Helicopters over San Bernardino

Sheriff's helicopters over San Bernardino

981 of 1,944 recorded passes over San Bernardino were sheriff's helicopters — 50% of the traffic here, 66.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N835SB), 59 recorded passestypically 1,500–1,750 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 San Bernardino

630 of 1,944 recorded passes over San Bernardino were private and charter helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 17.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: City Of Fontana California (N462PD), 5 recorded passesusually 7pm–10pmtypically 1,500–2,000 ft

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

Police helicopters over San Bernardino

157 of 1,944 recorded passes over San Bernardino were police helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 8.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Fontana PD (N166PD), 10 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 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.

Air ambulances over San Bernardino

103 of 1,944 recorded passes over San Bernardino were air ambulances — 5% of the traffic here, 2.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: REACH (N39RX), 10 recorded passestypically 1,600–2,500 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 San Bernardino?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 50% of the 1,944 helicopter passes recorded over San Bernardino. The one you see most is LASD (N835SB), 59 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,500–1,750 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 San Bernardino?

Police helicopters account for 8% of the 1,944 helicopter passes recorded over San Bernardino. The one you see most is Fontana PD (N166PD), 10 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. 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.

Is that an air ambulance over San Bernardino?

Air ambulances account for 5% of the 1,944 helicopter passes recorded over San Bernardino. The one you see most is REACH (N39RX), 10 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,600–2,500 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 San Bernardino?

From the passes recorded here: sheriff's helicopters at 1,500–1,750 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,500–2,000 ft; police helicopters at 1,350–1,500 ft; air ambulances at 1,600–2,500 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 San Bernardino?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 66.9 hours overhead across 981 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.