Helicopters over Arcadia

Police helicopters over Arcadia

221 of 397 recorded passes over Arcadia were police helicopters — 56% of the traffic here, 11 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 83 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 1,400–1,900 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 Arcadia

79 of 397 recorded passes over Arcadia were private and charter helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 1.7 hours overhead in total.

typically 1,200–1,850 ft

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

News helicopters over Arcadia

47 of 397 recorded passes over Arcadia were news helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 1.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: AIR7 (N71HD), 7 recorded passestypically 1,300–1,850 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.

Sheriff's helicopters over Arcadia

29 of 397 recorded passes over Arcadia were sheriff's helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 1.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N961LA), 6 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 850–1,150 ft

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 Arcadia?

Police helicopters account for 56% of the 397 helicopter passes recorded over Arcadia. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 83 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 1,400–1,900 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 Arcadia?

News helicopters account for 12% of the 397 helicopter passes recorded over Arcadia. The one you see most is AIR7 (N71HD), 7 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,300–1,850 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Arcadia?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 7% of the 397 helicopter passes recorded over Arcadia. The one you see most is LASD (N961LA), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 850–1,150 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Arcadia?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,400–1,900 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,200–1,850 ft; news helicopters at 1,300–1,850 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 850–1,150 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 Arcadia?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 11 hours overhead across 221 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 AirWatch 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.