Helicopters over La Palma

Police helicopters over La Palma

107 of 175 recorded passes over La Palma were police helicopters — 61% of the traffic here, 3.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: SkyKnight (N930DK), 43 recorded passesusually 5pm–8pmtypically 550–750 ft

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

Military helicopters over La Palma

24 of 175 recorded passes over La Palma were military helicopters — 14% of the traffic here, 0.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: US ARMY (20-21168), 7 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,200–1,550 ft

Military aircraft are almost always transiting between bases or on training flights; they rarely orbit a neighborhood.

Private and charter helicopters over La Palma

19 of 175 recorded passes over La Palma were private and charter helicopters — 11% of the traffic here, 0.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Patriot Aviation (N157PA), 3 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 800–1,150 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 Palma

14 of 175 recorded passes over La Palma were news helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 0.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: AIR7 (N71HD), 3 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 1,000–1,200 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 Palma?

Police helicopters account for 61% of the 175 helicopter passes recorded over La Palma. The one you see most is SkyKnight (N930DK), 43 recorded passes. They are usually 5pm–8pm here. They typically fly at 550–750 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 news helicopter over La Palma?

News helicopters account for 8% of the 175 helicopter passes recorded over La Palma. The one you see most is AIR7 (N71HD), 3 recorded passes. They are usually 12pm–3pm here. They typically fly at 1,000–1,200 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 Palma?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 550–750 ft; military helicopters at 1,200–1,550 ft; private and charter helicopters at 800–1,150 ft; news helicopters at 1,000–1,200 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 Palma?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 3.7 hours overhead across 107 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.