Helicopters over Granada Hills

Police helicopters over Granada Hills

236 of 624 recorded passes over Granada Hills were police helicopters — 38% of the traffic here, 9.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 18 recorded passestypically 1,450–1,650 ft

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

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Granada Hills

186 of 624 recorded passes over Granada Hills were fire and air-medical helicopters — 30% of the traffic here, 4.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N306FD), 19 recorded passesusually 10am–1pmtypically 1,350–1,600 ft

Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Private and charter helicopters over Granada Hills

108 of 624 recorded passes over Granada Hills were private and charter helicopters — 17% of the traffic here, 2.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Kolibri Aviation (N991CW), 4 recorded passestypically 1,350–2,300 ft

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

News helicopters over Granada Hills

87 of 624 recorded passes over Granada Hills were news helicopters — 14% of the traffic here, 2.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: SkyCAL / SkyFOX 11 (N39CL), 6 recorded passesusually 10am–1pmtypically 1,400–1,600 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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Granada Hills?

Police helicopters account for 38% of the 624 helicopter passes recorded over Granada Hills. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 18 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,450–1,650 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 Granada Hills?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 30% of the 624 helicopter passes recorded over Granada Hills. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N306FD), 19 recorded passes. They are usually 10am–1pm here. They typically fly at 1,350–1,600 ft above sea level. Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that a news helicopter over Granada Hills?

News helicopters account for 14% of the 624 helicopter passes recorded over Granada Hills. The one you see most is SkyCAL / SkyFOX 11 (N39CL), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 10am–1pm here. They typically fly at 1,400–1,600 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Granada Hills?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,450–1,650 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,350–1,600 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,350–2,300 ft; news helicopters at 1,400–1,600 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 Granada Hills?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 9.2 hours overhead across 236 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 AirWatch 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.