Helicopters over Lake Balboa

News helicopters over Lake Balboa

1,987 of 6,121 recorded passes over Lake Balboa were news helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 158.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: ABC NewsCopter (N828AP), 27 recorded passestypically 700–800 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.

Fire helicopters over Lake Balboa

1,584 of 6,121 recorded passes over Lake Balboa were fire helicopters — 26% of the traffic here, 175.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (Helitanker) (N43CU), 13 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 700–850 ft

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

Police helicopters over Lake Balboa

1,409 of 6,121 recorded passes over Lake Balboa were police helicopters — 23% of the traffic here, 114.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N233LA), 14 recorded passestypically 850–1,250 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 Lake Balboa

1,111 of 6,121 recorded passes over Lake Balboa were private and charter helicopters — 18% of the traffic here, 72 hours overhead in total.

typically 800–1,200 ft

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

Is that a news helicopter over Lake Balboa?

News helicopters account for 32% of the 6,121 helicopter passes recorded over Lake Balboa. The one you see most is ABC NewsCopter (N828AP), 27 recorded passes. They typically fly at 700–800 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Lake Balboa?

Fire helicopters account for 26% of the 6,121 helicopter passes recorded over Lake Balboa. The one you see most is LA Co FD (Helitanker) (N43CU), 13 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 700–850 ft above sea level. 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 Lake Balboa?

Police helicopters account for 23% of the 6,121 helicopter passes recorded over Lake Balboa. The one you see most is LAPD (N233LA), 14 recorded passes. They typically fly at 850–1,250 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Lake Balboa?

From the passes recorded here: news helicopters at 700–800 ft; fire helicopters at 700–850 ft; police helicopters at 850–1,250 ft; private and charter helicopters at 800–1,200 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 Lake Balboa?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are fire helicopters: 175.2 hours overhead across 1,584 recorded passes. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

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.