Helicopters over Mount Wilson

Private and charter helicopters over Mount Wilson

260 of 751 recorded passes over Mount Wilson were private and charter helicopters — 35% of the traffic here, 24.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Rotorcraft Support (N407GH), 54 recorded passestypically 2,900–4,450 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 Mount Wilson

212 of 751 recorded passes over Mount Wilson were sheriff's helicopters — 28% of the traffic here, 16.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N959LA), 13 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 3,600–4,400 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Mount Wilson

141 of 751 recorded passes over Mount Wilson were fire helicopters — 19% of the traffic here, 10.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 16 recorded passestypically 3,650–4,900 ft

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

Police helicopters over Mount Wilson

97 of 751 recorded passes over Mount Wilson were police helicopters — 13% of the traffic here, 5.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 21 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 1,800–2,200 ft

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 a sheriff's helicopter over Mount Wilson?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 28% of the 751 helicopter passes recorded over Mount Wilson. The one you see most is LASD (N959LA), 13 recorded passes. They are usually 2pm–5pm here. They typically fly at 3,600–4,400 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 fire helicopter over Mount Wilson?

Fire helicopters account for 19% of the 751 helicopter passes recorded over Mount Wilson. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 16 recorded passes. They typically fly at 3,650–4,900 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Mount Wilson?

Police helicopters account for 13% of the 751 helicopter passes recorded over Mount Wilson. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 21 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 1,800–2,200 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 Mount Wilson?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 2,900–4,450 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 3,600–4,400 ft; fire helicopters at 3,650–4,900 ft; police helicopters at 1,800–2,200 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 Mount Wilson?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 24.3 hours overhead across 260 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.