Helicopters over Irwindale

Police helicopters over Irwindale

328 of 916 recorded passes over Irwindale were police helicopters — 36% of the traffic here, 17.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 48 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 1,300–1,800 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 Irwindale

294 of 916 recorded passes over Irwindale were private and charter helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 13.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Universal Aviators Academy (N16HF), 24 recorded passesusually 11am–2pmtypically 900–1,500 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 Irwindale

141 of 916 recorded passes over Irwindale were sheriff's helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 5.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N955LA), 15 recorded passestypically 1,050–1,350 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Irwindale

64 of 916 recorded passes over Irwindale were fire helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 6.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 12 recorded passesusually 5am–8amtypically 1,200–1,750 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 Irwindale?

Police helicopters account for 36% of the 916 helicopter passes recorded over Irwindale. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 48 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 1,300–1,800 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 Irwindale?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 15% of the 916 helicopter passes recorded over Irwindale. The one you see most is LASD (N955LA), 15 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,050–1,350 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Irwindale?

Fire helicopters account for 7% of the 916 helicopter passes recorded over Irwindale. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 12 recorded passes. They are usually 5am–8am here. They typically fly at 1,200–1,750 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 Irwindale?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,300–1,800 ft; private and charter helicopters at 900–1,500 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,050–1,350 ft; fire helicopters at 1,200–1,750 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 Irwindale?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 17.6 hours overhead across 328 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.