Helicopters over Crenshaw

Police helicopters over Crenshaw

522 of 601 recorded passes over Crenshaw were police helicopters — 87% of the traffic here, 33.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N213PF), 31 recorded passestypically 500–750 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 Crenshaw

46 of 601 recorded passes over Crenshaw were private and charter helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 0.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Maverick (N852MH), 8 recorded passestypically 700–1,150 ft

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

News helicopters over Crenshaw

26 of 601 recorded passes over Crenshaw were news helicopters — 4% of the traffic here, 1.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 5 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 750–1,100 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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Crenshaw?

Police helicopters account for 87% of the 601 helicopter passes recorded over Crenshaw. The one you see most is LAPD (N213PF), 31 recorded passes. They typically fly at 500–750 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 Crenshaw?

News helicopters account for 4% of the 601 helicopter passes recorded over Crenshaw. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 750–1,100 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Crenshaw?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 500–750 ft; private and charter helicopters at 700–1,150 ft; news helicopters at 750–1,100 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 Crenshaw?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 33.6 hours overhead across 522 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 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.