What do you see on a helicopter flight over Michigan? — featuring Jason Asselin

In this video: Helicopter Flight Over Michigan (Giant Sinkhole Included)

Jason Asselin · 10 years ago

Where exactly does the helicopter depart from?

The tour launches from Pine Mountain Resort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the location of the FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping competition venue. This base puts you close to multiple landmarks on the route.

What this video answers

  • Where exactly does the helicopter depart from?
  • How long does the flight last?
  • Can I bring my own camera or GoPro?
  • What is the Pewabic Mine sinkhole?
  • What should I wear for the flight?
🛒 Get items mentioned in this video

At a glance

Length
13 min
Channel
Jason Asselin
Video from
Feb 2016
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Aerial adventure seekers exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula landmarks
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Overview of This Michigan Helicopter Flight Tour

This helicopter flight captures an aerial tour of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, departing from Pine Mountain Resort near the FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping competition grounds. The route sweeps across a landscape of natural landmarks, industrial history, and river views that reveal the region's character from above—something rarely seen except from the air. The video was filmed entirely with a GoPro 4 Black mounted to the helicopter's exterior, offering a stable, immersive first-person perspective of the journey.

This experience suits travelers who want a scenic aerial view without a lengthy commitment, outdoor enthusiasts curious about Michigan's geography and geological features, and anyone seeking a unique perspective on regional landmarks. The tour feels intimate and exploratory rather than formulaic, making it ideal for those who appreciate lesser-known regional attractions over mainstream tourist destinations.

Notable Sights on the Route

  • The Pewabic Mine sinkhole—a dramatic geological formation where an old mining operation has collapsed into a large depression in the ground
  • Millie Hill and the Bat Cave, viewed from above to show their topography and relationship to surrounding terrain
  • Lake Antoine, visible in its full context from the air
  • Big Hydraulic Falls Dam and the Menominee River, followed northward at low altitude for close-up river views
  • East Kingsford train trestle spanning the landscape below
  • Wisber Farm in Aurora, Wisconsin, marking the northern extent of the flight before returning southward
Featured image for the guide to Helicopter Flight Over Michigan (Giant Sinkhole Included) by Jason Asselin

What to Know Before Booking Your Flight

  • Flights depart from Pine Mountain Resort, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the ski jump facilities
  • The route covers multiple landmarks across Michigan and briefly into Wisconsin, suggesting a moderate duration suitable for first-time aerial tour participants
  • Low-altitude segments over the river and farm areas provide close-up views rather than distant overview shots
  • Clear weather is essential for quality aerial photography and visibility of landscape details
  • GoPro or similar action camera mounting is possible if you want to capture the experience yourself—check with the operator about policies
  • Early morning or late afternoon flights typically offer better lighting for photography and more stable air conditions

Frequently Asked Questions About This Helicopter Tour

Where exactly does the helicopter depart from?

The tour launches from Pine Mountain Resort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the location of the FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping competition venue. This base puts you close to multiple landmarks on the route.

How long does the flight last?

The video does not specify the exact duration, but based on the route covering Millie Hill, the Bat Cave, the Pewabic Mine sinkhole, Lake Antoine, the river, the train trestle, and Wisber Farm before returning, the flight appears to be a moderate-length experience—likely 30 to 60 minutes. Contact the operator for precise timing.

Can I bring my own camera or GoPro?

The video demonstrates a GoPro 4 Black mounted securely to the helicopter's exterior, suggesting that camera mounting is possible. Always confirm the operator's policy on personal camera equipment and any safety or liability requirements before your flight.

What is the Pewabic Mine sinkhole?

The Pewabic Mine was a historic mining operation that has since collapsed into a large depression in the ground. From the air, it becomes a striking geological feature and a visual landmark on the tour.

What should I wear for the flight?

Wear layers, as temperatures can be cooler at altitude and may vary depending on season and time of day. Avoid loose items that could catch the wind near the helicopter. Neutral or muted colors often work better for both safety and photography.

A still from the video Helicopter Flight Over Michigan (Giant Sinkhole Included) by Jason Asselin

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Key Terms

FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping
An international competitive skiing event held at Pine Mountain, one of North America's premier ski jumping venues.
Pewabic Mine
A historic mining operation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula that has collapsed into a large sinkhole, now visible as a dramatic geological feature.
Menominee River
A major river forming part of the border between Michigan and Wisconsin, featured prominently on the low-altitude portion of the flight.
GoPro 4 Black
A rugged action camera designed to capture high-definition video in harsh conditions, often mounted to helmets, vehicles, or aircraft for immersive footage.

Sources: FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping · Pewabic Mine · Menominee River · GoPro 4 Black — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely useful because it shows a real regional aerial route with specific, identifiable landmarks rather than generic scenery. You get a sense of the actual flight path, the types of views you'll see, and the mix of natural and human-made features that make the U.P. visually interesting from above.

The stable GoPro footage is the video's strongest asset—it captures the smooth, low-altitude passes over the river and the dramatic drop into the sinkhole in a way that plain description never could. If you're considering this flight, watching this video will genuinely help you decide whether the landmarks and the regional focus appeal to you. Absolutely worth watching before booking.

⭐⭐ Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.

Video by Jason Asselin on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

VISIT MY ETSY STORE, SEE WHAT I HAVE FOR SALE:
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(Watch in 4K HD) This is the very first video I filmed on my new GoPro 4 Black! I clipped it to the front of a helicopter before our flight, then prayed it stayed put for the entire flight..

We took off from the Pine Mountain Resort near where the FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping competition was taking place at the Pine Mountain ski jump. We flew towards Millie Hill, over the Bat Cave and then towards the old Pewabic Mine that is now a large sink hole in the ground. You can see Lake Antoine, Dickinson Co Hospital, Walmart, the Big Hydraulic Falls Dam and the Menominee River.. We flew low heading north up the river, over the East Kingsford train trestle and towards the Wisber Farm in Aurora, WI before finally flying back towards the ski jump over Kingsford, MI..

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