Helicopters over La Crescenta

Police helicopters over La Crescenta

289 of 748 recorded passes over La Crescenta were police helicopters — 39% of the traffic here, 18.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Glendale PD (N818PD), 51 recorded passestypically 2,200–2,700 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 helicopters over La Crescenta

168 of 748 recorded passes over La Crescenta were fire helicopters — 22% of the traffic here, 3.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 15 recorded passestypically 2,600–3,250 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over La Crescenta

149 of 748 recorded passes over La Crescenta were private and charter helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 16.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Salmon River Helicopters (N155DB), 10 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 2,150–3,200 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

72 of 748 recorded passes over La Crescenta were news helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 10 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 2,200–2,650 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 39% of the 748 helicopter passes recorded over La Crescenta. The one you see most is Glendale PD (N818PD), 51 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,200–2,700 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 helicopters account for 22% of the 748 helicopter passes recorded over La Crescenta. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 15 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,600–3,250 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that a news helicopter over La Crescenta?

News helicopters account for 10% of the 748 helicopter passes recorded over La Crescenta. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 10 recorded passes. They are usually 12pm–3pm here. They typically fly at 2,200–2,650 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 2,200–2,700 ft; fire helicopters at 2,600–3,250 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,150–3,200 ft; news helicopters at 2,200–2,650 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 police helicopters: 18.4 hours overhead across 289 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.