Helicopters over Modjeska Canyon

Fire helicopters over Modjeska Canyon

33 of 93 recorded passes over Modjeska Canyon were fire helicopters — 35% of the traffic here, 0.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Orange Co Fire (N412FA), 12 recorded passestypically 1,850–2,300 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Modjeska Canyon

30 of 93 recorded passes over Modjeska Canyon were private and charter helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 1.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Vertical (N411MB), 5 recorded passesusually 11am–2pmtypically 2,400–3,350 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Modjeska Canyon

14 of 93 recorded passes over Modjeska Canyon were sheriff's helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 0.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Orange County Sheriff's Department (N185SD), 9 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,850–2,250 ft

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

Military helicopters over Modjeska Canyon

13 of 93 recorded passes over Modjeska Canyon were military helicopters — 14% of the traffic here, 0.4 hours overhead in total.

usually 11am–2pmtypically 2,250–2,750 ft

Military aircraft are almost always transiting between bases or on training flights; they rarely orbit a neighborhood.

Why is a fire helicopter over Modjeska Canyon?

Fire helicopters account for 35% of the 93 helicopter passes recorded over Modjeska Canyon. The one you see most is Orange Co Fire (N412FA), 12 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,850–2,300 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Modjeska Canyon?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 15% of the 93 helicopter passes recorded over Modjeska Canyon. The one you see most is Orange County Sheriff's Department (N185SD), 9 recorded passes. They are usually 2pm–5pm here. They typically fly at 1,850–2,250 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 Modjeska Canyon?

From the passes recorded here: fire helicopters at 1,850–2,300 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,400–3,350 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,850–2,250 ft; military helicopters at 2,250–2,750 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 Modjeska Canyon?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 1.5 hours overhead across 30 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.