Helicopters over Quartz Hill

Sheriff's helicopters over Quartz Hill

81 of 201 recorded passes over Quartz Hill were sheriff's helicopters — 40% of the traffic here, 3.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N958LA), 19 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 2,950–3,150 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Quartz Hill

63 of 201 recorded passes over Quartz Hill were private and charter helicopters — 31% of the traffic here, 1.7 hours overhead in total.

typically 3,000–3,600 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 Quartz Hill

43 of 201 recorded passes over Quartz Hill were fire and air-medical helicopters — 21% of the traffic here, 1.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N190LA), 16 recorded passestypically 3,000–3,350 ft

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

Military helicopters over Quartz Hill

9 of 201 recorded passes over Quartz Hill were military helicopters — 4% 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Quartz Hill?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 40% of the 201 helicopter passes recorded over Quartz Hill. The one you see most is LASD (N958LA), 19 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 2,950–3,150 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 fire helicopter over Quartz Hill?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 21% of the 201 helicopter passes recorded over Quartz Hill. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N190LA), 16 recorded passes. They typically fly at 3,000–3,350 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Quartz Hill?

From the passes recorded here: sheriff's helicopters at 2,950–3,150 ft; private and charter helicopters at 3,000–3,600 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 3,000–3,350 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 Quartz Hill?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 3.3 hours overhead across 81 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.