Tyler Leipprandt, the Traverse City–based content creator and certified drone pilot behind Michigan Sky Media photography, is known for hanging out of helicopters to get the perfect shot. So, when the United States Coast Guard asked if he wanted to come along on a training flight, he said, “Heck yes.” Here, he shares some of the incredible views with us.
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On June 29, I had the opportunity to hang out with the crew at the United States Coast Guard Traverse City Air Station. I joined them on a flight to do some SAR (search and rescue) training and hoist training at the North Manitou Shoal Light Station.
Here are some things you may not know about the Traverse City Air Station:
1. The Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk is 64’ 10” long and 21,884 pounds fully loaded.
2. It operates in all weather and can reach speeds in excess of 160 mph.
3. The unit operates multiple flights a day. They schedule over 40 hours a week of flight time alone, on top of countless hours of ground training.
4. There is a crew on duty 24/7, 365 days a year.
5. For every 1 hour a helicopter flies, it requires 28 maintenance hours.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Want to see them in action? The team will be demonstrating search and rescue used on the Great Lakes during the National Cherry Festival air shows on July 1 and July 2.
Thanks to all of the crew at the Traverse City Air Station for the incredible life-saving work you do!
Related Read: You Have to See These 11 Epic Photos from Michigan Sky Media.