Helicopters over Pacific Palisades

Police helicopters over Pacific Palisades

444 of 1,076 recorded passes over Pacific Palisades were police helicopters — 41% of the traffic here, 27.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N213PF), 22 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 200–450 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 Pacific Palisades

411 of 1,076 recorded passes over Pacific Palisades were private and charter helicopters — 38% of the traffic here, 12.7 hours overhead in total.

typically 500–1,200 ft

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

News helicopters over Pacific Palisades

78 of 1,076 recorded passes over Pacific Palisades were news helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 11 hours overhead in total.

Most often: SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 4 recorded passesusually 7am–10amtypically 700–1,200 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.

Sheriff's helicopters over Pacific Palisades

63 of 1,076 recorded passes over Pacific Palisades were sheriff's helicopters — 6% of the traffic here, 1.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N958LA), 4 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 450–1,300 ft

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 Pacific Palisades?

Police helicopters account for 41% of the 1,076 helicopter passes recorded over Pacific Palisades. The one you see most is LAPD (N213PF), 22 recorded passes. They are usually 12pm–3pm here. They typically fly at 200–450 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 a news helicopter over Pacific Palisades?

News helicopters account for 7% of the 1,076 helicopter passes recorded over Pacific Palisades. The one you see most is SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 4 recorded passes. They are usually 7am–10am here. They typically fly at 700–1,200 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Pacific Palisades?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 6% of the 1,076 helicopter passes recorded over Pacific Palisades. The one you see most is LASD (N958LA), 4 recorded passes. They are usually 1pm–4pm here. They typically fly at 450–1,300 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Pacific Palisades?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 200–450 ft; private and charter helicopters at 500–1,200 ft; news helicopters at 700–1,200 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 450–1,300 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 Pacific Palisades?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 27.7 hours overhead across 444 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 AirWatch 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.