Helicopters over Palmdale

Private and charter helicopters over Palmdale

158 of 496 recorded passes over Palmdale were private and charter helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 9.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Southern California Edison (N810CE), 10 recorded passestypically 2,850–3,900 ft

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

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Palmdale

147 of 496 recorded passes over Palmdale were fire and air-medical helicopters — 30% of the traffic here, 9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N15LA), 46 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 2,750–3,000 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Palmdale

138 of 496 recorded passes over Palmdale were sheriff's helicopters — 28% of the traffic here, 11.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N958LA), 22 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 3,050–3,650 ft

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

Military helicopters over Palmdale

30 of 496 recorded passes over Palmdale were military helicopters — 6% of the traffic here, 1.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: US ARMY (18-20980), 4 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 3,950–6,750 ft

Military aircraft are almost always transiting between bases or on training flights; they rarely orbit a neighborhood.

Why is a fire helicopter over Palmdale?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 30% of the 496 helicopter passes recorded over Palmdale. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N15LA), 46 recorded passes. They are usually 1pm–4pm here. They typically fly at 2,750–3,000 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Palmdale?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 28% of the 496 helicopter passes recorded over Palmdale. The one you see most is LASD (N958LA), 22 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 3,050–3,650 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 Palmdale?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 2,850–3,900 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 2,750–3,000 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 3,050–3,650 ft; military helicopters at 3,950–6,750 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 Palmdale?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 11.2 hours overhead across 138 recorded passes. Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

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.