Helicopters over Pacoima

News helicopters over Pacoima

693 of 1,949 recorded passes over Pacoima were news helicopters — 36% of the traffic here, 50.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 58 recorded passestypically 1,000–1,500 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.

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Pacoima

589 of 1,949 recorded passes over Pacoima were fire and air-medical helicopters — 30% of the traffic here, 44 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 18 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 850–1,000 ft

Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Private and charter helicopters over Pacoima

316 of 1,949 recorded passes over Pacoima were private and charter helicopters — 16% of the traffic here, 38 hours overhead in total.

usually 11am–2pmtypically 900–1,500 ft

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

Police helicopters over Pacoima

254 of 1,949 recorded passes over Pacoima were police helicopters — 13% of the traffic here, 23.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N223LA), 10 recorded passestypically 1,350–1,500 ft

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

Is that a news helicopter over Pacoima?

News helicopters account for 36% of the 1,949 helicopter passes recorded over Pacoima. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 58 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,000–1,500 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Pacoima?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 30% of the 1,949 helicopter passes recorded over Pacoima. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 18 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 850–1,000 ft above sea level. Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Pacoima?

Police helicopters account for 13% of the 1,949 helicopter passes recorded over Pacoima. The one you see most is LAPD (N223LA), 10 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,350–1,500 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Pacoima?

From the passes recorded here: news helicopters at 1,000–1,500 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 850–1,000 ft; private and charter helicopters at 900–1,500 ft; police helicopters at 1,350–1,500 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 Pacoima?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are news helicopters: 50.3 hours overhead across 693 recorded passes. 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.

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.