Helicopters over Malibu

Private and charter helicopters over Malibu

283 of 620 recorded passes over Malibu were private and charter helicopters — 46% of the traffic here, 20.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Charlie Papa (N444NC), 13 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 350–900 ft

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

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Malibu

106 of 620 recorded passes over Malibu were fire and air-medical helicopters — 17% of the traffic here, 10.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N822LA), 33 recorded passestypically 450–1,500 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 Malibu

96 of 620 recorded passes over Malibu were sheriff's helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 9.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N962LA), 16 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 150–600 ft

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

Police helicopters over Malibu

77 of 620 recorded passes over Malibu were police helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 8.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 8 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 250–400 ft

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

Why is a fire helicopter over Malibu?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 17% of the 620 helicopter passes recorded over Malibu. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N822LA), 33 recorded passes. They typically fly at 450–1,500 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 Malibu?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 15% of the 620 helicopter passes recorded over Malibu. The one you see most is LASD (N962LA), 16 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 150–600 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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Malibu?

Police helicopters account for 12% of the 620 helicopter passes recorded over Malibu. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 8 recorded passes. They are usually 12pm–3pm here. They typically fly at 250–400 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 Malibu?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 350–900 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 450–1,500 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 150–600 ft; police helicopters at 250–400 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: 20.9 hours overhead across 283 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 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.