Helicopters over Shadow Hills

Private and charter helicopters over Shadow Hills

127 of 320 recorded passes over Shadow Hills were private and charter helicopters — 40% of the traffic here, 3.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LADWP (N704WP), 36 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,500–1,900 ft

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

Police helicopters over Shadow Hills

83 of 320 recorded passes over Shadow Hills were police helicopters — 26% of the traffic here, 6.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 8 recorded passestypically 1,450–1,750 ft

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

News helicopters over Shadow Hills

59 of 320 recorded passes over Shadow Hills were news helicopters — 18% of the traffic here, 3.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 14 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 1,700–2,100 ft

News helicopters hold a wider circle at a higher altitude and arrive after a story is already underway; several at once usually means something is being covered live.

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Shadow Hills

39 of 320 recorded passes over Shadow Hills were fire and air-medical helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 2.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Fire/EMS (N307FD), 10 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,500–1,800 ft

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

Why is a police helicopter circling over Shadow Hills?

Police helicopters account for 26% of the 320 helicopter passes recorded over Shadow Hills. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 8 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,450–1,750 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 a news helicopter over Shadow Hills?

News helicopters account for 18% of the 320 helicopter passes recorded over Shadow Hills. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 14 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 1,700–2,100 ft above sea level. News helicopters hold a wider circle at a higher altitude and arrive after a story is already underway; several at once usually means something is being covered live.

Why is a fire helicopter over Shadow Hills?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 12% of the 320 helicopter passes recorded over Shadow Hills. The one you see most is Fire/EMS (N307FD), 10 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,500–1,800 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 Shadow Hills?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,500–1,900 ft; police helicopters at 1,450–1,750 ft; news helicopters at 1,700–2,100 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,500–1,800 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 Shadow Hills?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 6.3 hours overhead across 83 recorded passes. Police aircraft typically fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot to support officers on the ground, and can hold for a long time.

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.