Helicopters over Glendale

Police helicopters over Glendale

1,187 of 2,594 recorded passes over Glendale were police helicopters — 46% of the traffic here, 82.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Glendale PD (N818PD), 27 recorded passestypically 1,100–1,550 ft

Police aircraft typically fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot to support officers on the ground, and can hold for a long time.

News helicopters over Glendale

541 of 2,594 recorded passes over Glendale were news helicopters — 21% of the traffic here, 18.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 17 recorded passestypically 1,150–1,550 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.

Private and charter helicopters over Glendale

423 of 2,594 recorded passes over Glendale were private and charter helicopters — 16% of the traffic here, 10.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: City Of Los Angeles Department Of Water & Power (N706WP), 5 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,000–1,650 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Glendale

247 of 2,594 recorded passes over Glendale were fire helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 7.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 9 recorded passestypically 1,050–1,300 ft

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

Why is a police helicopter circling over Glendale?

Police helicopters account for 46% of the 2,594 helicopter passes recorded over Glendale. The one you see most is Glendale PD (N818PD), 27 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,100–1,550 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 Glendale?

News helicopters account for 21% of the 2,594 helicopter passes recorded over Glendale. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 17 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,150–1,550 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Glendale?

Fire helicopters account for 10% of the 2,594 helicopter passes recorded over Glendale. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 9 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,050–1,300 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Glendale?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,100–1,550 ft; news helicopters at 1,150–1,550 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,000–1,650 ft; fire helicopters at 1,050–1,300 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 Glendale?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 82.2 hours overhead across 1,187 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.