Helicopters over Moreno Valley

Sheriff's helicopters over Moreno Valley

267 of 611 recorded passes over Moreno Valley were sheriff's helicopters — 44% of the traffic here, 25.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Riverside Sheriff (N996RS), 34 recorded passestypically 2,100–2,300 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Moreno Valley

200 of 611 recorded passes over Moreno Valley were private and charter helicopters — 33% of the traffic here, 5.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Kamasano (N363SK), 14 recorded passestypically 2,350–3,100 ft

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

Police helicopters over Moreno Valley

89 of 611 recorded passes over Moreno Valley were police helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Riverside PD (N911RP), 35 recorded passestypically 2,100–2,500 ft

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

Air ambulances over Moreno Valley

29 of 611 recorded passes over Moreno Valley were air ambulances — 5% of the traffic here, 0.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Air Methods (N766ME), 12 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 2,400–3,250 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Moreno Valley?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 44% of the 611 helicopter passes recorded over Moreno Valley. The one you see most is Riverside Sheriff (N996RS), 34 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,100–2,300 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 Moreno Valley?

Police helicopters account for 15% of the 611 helicopter passes recorded over Moreno Valley. The one you see most is Riverside PD (N911RP), 35 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,100–2,500 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 an air ambulance over Moreno Valley?

Air ambulances account for 5% of the 611 helicopter passes recorded over Moreno Valley. The one you see most is Air Methods (N766ME), 12 recorded passes. They are usually 8am–11am here. They typically fly at 2,400–3,250 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 Moreno Valley?

From the passes recorded here: sheriff's helicopters at 2,100–2,300 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,350–3,100 ft; police helicopters at 2,100–2,500 ft; air ambulances at 2,400–3,250 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 Moreno Valley?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 25.3 hours overhead across 267 recorded passes. Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

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.