Helicopters over Duarte

Police helicopters over Duarte

418 of 951 recorded passes over Duarte were police helicopters — 44% of the traffic here, 14.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 62 recorded passestypically 1,500–2,100 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 Duarte

261 of 951 recorded passes over Duarte were private and charter helicopters — 27% of the traffic here, 12.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Universal Aviators Academy (N16HF), 11 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 900–1,500 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Duarte

93 of 951 recorded passes over Duarte were fire helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 2.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 7 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,500–2,500 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Duarte

75 of 951 recorded passes over Duarte were sheriff's helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 3.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N950LA), 5 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 1,000–1,750 ft

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

Why is a police helicopter circling over Duarte?

Police helicopters account for 44% of the 951 helicopter passes recorded over Duarte. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 62 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,500–2,100 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Duarte?

Fire helicopters account for 10% of the 951 helicopter passes recorded over Duarte. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 7 recorded passes. They are usually 2pm–5pm here. They typically fly at 1,500–2,500 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 Duarte?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 8% of the 951 helicopter passes recorded over Duarte. The one you see most is LASD (N950LA), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 1,000–1,750 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 Duarte?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,500–2,100 ft; private and charter helicopters at 900–1,500 ft; fire helicopters at 1,500–2,500 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,000–1,750 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 Duarte?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 14.5 hours overhead across 418 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.