Helicopters over Bel Air

Private and charter helicopters over Bel Air

654 of 1,409 recorded passes over Bel Air were private and charter helicopters — 46% of the traffic here, 17.5 hours overhead in total.

typically 1,300–1,800 ft

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

Police helicopters over Bel Air

380 of 1,409 recorded passes over Bel Air were police helicopters — 27% of the traffic here, 14.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 11 recorded passestypically 1,200–1,700 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 Bel Air

202 of 1,409 recorded passes over Bel Air were news helicopters — 14% of the traffic here, 6.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 14 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 1,500–1,700 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.

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Bel Air

106 of 1,409 recorded passes over Bel Air were fire and air-medical helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 2.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N302FD), 4 recorded passestypically 1,400–1,600 ft

Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Bel Air?

Police helicopters account for 27% of the 1,409 helicopter passes recorded over Bel Air. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 11 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,200–1,700 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 Bel Air?

News helicopters account for 14% of the 1,409 helicopter passes recorded over Bel Air. The one you see most is SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 14 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 1,500–1,700 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Bel Air?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 8% of the 1,409 helicopter passes recorded over Bel Air. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N302FD), 4 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,400–1,600 ft above sea level. Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Bel Air?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,300–1,800 ft; police helicopters at 1,200–1,700 ft; news helicopters at 1,500–1,700 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,400–1,600 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 Bel Air?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 17.5 hours overhead across 654 recorded passes. Private and charter aircraft are usually in transit, on a tour or a survey flight, and pass through without stopping.

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.