Helicopters over Mojave

Private and charter helicopters over Mojave

366 of 484 recorded passes over Mojave were private and charter helicopters — 76% of the traffic here, 63.6 hours overhead in total.

typically 3,400–5,400 ft

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

Military helicopters over Mojave

75 of 484 recorded passes over Mojave were military helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 5.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: 2c Helicopters (N357CR), 10 recorded passesusually 10am–1pmtypically 2,700–5,650 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Mojave

23 of 484 recorded passes over Mojave were fire helicopters — 5% of the traffic here, 1.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: National Test Pilot School (N173FR), 4 recorded passes

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

Air ambulances over Mojave

17 of 484 recorded passes over Mojave were air ambulances — 4% of the traffic here, 1.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Air Methods (N224AM), 10 recorded passestypically 3,600–5,300 ft

Air ambulances carry patients to and between hospitals. They usually fly straight in and out, often with a short circle over the landing site before they set down.

Why is a fire helicopter over Mojave?

Fire helicopters account for 5% of the 484 helicopter passes recorded over Mojave. The one you see most is National Test Pilot School (N173FR), 4 recorded passes. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that an air ambulance over Mojave?

Air ambulances account for 4% of the 484 helicopter passes recorded over Mojave. The one you see most is Air Methods (N224AM), 10 recorded passes. They typically fly at 3,600–5,300 ft above sea level. Air ambulances carry patients to and between hospitals. They usually fly straight in and out, often with a short circle over the landing site before they set down.

How high do helicopters fly over Mojave?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 3,400–5,400 ft; military helicopters at 2,700–5,650 ft; air ambulances at 3,600–5,300 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 Mojave?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 63.6 hours overhead across 366 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.