Helicopters over Coto de Caza

Fire helicopters over Coto de Caza

95 of 166 recorded passes over Coto de Caza were fire helicopters — 57% of the traffic here, 3.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: CAL FIRE (N478DF), 22 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 550–800 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Coto de Caza

34 of 166 recorded passes over Coto de Caza were private and charter helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 1 hour overhead in total.

Most often: PJ Helicopters (N809PJ), 19 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 700–1,700 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 Coto de Caza

20 of 166 recorded passes over Coto de Caza were sheriff's helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 0.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Orange County Sheriff's Department (N185SD), 12 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 1,300–1,750 ft

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

Military helicopters over Coto de Caza

12 of 166 recorded passes over Coto de Caza were military helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 0.2 hours overhead in total.

usually 2pm–5pmtypically 2,950–6,050 ft

Military aircraft are almost always transiting between bases or on training flights; they rarely orbit a neighborhood.

Why is a fire helicopter over Coto de Caza?

Fire helicopters account for 57% of the 166 helicopter passes recorded over Coto de Caza. The one you see most is CAL FIRE (N478DF), 22 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 550–800 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 Coto de Caza?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 12% of the 166 helicopter passes recorded over Coto de Caza. The one you see most is Orange County Sheriff's Department (N185SD), 12 recorded passes. They are usually 8am–11am here. They typically fly at 1,300–1,750 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 Coto de Caza?

From the passes recorded here: fire helicopters at 550–800 ft; private and charter helicopters at 700–1,700 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,300–1,750 ft; military helicopters at 2,950–6,050 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 Coto de Caza?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are fire helicopters: 3.5 hours overhead across 95 recorded passes. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

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.