Helicopters over La Crescenta

Police helicopters over La Crescenta

179 of 481 recorded passes over La Crescenta were police helicopters — 37% of the traffic here, 12.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Glendale PD (N818PD), 42 recorded passesusually 6pm–9pmtypically 2,200–2,650 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 La Crescenta

112 of 481 recorded passes over La Crescenta were fire and air-medical helicopters — 23% of the traffic here, 2.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 11 recorded passestypically 2,500–3,400 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 Crescenta

92 of 481 recorded passes over La Crescenta were private and charter helicopters — 19% of the traffic here, 14.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Salmon River Helicopters (N721AX), 11 recorded passestypically 2,600–3,750 ft

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

News helicopters over La Crescenta

54 of 481 recorded passes over La Crescenta were news helicopters — 11% of the traffic here, 3.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 8 recorded passesusually 10am–1pmtypically 2,250–2,500 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 La Crescenta?

Police helicopters account for 37% of the 481 helicopter passes recorded over La Crescenta. The one you see most is Glendale PD (N818PD), 42 recorded passes. They are usually 6pm–9pm here. They typically fly at 2,200–2,650 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 La Crescenta?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 23% of the 481 helicopter passes recorded over La Crescenta. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 11 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,500–3,400 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 La Crescenta?

News helicopters account for 11% of the 481 helicopter passes recorded over La Crescenta. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 8 recorded passes. They are usually 10am–1pm here. They typically fly at 2,250–2,500 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 La Crescenta?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 2,200–2,650 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 2,500–3,400 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,600–3,750 ft; news helicopters at 2,250–2,500 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 Crescenta?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 14.2 hours overhead across 92 recorded passes. Private and charter aircraft are usually in transit, on a tour or a survey flight, and pass through without stopping.

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.