Helicopters over Playa del Rey

Police helicopters over Playa del Rey

34 of 75 recorded passes over Playa del Rey were police helicopters — 45% of the traffic here, 1.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N213PF), 5 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 150–300 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 Playa del Rey

24 of 75 recorded passes over Playa del Rey were private and charter helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 1.2 hours overhead in total.

typically 1,450–3,600 ft

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

Military helicopters over Playa del Rey

9 of 75 recorded passes over Playa del Rey were military helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 0.2 hours overhead in total.

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

Why is a police helicopter circling over Playa del Rey?

Police helicopters account for 45% of the 75 helicopter passes recorded over Playa del Rey. The one you see most is LAPD (N213PF), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 12pm–3pm here. They typically fly at 150–300 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 Playa del Rey?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 150–300 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,450–3,600 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 Playa del Rey?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 1.2 hours overhead across 24 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.