Helicopters over Azusa

Police helicopters over Azusa

517 of 1,272 recorded passes over Azusa were police helicopters — 41% of the traffic here, 30.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 44 recorded passestypically 1,400–2,000 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 Azusa

299 of 1,272 recorded passes over Azusa were private and charter helicopters — 24% of the traffic here, 12.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Universal Aviators Academy (N16HF), 8 recorded passesusually 10am–1pmtypically 1,300–1,950 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Azusa

193 of 1,272 recorded passes over Azusa were fire helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 25.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 14 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 1,700–3,250 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Azusa

108 of 1,272 recorded passes over Azusa were sheriff's helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 4.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N955LA), 5 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 1,100–1,600 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 Azusa?

Police helicopters account for 41% of the 1,272 helicopter passes recorded over Azusa. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 44 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,400–2,000 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Azusa?

Fire helicopters account for 15% of the 1,272 helicopter passes recorded over Azusa. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 14 recorded passes. They are usually 1pm–4pm here. They typically fly at 1,700–3,250 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Azusa?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 8% of the 1,272 helicopter passes recorded over Azusa. The one you see most is LASD (N955LA), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 8am–11am here. They typically fly at 1,100–1,600 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 Azusa?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,400–2,000 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,300–1,950 ft; fire helicopters at 1,700–3,250 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,100–1,600 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 Azusa?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 30.5 hours overhead across 517 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.