Helicopters over Orange

Private and charter helicopters over Orange

730 of 1,487 recorded passes over Orange were private and charter helicopters — 49% of the traffic here, 37.9 hours overhead in total.

typically 950–1,300 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 Orange

302 of 1,487 recorded passes over Orange were sheriff's helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 11.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Orange County Sheriff's Department (N183SD), 16 recorded passestypically 750–1,100 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 Orange

300 of 1,487 recorded passes over Orange were police helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 14.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Anaheim PD (N826PD), 24 recorded passestypically 800–1,100 ft

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

Air ambulances over Orange

49 of 1,487 recorded passes over Orange were air ambulances — 3% of the traffic here, 2.7 hours overhead in total.

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 Orange?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 20% of the 1,487 helicopter passes recorded over Orange. The one you see most is Orange County Sheriff's Department (N183SD), 16 recorded passes. They typically fly at 750–1,100 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 Orange?

Police helicopters account for 20% of the 1,487 helicopter passes recorded over Orange. The one you see most is Anaheim PD (N826PD), 24 recorded passes. They typically fly at 800–1,100 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.

Is that an air ambulance over Orange?

Air ambulances account for 3% of the 1,487 helicopter passes recorded over Orange. 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 Orange?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 950–1,300 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 750–1,100 ft; police helicopters at 800–1,100 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 Orange?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 37.9 hours overhead across 730 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.