What Is The Cayman Caravan?

It's a highly organized group fly-in from Key West to Grand Cayman.  If you've never flown the Caribbean but have always wanted to, the Caravan is a great opportunity to learn about international flying in a structured, friendly environment.  Even if you’ve flown internationally before, it’s a great way to meet new people and participate in a unique and exciting aviation event.  As a matter of fact, we have one of the highest “return rates” in the industry.  A number of our pilots have been flying with the Cayman Caravan for up to 10 years.

Pilots marshal in Key West the day before the Caravan departs on the 330-nautical mile trip over western Cuba to Grand Cayman (note: one possible routing on the return flight increases the total distance to 345 nautical miles).  The Caravan staff will be available on that day to meet arriving aircraft at the Key West airport and provide assistance and transportation to the hotel, followed by a “paperwork review” and a detailed briefing the night before the Caravan departs.

To make things run smoothly, Caravan organizers take care of everything: Overflight permits, Customs forms and flight-plan filing.

The Caravan flies in groups of four (not in formation but in close trail – usually five minute spacing between aircraft) which allows pilots to assist each other during the trip. The longest overwater segment is 170 miles, making the trip well within the capabilities of aircraft as small as Cessna 172's (with the optional long-range tanks that most 172's have) and Piper Cherokees.

Here's what your registration fee covers:
· Cuba overflight permit
· Customs expediting; no lines, no hassles, no waiting
· All charts, plates and flight data
· Detailed flight guide
· Pre-filed flight plans, ATC expediting
· Full pre-flight briefings
· Water survival orientations, free signaling mirror
· Transportation at Key West
· Discounts on gas, hotels and survival equipment

To fly the Caravan, you'll need an IFR-capable aircraft (and pilot), survival gear (personal flotation devices [PFDs] for each occupant of the aircraft, as well as a raft large enough to accommodate pilot and passengers) and 12-inch N-numbers for your aircraft.  Your registration package will contain a detailed explanation of requirements, including how and where to rent survival gear (we have rafts and PFDs available, and you’ll be able to pick them up when you arrive in Key West).

If you haven't already registered, click here to go directly to our on-line registration.  Or, from the same page, you can download and print the registration forms, or, if you prefer, Contact us for a registration package or give us a call at (843) 342-4439.

Activities on the island include: