Helicopters over Monrovia

Police helicopters over Monrovia

603 of 1,177 recorded passes over Monrovia were police helicopters — 51% of the traffic here, 24.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 69 recorded passestypically 1,600–2,100 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Monrovia

239 of 1,177 recorded passes over Monrovia were private and charter helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 5.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Southern California Edison (N817CE), 6 recorded passesusually 11am–2pmtypically 1,200–2,550 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Monrovia

144 of 1,177 recorded passes over Monrovia were fire helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 11 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 1,850–3,200 ft

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

News helicopters over Monrovia

84 of 1,177 recorded passes over Monrovia were news helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 2.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: ABC NewsCopter (N828AP), 4 recorded passestypically 1,400–2,600 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 police helicopter circling over Monrovia?

Police helicopters account for 51% of the 1,177 helicopter passes recorded over Monrovia. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 69 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,600–2,100 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Monrovia?

Fire helicopters account for 12% of the 1,177 helicopter passes recorded over Monrovia. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 11 recorded passes. They are usually 1pm–4pm here. They typically fly at 1,850–3,200 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 news helicopter over Monrovia?

News helicopters account for 7% of the 1,177 helicopter passes recorded over Monrovia. The one you see most is ABC NewsCopter (N828AP), 4 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,400–2,600 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 Monrovia?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,600–2,100 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,200–2,550 ft; fire helicopters at 1,850–3,200 ft; news helicopters at 1,400–2,600 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 Monrovia?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 24.5 hours overhead across 603 recorded passes. Police aircraft typically fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot to support officers on the ground, and can hold for a long time.

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.