Helicopters over Fontana

Police helicopters over Fontana

407 of 996 recorded passes over Fontana were police helicopters — 41% of the traffic here, 63.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Fontana PD (N166PD), 55 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 1,550–1,950 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 Fontana

325 of 996 recorded passes over Fontana were private and charter helicopters — 33% of the traffic here, 25.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: City Of Fontana California (N462PD), 19 recorded passestypically 1,650–1,950 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Fontana

203 of 996 recorded passes over Fontana were sheriff's helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 11.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: San Bernardino County Sheriffs Dept (N831SB), 22 recorded passestypically 1,600–1,900 ft

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

News helicopters over Fontana

25 of 996 recorded passes over Fontana were news helicopters — 3% of the traffic here, 0.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 3 recorded passes

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 Fontana?

Police helicopters account for 41% of the 996 helicopter passes recorded over Fontana. The one you see most is Fontana PD (N166PD), 55 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 1,550–1,950 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 Fontana?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 20% of the 996 helicopter passes recorded over Fontana. The one you see most is San Bernardino County Sheriffs Dept (N831SB), 22 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,600–1,900 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.

Is that a news helicopter over Fontana?

News helicopters account for 3% of the 996 helicopter passes recorded over Fontana. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 3 recorded passes. 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 Fontana?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,550–1,950 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,650–1,950 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,600–1,900 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 Fontana?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 63.6 hours overhead across 407 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.