Tandem skydiving in Harbor Springs

Tandem skydiving in Harbor Springs from Charlevoix

This skydive takes place at Charlevoix Municipal Airport, in northern Michigan, for a skydiving experience around Harbor Springs in Michigan. The option includes an exit from the plane at 10,000 ft with a tandem skydiving instructor. Before boarding, a ground briefing covers the necessary instructions, and the participant is then accompanied by their instructor throughout the entire jump sequence, from the plane ascent to landing. The announced freefall lasts 35 seconds and can reach a speed of 120 mph before the parachute opens.

An aerial view of northern Michigan

From the jump altitude, several places in northern Michigan can be seen, including Mackinac Bridge, Beaver Island and Grand Traverse Bay. Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas at the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron. Beaver Island is located in Lake Michigan, while Grand Traverse Bay forms a large inlet of the same lake farther southwest. This combination of landmarks gives the tandem skydive a panoramic dimension in addition to the freefall phase and the descent under canopy.

Briefing, tandem skydive and opening at 5,000 ft

The tandem skydive begins with a short ground instruction at Charlevoix Municipal Airport. The participant then boards the plane with a certified tandem skydiving instructor. After the ascent to the planned altitude, which lasts between 15 and 20 minutes, the two jump together in tandem. The parachute is opened at 5,000 ft, after the announced 35 seconds of freefall for this option, which includes the briefing, accompaniment by a professional tandem skydiving instructor and all the equipment needed for the jump. For first time skydiving or a first tandem skydive, this makes it possible to discover the activity without prior solo skydiving training.