Helicopters over Covina

Private and charter helicopters over Covina

421 of 1,298 recorded passes over Covina were private and charter helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 11.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Universal Aviators Academy (N16HF), 8 recorded passestypically 1,200–1,650 ft

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

Police helicopters over Covina

364 of 1,298 recorded passes over Covina were police helicopters — 28% of the traffic here, 28.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 24 recorded passesusually 5pm–8pmtypically 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.

Sheriff's helicopters over Covina

265 of 1,298 recorded passes over Covina were sheriff's helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 9.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N960LA), 14 recorded passestypically 1,000–1,350 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Covina

103 of 1,298 recorded passes over Covina were fire helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 2.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 15 recorded passestypically 1,200–1,600 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 Covina?

Police helicopters account for 28% of the 1,298 helicopter passes recorded over Covina. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 24 recorded passes. They are usually 5pm–8pm here. 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 sheriff's helicopter over Covina?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 20% of the 1,298 helicopter passes recorded over Covina. The one you see most is LASD (N960LA), 14 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,000–1,350 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Covina?

Fire helicopters account for 8% of the 1,298 helicopter passes recorded over Covina. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 15 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,200–1,600 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 Covina?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,200–1,650 ft; police helicopters at 1,200–1,700 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,000–1,350 ft; fire helicopters at 1,200–1,600 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 Covina?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 28.3 hours overhead across 364 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.