Helicopters over Elizabeth Lake

Private and charter helicopters over Elizabeth Lake

140 of 173 recorded passes over Elizabeth Lake were private and charter helicopters — 81% of the traffic here, 3.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Wilson Construction (N531WC), 45 recorded passestypically 3,600–4,100 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Elizabeth Lake

18 of 173 recorded passes over Elizabeth Lake were fire helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 0.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N307FD), 6 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 3,550–4,050 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Elizabeth Lake

11 of 173 recorded passes over Elizabeth Lake were sheriff's helicopters — 6% of the traffic here, 0.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N953LA), 3 recorded passestypically 3,700–4,250 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 fire helicopter over Elizabeth Lake?

Fire helicopters account for 10% of the 173 helicopter passes recorded over Elizabeth Lake. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N307FD), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 3,550–4,050 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 Elizabeth Lake?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 6% of the 173 helicopter passes recorded over Elizabeth Lake. The one you see most is LASD (N953LA), 3 recorded passes. They typically fly at 3,700–4,250 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 Elizabeth Lake?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 3,600–4,100 ft; fire helicopters at 3,550–4,050 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 3,700–4,250 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 Elizabeth Lake?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 3.7 hours overhead across 140 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.