Helicopters over Alhambra

Sheriff's helicopters over Alhambra

119 of 352 recorded passes over Alhambra were sheriff's helicopters — 34% of the traffic here, 3.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N960LA), 14 recorded passestypically 1,050–1,400 ft

Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

Police helicopters over Alhambra

101 of 352 recorded passes over Alhambra were police helicopters — 29% of the traffic here, 3.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 32 recorded passestypically 1,400–1,700 ft

Police aircraft typically fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot to support officers on the ground, and can hold for a long time.

News helicopters over Alhambra

56 of 352 recorded passes over Alhambra were news helicopters — 16% of the traffic here, 1.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 11 recorded passestypically 1,350–1,700 ft

News helicopters hold a wider circle at a higher altitude and arrive after a story is already underway; several at once usually means something is being covered live.

Private and charter helicopters over Alhambra

52 of 352 recorded passes over Alhambra were private and charter helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 1.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Masok Air (N567PW), 4 recorded passestypically 1,200–1,700 ft

Private and charter aircraft are usually in transit, on a tour or a survey flight, and pass through without stopping.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Alhambra?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 34% of the 352 helicopter passes recorded over Alhambra. The one you see most is LASD (N960LA), 14 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,050–1,400 ft above sea level. Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Alhambra?

Police helicopters account for 29% of the 352 helicopter passes recorded over Alhambra. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 32 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,400–1,700 ft above sea level. Police aircraft typically fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot to support officers on the ground, and can hold for a long time.

Is that a news helicopter over Alhambra?

News helicopters account for 16% of the 352 helicopter passes recorded over Alhambra. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 11 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,350–1,700 ft above sea level. News helicopters hold a wider circle at a higher altitude and arrive after a story is already underway; several at once usually means something is being covered live.

How high do helicopters fly over Alhambra?

From the passes recorded here: sheriff's helicopters at 1,050–1,400 ft; police helicopters at 1,400–1,700 ft; news helicopters at 1,350–1,700 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,200–1,700 ft. These are the middle half of measured altitudes above sea level for each group, not a floor or a ceiling.

How long do helicopters stay over Alhambra?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 3.7 hours overhead across 119 recorded passes. Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

How can I tell if it's police or a news helicopter?

Police aircraft usually fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot and often stay for a long time. News helicopters tend to hold a wider circle at a higher altitude and arrive after an incident is already underway. This page labels each aircraft by its operator, so you don't have to guess.

Where does this data come from?

GTLA Live tracks public ADS-B and MLAT broadcasts that aircraft transmit about their own position, the same open data used by air-traffic enthusiasts worldwide. It is updated every few seconds.