First Come The Bonanzas, Then The Mooneys...

EAA's AirVenture event, the world's largest annual aviation gathering, will once again welcome the mass arrivals of Piper Comanche, Beech Bonanza, Mooney and Stinson aircraft in 2004. EAA's 52nd annual event will be held July 27-Aug 2, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Bonanza pilots began the tradition of mass arrivals to AirVenture in 1990, as they looked to park and camp together with their aircraft. The 80-aircraft formation will arrive to Oshkosh for their 15th annual AirVenture arrival at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 25.

Following the lead of the Bonanzas (group shot, below), the Mooneys began their mass arrival to the EAA in 1998. This year's 50-aircraft team is scheduled to arrive Sunday, July 25, at 4:40 p.m.

The Comanches will participate in their second annual mass arrival to the EAA. The 25-30 aircraft will arrive at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 25.

The other mass arrival scheduled to arrive at Wittman Regional Airport will be 25-30 classic Stinsons at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 26. Several other groups will likely arrive together in unofficial formations.

FMI: www.eaa.org