Helicopters over La Cañada

Police helicopters over La Cañada

533 of 882 recorded passes over La Cañada were police helicopters — 60% of the traffic here, 29.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 54 recorded passestypically 1,300–2,100 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 La Cañada

117 of 882 recorded passes over La Cañada were fire and air-medical helicopters — 13% of the traffic here, 3.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N15LA), 6 recorded passestypically 1,550–2,700 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 La Cañada

103 of 882 recorded passes over La Cañada were private and charter helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 16 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Blue Sky (N286G), 4 recorded passestypically 2,350–2,900 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 La Cañada

63 of 882 recorded passes over La Cañada were sheriff's helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 2.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N959LA), 6 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 1,900–2,150 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 police helicopter circling over La Cañada?

Police helicopters account for 60% of the 882 helicopter passes recorded over La Cañada. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 54 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,300–2,100 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 La Cañada?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 13% of the 882 helicopter passes recorded over La Cañada. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N15LA), 6 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,550–2,700 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 sheriff's helicopter over La Cañada?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 7% of the 882 helicopter passes recorded over La Cañada. The one you see most is LASD (N959LA), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 1,900–2,150 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 La Cañada?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,300–2,100 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,550–2,700 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,350–2,900 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,900–2,150 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 La Cañada?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 29.9 hours overhead across 533 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.