Helicopters over Northwood

Private and charter helicopters over Northwood

162 of 238 recorded passes over Northwood were private and charter helicopters — 68% of the traffic here, 5.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Vertical (N23HS), 39 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 900–1,500 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 Northwood

36 of 238 recorded passes over Northwood were sheriff's helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 1.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Orange County Sheriff's Department (N185SD), 18 recorded passestypically 700–1,150 ft

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

Police helicopters over Northwood

17 of 238 recorded passes over Northwood were police helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 1.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Anaheim PD (N326PD), 7 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 850–1,100 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Northwood

9 of 238 recorded passes over Northwood were fire helicopters — 4% of the traffic here, 0.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Orange Co Fire (N412FA), 4 recorded passes

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 Northwood?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 15% of the 238 helicopter passes recorded over Northwood. The one you see most is Orange County Sheriff's Department (N185SD), 18 recorded passes. They typically fly at 700–1,150 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 Northwood?

Police helicopters account for 7% of the 238 helicopter passes recorded over Northwood. The one you see most is Anaheim PD (N326PD), 7 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 850–1,100 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 Northwood?

Fire helicopters account for 4% of the 238 helicopter passes recorded over Northwood. The one you see most is Orange Co Fire (N412FA), 4 recorded passes. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Northwood?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 900–1,500 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 700–1,150 ft; police helicopters at 850–1,100 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 Northwood?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 5.1 hours overhead across 162 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.