Helicopters over Sierra Madre

Police helicopters over Sierra Madre

675 of 1,259 recorded passes over Sierra Madre were police helicopters — 54% of the traffic here, 35.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 56 recorded passestypically 1,600–2,100 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Sierra Madre

248 of 1,259 recorded passes over Sierra Madre were private and charter helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 9.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Southern California Edison (N816CE), 5 recorded passestypically 1,600–2,600 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Sierra Madre

155 of 1,259 recorded passes over Sierra Madre were fire helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 3.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 10 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 2,100–3,300 ft

Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Sheriff's helicopters over Sierra Madre

76 of 1,259 recorded passes over Sierra Madre were sheriff's helicopters — 6% of the traffic here, 2.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N960LA), 4 recorded passestypically 1,650–2,050 ft

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 Sierra Madre?

Police helicopters account for 54% of the 1,259 helicopter passes recorded over Sierra Madre. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 56 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,600–2,100 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Sierra Madre?

Fire helicopters account for 12% of the 1,259 helicopter passes recorded over Sierra Madre. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 10 recorded passes. They are usually 1pm–4pm here. They typically fly at 2,100–3,300 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Sierra Madre?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 6% of the 1,259 helicopter passes recorded over Sierra Madre. The one you see most is LASD (N960LA), 4 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,650–2,050 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Sierra Madre?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,600–2,100 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,600–2,600 ft; fire helicopters at 2,100–3,300 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,650–2,050 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 Sierra Madre?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 35.6 hours overhead across 675 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 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.