Helicopters over Rialto

Sheriff's helicopters over Rialto

446 of 1,134 recorded passes over Rialto were sheriff's helicopters — 39% of the traffic here, 26.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: San Bernardino County Sheriffs Dept (N831SB), 34 recorded passestypically 1,650–1,950 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 Rialto

407 of 1,134 recorded passes over Rialto were private and charter helicopters — 36% of the traffic here, 13.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: City Of Fontana California (N462PD), 8 recorded passestypically 1,700–2,200 ft

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

Police helicopters over Rialto

200 of 1,134 recorded passes over Rialto were police helicopters — 18% of the traffic here, 10.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Fontana PD (N166PD), 25 recorded passesusually 10pm–1amtypically 1,650–1,900 ft

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

Air ambulances over Rialto

46 of 1,134 recorded passes over Rialto were air ambulances — 4% of the traffic here, 1.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Air Methods (N160AM), 15 recorded passestypically 1,550–1,800 ft

Air ambulances carry patients to and between hospitals. They usually fly straight in and out, often with a short circle over the landing site before they set down.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Rialto?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 39% of the 1,134 helicopter passes recorded over Rialto. The one you see most is San Bernardino County Sheriffs Dept (N831SB), 34 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,650–1,950 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 police helicopter circling over Rialto?

Police helicopters account for 18% of the 1,134 helicopter passes recorded over Rialto. The one you see most is Fontana PD (N166PD), 25 recorded passes. They are usually 10pm–1am here. They typically fly at 1,650–1,900 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 an air ambulance over Rialto?

Air ambulances account for 4% of the 1,134 helicopter passes recorded over Rialto. The one you see most is Air Methods (N160AM), 15 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,550–1,800 ft above sea level. Air ambulances carry patients to and between hospitals. They usually fly straight in and out, often with a short circle over the landing site before they set down.

How high do helicopters fly over Rialto?

From the passes recorded here: sheriff's helicopters at 1,650–1,950 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,700–2,200 ft; police helicopters at 1,650–1,900 ft; air ambulances at 1,550–1,800 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 Rialto?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 26.4 hours overhead across 446 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 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.