Helicopters over Brentwood

Police helicopters over Brentwood

607 of 1,341 recorded passes over Brentwood were police helicopters — 45% of the traffic here, 21 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 26 recorded passestypically 850–1,150 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 Brentwood

449 of 1,341 recorded passes over Brentwood were private and charter helicopters — 33% of the traffic here, 9.3 hours overhead in total.

usually 4pm–7pmtypically 900–1,350 ft

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

News helicopters over Brentwood

182 of 1,341 recorded passes over Brentwood were news helicopters — 14% of the traffic here, 7.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: AIR7 (N71HD), 6 recorded passesusually 5am–8amtypically 1,100–1,850 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.

Fire helicopters over Brentwood

51 of 1,341 recorded passes over Brentwood were fire helicopters — 4% of the traffic here, 1.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N303FD), 7 recorded passesusually 1am–4amtypically 400–1,000 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 Brentwood?

Police helicopters account for 45% of the 1,341 helicopter passes recorded over Brentwood. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 26 recorded passes. They typically fly at 850–1,150 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 Brentwood?

News helicopters account for 14% of the 1,341 helicopter passes recorded over Brentwood. The one you see most is AIR7 (N71HD), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 5am–8am here. They typically fly at 1,100–1,850 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Brentwood?

Fire helicopters account for 4% of the 1,341 helicopter passes recorded over Brentwood. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N303FD), 7 recorded passes. They are usually 1am–4am here. They typically fly at 400–1,000 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 Brentwood?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 850–1,150 ft; private and charter helicopters at 900–1,350 ft; news helicopters at 1,100–1,850 ft; fire helicopters at 400–1,000 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 Brentwood?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 21 hours overhead across 607 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.