Helicopters over Altadena

Police helicopters over Altadena

618 of 1,328 recorded passes over Altadena were police helicopters — 47% of the traffic here, 41.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N8NF), 46 recorded passestypically 1,800–2,200 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Altadena

276 of 1,328 recorded passes over Altadena were private and charter helicopters — 21% of the traffic here, 40.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Southern California Edison (N816CE), 10 recorded passesusually 11am–2pmtypically 1,950–2,900 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Altadena

204 of 1,328 recorded passes over Altadena were sheriff's helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 6.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N960LA), 8 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,750–2,150 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Altadena

151 of 1,328 recorded passes over Altadena were fire helicopters — 11% of the traffic here, 4.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 11 recorded passestypically 2,600–3,400 ft

Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Altadena?

Police helicopters account for 47% of the 1,328 helicopter passes recorded over Altadena. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N8NF), 46 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,800–2,200 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 sheriff's helicopter over Altadena?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 15% of the 1,328 helicopter passes recorded over Altadena. The one you see most is LASD (N960LA), 8 recorded passes. They are usually 2pm–5pm here. They typically fly at 1,750–2,150 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 fire helicopter over Altadena?

Fire helicopters account for 11% of the 1,328 helicopter passes recorded over Altadena. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 11 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,600–3,400 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Altadena?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,800–2,200 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,950–2,900 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,750–2,150 ft; fire helicopters at 2,600–3,400 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 Altadena?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 41.2 hours overhead across 618 recorded passes. Police aircraft typically fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot to support officers on the ground, and can hold for a long time.

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.