oshkosh is to arrive together. The Mooney Caravan formation arrival ensures that we are all parked together in the North 40 and are able to camp as a group. The Mooney Caravan has, over the years, become much more. It's a wonderful way to arrive at Oshkosh, but it's also a way to improve pilot skills, it's camaraderie throughout the year at clinics and other events. Getting together for informal formation practice with other Caravan pilots is more fun than the traditional $100 hamburgers and a wonderful way to maintain pilot proficiency.

Is the Caravan arrival any more difficult/complex/involved, than the Fisk arrival solo?

Most Caravan pilots agree that the Caravan formation arrival is much easier/simpler than flying the usual Fisk arrival into Oshkosh.

Can I fly my ... in the Caravan arrival? What aircraft are allowed to fly with the Caravan arrival?

All Mooney aircraft are welcome in the Caravan arrival. The Caravan flight leaders ensure that like aircraft are grouped into Elements. The Standard Operating Procedures for the Mooney Caravan including speeds, climb rate, distance, etc. are well within the flight capabilities of all Mooney Aircraft.

What is the time commitment to participate in the Mooney Caravan?

All Caravan participants must arrive in Madison, WI on the day prior to the Caravan flight to Oshkosh. Required Caravan activities end after the group debrief at the Caravan Tent in the North 40, Oshkosh immediately following the arrival.

What does the Mooney Caravan slogan "Nimis brevis vita est volare tarde" mean?

Life is too short to fly slowly.

Does the Caravan provide, or does the Caravan fee include Camping at Oshkosh or tickets to AirVenture?

No. Tickets to AirVenture can be purchased at Oshkosh after the arrival or through the EAA online. Camping passes are purchased at Oshkosh after the arrival.

What are the prerequisites for participation in the Mooney Caravan?

All new Caravan pilots must attend and demonstrate proficiency each and every year at a Formation clinic. Clinics can include the Mooney Caravan, B2OSH, or Cherokees to OSH. Please see the list of formation clinics in your area.

What is the deadline for registration?

All Caravan Pilots must be registered by June 30.

Can I get a refund?

Please see the refund policy for the event when you register. In general, if an event is cancelled, our policy is to refund registration fees.

Can I register for the Caravan prior to attending a clinic?

Yes. Note on the Registration where you plan on getting formation practice. Formation practice and proficiency evaluation are required prior to arriving at KMSN.

What time must I arrive at KMSN?

It is strongly suggested that you arrive no later than mid-day Friday. Earlier, if possible. Your element leader will want to take their flight up for a practice flight on Friday. Many folks arrive on Thursday from parts around the country. This not only gives a buffer of time for weather issues but also allows for fellowship and group activities. We have created a tradition of a Friday morning “Dawn Patrol” special ops mission. Many participate in this. See the schedule on the website.

Is there a ramp fee at KMSN?

No.

Where do I park at KMSN?

In your designated/assigned parking slot in the Mooney Caravan Ramp on the Wisconsin Aviation tarmac.

What are accommodations, ground transportation, meals, etc. at KMSN?

This year accommodations will be at the Holiday Inn, just a few miles from the airport. We have arranged discounted rates. We have a Mooney Caravan vehicle, as well as the hotel shuttle van on demand. For Thursday and Friday, we have typically had smaller groups go to restaurants within walking distance and/or taxi to a place TBD. Lunches are usually at the airport café in the FBO.

Should I bring my kids? Is the Caravan family friendly?

Yes, kids are always a welcome part of the Caravan. Several Caravan kids have attended Oshkosh many times.

Can I bring my pet?

No, AirVenture does not allow pets at the event or in the North 40 camping area.

How is Formation proficiency verified?

Every year, pilots participating in the Mooney Caravan to Oshkosh are required to demonstrate proficiency at a regional clinic or by independent arrangement (your local squadron lead can assist). The proficiency form must be completed by a named Mooney Caravan safety pilot, who will submit your proficiency results in advance of the Mooney Caravan.

What happens if the weather on Saturday is IFR? What are the IFR minimums for the Caravan?

Flight safety is the most important consideration for the Mooney Caravan. We have established Go-No Go parameters on ceilings, visibility, wind speed and direction. The mission will be put on hold if the safety parameters are not met. The Caravan leader is in contact with OSH ATC and will have a backup launch time when conditions improve. Delays and holds will be covered in the mass formation briefing. Do not leave the staging area if there is a weather delay unless the mission is canceled.

Do I have to camp on the field if I arrive with the Mooney Caravan?

95% of Caravan pilots camp. This was the foundation for the start of the Caravan. It is well recognized that the Mooney gets you to Oshkosh, but the people bring you back. Strong friendships are formed from the North 40 camping experience. Give it a try. But, rarely, some folks need a hotel due to health issues or other consideration. We do have a large tent shelter with power. See the camping section for more information.

Do I have to pay for camping if I just park with the group but don't camp?

Yes, this is an EAA requirement.

May I request a specific Element?

You can request elements, but the composition of the elements is a function of Flight Ops. As there are various levels of pilot experience, aircraft performance, and operational considerations, the Flight Ops section arranges all flight elements to fit together for maximum safety and performance considerations. The purpose of standardization of formation pilots is so that any pilot can safely and effectively fly with any other pilot no matter where they trained or who they usually fly with.

How are Flight Leaders chosen?

This is a function of the Flight Operations Section. Leads are previous Mooney Caravan participants, have advanced training and practice and have greater responsibility for administrative duties.

How do I become an Element Lead?

For those with multiple Mooney Caravan arrivals in their logbooks, the question is often asked, "How do I become an Element Lead?" Larry 'Joker' Brennan - Mooney Caravan President and Oshkosh Arrival veteran, answers this question in a great article on the Advanced Formation page.

Will it be ok to taxi and park my Mooney on the grass?

Yes, this will be the 21st year of multiple Mooney aircraft doing this. Taxi slowly, do not let the aircraft start to “bounce”. Taxi with full aft trim and full up stick. Suggest your co-pilot slide their seat full aft to get CG towards the tail. Remember on departure to return your trim to T.O. position!

I haven't camped in years, any tips for camping at OSH?

See Chuck "Cowboy" Crinnian's tips for camping at OSH.

I own a Canadian registered aircraft and wonder if we can take part in the Caravan?

We do have several Canadian aircrafts taking part in the Caravan. As long as all the requirements are met, Canadian Mooneys are welcome. Please get in touch with Yves "Olaf" Grenier, yvesg_at_semo.ca for more information.

I do not see any clinic scheduled in Canada, what are my option to acquire proper training?

Canadian aircraft can attend US clinics. A small group of Mooney owners near Ottawa runs unadvertised formation training practices and with sufficient interest will conduct some training sessions to prepare for the Caravan. Contact: yvesg@semo.ca

What if I don't want to attend Oshkosh?

That's no problem! Some of our members have joined and participated in regional practice clinics without planning to attend EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh or the Mooney Caravan mass formation.

Who can I call or email with additional questions that haven't been answered here?

The About Us page has email addresses for the Mooney Caravan Leadership team.