Helicopters over Malibu

Private and charter helicopters over Malibu

452 of 1,002 recorded passes over Malibu were private and charter helicopters — 45% of the traffic here, 37.1 hours overhead in total.

usually 12pm–3pmtypically 450–1,550 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Malibu

187 of 1,002 recorded passes over Malibu were fire helicopters — 19% of the traffic here, 19.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N190LA), 32 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 1,400–1,850 ft

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

Police helicopters over Malibu

125 of 1,002 recorded passes over Malibu were police helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 13.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N229LA), 6 recorded passesusually 11am–2pmtypically 350–550 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Malibu

110 of 1,002 recorded passes over Malibu were sheriff's helicopters — 11% of the traffic here, 11.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N960LA), 5 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 150–350 ft

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

Why is a fire helicopter over Malibu?

Fire helicopters account for 19% of the 1,002 helicopter passes recorded over Malibu. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N190LA), 32 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 1,400–1,850 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 Malibu?

Police helicopters account for 12% of the 1,002 helicopter passes recorded over Malibu. The one you see most is LAPD (N229LA), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 11am–2pm here. They typically fly at 350–550 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 sheriff's helicopter over Malibu?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 11% of the 1,002 helicopter passes recorded over Malibu. The one you see most is LASD (N960LA), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 8am–11am here. They typically fly at 150–350 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Malibu?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 450–1,550 ft; fire helicopters at 1,400–1,850 ft; police helicopters at 350–550 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 150–350 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 Malibu?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 37.1 hours overhead across 452 recorded passes. Private and charter aircraft are usually in transit, on a tour or a survey flight, and pass through without stopping.

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.