Learn about the Mooney Caravan

The Mooney Caravan is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to flight safety, the annual Caravan to Oshkosh, and Mooney aircraft. Organized into regional Squadrons, the Caravan connects Mooney owners together to practice formation flying and conduct a mass formation to Oshkosh every year. This website is the best way to learn about the Caravan, register for our activities, and connect with other Mooney pilots.

History and Oshkosh

The origin of the Mooney Caravan dates back to 1998, when a group of Mooney pilots connected over the Mooney email list and organized a mass formation into the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in so they could arrive and camp together. That first year, 42 aircraft completed the flight. The annual Mooney Caravan to Oshkosh has continued nearly every year since then, and each year we grow both our membership and our organization. You can read more in the About Us section about the history and evolution of the Caravan. EAA AirVenture remains the centerpoint of the Mooney Caravan organization. The annual fly-in, organized near the end of July every year, is our core activity and the reason why many of our members have joined. Planning for the mass formation starts during the EAA AirVenture event the year prior, and gets into high gear in January, six months before the fly-in. Between January and AirVenture, Caravan members connect via the website and mailing lists, participate in practice clinics, register for AirVenture and the Caravan, and make final preparations for the event!

You can read more about what it's like to attend Oshkosh as part of the Mooney Caravan by visiting the Oshkosh page in the Learn section of our website.

Regional Squadrons and Clinics

In addition to our annual Oshkosh event, we have seven regional squadrons that conduct practice clinics and connect nearby Mooney Caravan members. Even if you aren't planning to attend EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh, our regional squadrons are a great way to connect and practice with other Mooney pilots!

See our regional squadrons here.

Every squadron has a Lead, who serves as the point of contact and organizes squadron activities. In addition to the lead, most squadrons have a few experienced (or new and enthusiastic!) members who help to plan and conduct events run by the squadron. Squadrons each host a regional formation clinic for pilots to practice formation flying and demonstrate proficiency before participating in the Mooney Caravan to Oshkosh. The primary goal for these events is Oshkosh preparation, but frequently squadron leads invite other formation pilots to participate. Demonstrating proficiency is a prerequisite for flying in each year's Caravan, as no practice takes place at Madison and all pilots must arrive fully prepared for the mass formation.

See our clinics here.

Regional clinics are typically scheduled between January and June. The requirements and expectations for each clinic are described on the clinic listing, and the clinic organizer will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Up-to-date information on the times and dates of upcoming clinics is available on the clinic registration page.

The Mooney Caravan does not conduct flight training or instruction. Pilots attending a clinic must familiarize themselves with all formation procedures and techniques used by formation organizations; our formation flying page lists basic formation information necessary to attend a clinic. At the clinic, the community of pilots frequently discuss best practices, questions that arise within the group, and provide feedback to all members. The environment is focused on flight safety and is supportive of all participants improving their formation skills.

Over time, our squadrons have been improving how they keep in touch with their members. Some of our pilots fly regularly in parade, tribute, and other charitable flights to stay proficient; many squadrons have informal learning sessions where new pilots can learn about the Mooney Caravan organization and attending Oshkosh.

Supporting the Caravan

The Mooney Caravan is a volunteer-powered organization that relies on contributions from our members and valued fiscal sponsors. Our regional clinics, online presence, and facilities at Oshkosh are possible because of the support of the Mooney community. You can get involved in many ways:

1. You can volunteer at the Mooney Caravan to Oshkosh event in July, at any of our regional clinics, or as a contributor during our planning cycle. Opportunities include helping with pilot paperwork, on-the-ground logistics, and assisting with our social media.
2. You can make tax-free monetary donations as either an individual or as a corporation.
3. By participating in our clinics and Caravan to Oshkosh, you help grow the community of Mooney pilots and Caravaners.

Our organization is able to advance safety and create great experiences through the dedication and participation of supporters like you. No matter how you contribute to the Mooney Caravan community, thank you!