Helicopters over Littlerock

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Littlerock

56 of 171 recorded passes over Littlerock were fire and air-medical helicopters — 33% of the traffic here, 8.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N190LA), 10 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 3,050–3,750 ft

Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Sheriff's helicopters over Littlerock

44 of 171 recorded passes over Littlerock were sheriff's helicopters — 26% of the traffic here, 3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N951LA), 9 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 3,350–3,850 ft

Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

Private and charter helicopters over Littlerock

41 of 171 recorded passes over Littlerock were private and charter helicopters — 24% of the traffic here, 1.6 hours overhead in total.

typically 3,800–6,300 ft

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

News helicopters over Littlerock

16 of 171 recorded passes over Littlerock were news helicopters — 9% of the traffic here, 1.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 5 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 3,800–6,800 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Littlerock?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 33% of the 171 helicopter passes recorded over Littlerock. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N190LA), 10 recorded passes. They are usually 12pm–3pm here. They typically fly at 3,050–3,750 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 sheriff's helicopter over Littlerock?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 26% of the 171 helicopter passes recorded over Littlerock. The one you see most is LASD (N951LA), 9 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 3,350–3,850 ft above sea level. Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

Is that a news helicopter over Littlerock?

News helicopters account for 9% of the 171 helicopter passes recorded over Littlerock. The one you see most is SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 2pm–5pm here. They typically fly at 3,800–6,800 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Littlerock?

From the passes recorded here: fire and air-medical helicopters at 3,050–3,750 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 3,350–3,850 ft; private and charter helicopters at 3,800–6,300 ft; news helicopters at 3,800–6,800 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 Littlerock?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are fire and air-medical helicopters: 8.2 hours overhead across 56 recorded passes. Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — 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 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.