Helicopters over El Segundo

Private and charter helicopters over El Segundo

108 of 144 recorded passes over El Segundo were private and charter helicopters — 75% of the traffic here, 8.1 hours overhead in total.

typically 1,250–3,500 ft

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

News helicopters over El Segundo

13 of 144 recorded passes over El Segundo were news helicopters — 9% of the traffic here, 3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: AIR7 (N71HD), 6 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 950–1,200 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.

Sheriff's helicopters over El Segundo

11 of 144 recorded passes over El Segundo were sheriff's helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 1.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N950LA), 3 recorded passestypically 450–650 ft

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

Is that a news helicopter over El Segundo?

News helicopters account for 9% of the 144 helicopter passes recorded over El Segundo. The one you see most is AIR7 (N71HD), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 950–1,200 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over El Segundo?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 8% of the 144 helicopter passes recorded over El Segundo. The one you see most is LASD (N950LA), 3 recorded passes. They typically fly at 450–650 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 El Segundo?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,250–3,500 ft; news helicopters at 950–1,200 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 450–650 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 El Segundo?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 8.1 hours overhead across 108 recorded passes. Private and charter aircraft are usually in transit, on a tour or a survey flight, and pass through without stopping.

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.