Helicopters over San Dimas

Private and charter helicopters over San Dimas

194 of 581 recorded passes over San Dimas were private and charter helicopters — 33% of the traffic here, 5.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Blue Sky (N286G), 13 recorded passestypically 1,300–1,800 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 San Dimas

185 of 581 recorded passes over San Dimas were fire and air-medical helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 33 recorded passesusually 5am–8amtypically 1,200–1,500 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 San Dimas

71 of 581 recorded passes over San Dimas were sheriff's helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 6.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N956LA), 10 recorded passestypically 1,300–1,550 ft

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

Police helicopters over San Dimas

66 of 581 recorded passes over San Dimas were police helicopters — 11% of the traffic here, 3.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 12 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 1,450–1,900 ft

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

Why is a fire helicopter over San Dimas?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 32% of the 581 helicopter passes recorded over San Dimas. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 33 recorded passes. They are usually 5am–8am here. They typically fly at 1,200–1,500 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 San Dimas?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 12% of the 581 helicopter passes recorded over San Dimas. The one you see most is LASD (N956LA), 10 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,300–1,550 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 Dimas?

Police helicopters account for 11% of the 581 helicopter passes recorded over San Dimas. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 12 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 1,450–1,900 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.

How high do helicopters fly over San Dimas?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,300–1,800 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,200–1,500 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,300–1,550 ft; police helicopters at 1,450–1,900 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 Dimas?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 6.2 hours overhead across 71 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.