Helicopters over Lake View Terrace

Fire helicopters over Lake View Terrace

361 of 727 recorded passes over Lake View Terrace were fire helicopters — 50% of the traffic here, 13.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 32 recorded passestypically 1,850–2,200 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Lake View Terrace

235 of 727 recorded passes over Lake View Terrace were private and charter helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 8.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Rotorcraft Support (N407GH), 11 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 2,100–2,800 ft

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

Police helicopters over Lake View Terrace

40 of 727 recorded passes over Lake View Terrace were police helicopters — 6% of the traffic here, 2.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N213PF), 3 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 2,050–2,350 ft

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

News helicopters over Lake View Terrace

36 of 727 recorded passes over Lake View Terrace were news helicopters — 5% of the traffic here, 1.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: AIR7 (backup) (N29HD), 3 recorded passes

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 View Terrace?

Fire helicopters account for 50% of the 727 helicopter passes recorded over Lake View Terrace. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 32 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,850–2,200 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 View Terrace?

Police helicopters account for 6% of the 727 helicopter passes recorded over Lake View Terrace. The one you see most is LAPD (N213PF), 3 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 2,050–2,350 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 Lake View Terrace?

News helicopters account for 5% of the 727 helicopter passes recorded over Lake View Terrace. The one you see most is AIR7 (backup) (N29HD), 3 recorded passes. 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 Lake View Terrace?

From the passes recorded here: fire helicopters at 1,850–2,200 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,100–2,800 ft; police helicopters at 2,050–2,350 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 View Terrace?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are fire helicopters: 13.9 hours overhead across 361 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.