Aviation Week
Pirates Week
Festival
Taste of Cayman
Cook-Off
Fishing Tournament
Batabano Carnival
Queen's Birthday

Annual Events in the Cayman Islands

Aviation Week

As Aviation Week kicks off each year, the skies over Grand Cayman buzz with approximately 100 small planes that fly in from Key West, Florida as participants in the Cayman Caravan. Aviation Week in the Cayman Islands is designed to bring civilian and military aviators together with their friends and families, the event is filled with fun, information and "all things flying".

The idea of the "fly-in" to Cayman was first organised in 1991 by Ross Russo and Paul Bertorelli, both of JFK Magazine. Originally, the fly-in was called the "Caravan of the sky." The name was later shortened "Cayman Caravan." The organisers take care of customs expediting, fuel discounts and flight planning for participants.

The Caravan provides pilots with the opportunity to experience the thrill of international overwater flying with maximum safety and minimum hassle. Pilots marshall in Key West the day before departing on the 330-nautical mile trip to form flight group of "four ships," departing on a carefully metered schedule. Since aircraft must be separated by either altitude or lateral distance, the departures are carefully orchestrated.

The Air Show and Family Fun Day is when military and private aircraft "strut their stuff" in thrilling low-flying aerobatics along Seven Mile Beach. Aircraft featured in this Cayman Islands show usually include: F14s, F16s F18s KC10, KC135, C130, P3, HH60 Helicopters, and private aerobatic planes. Following the air show, a Static Display at the General Aviation Terminal gives guests an opportunity to inspect show aircraft's up close and chat with pilots. The following day, participants travel on an 89-mile flight to Cayman Brac for the "Brac Attack", an optional fly-in to the Sister Islands. Capping off the week, there is a parade and honours presentation to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday.