Helicopters over Simi Valley

Private and charter helicopters over Simi Valley

137 of 235 recorded passes over Simi Valley were private and charter helicopters — 58% of the traffic here, 9 hours overhead in total.

typically 1,600–3,400 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 Simi Valley

37 of 235 recorded passes over Simi Valley were fire and air-medical helicopters — 16% of the traffic here, 1.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N305FD), 6 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,550–2,350 ft

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

News helicopters over Simi Valley

24 of 235 recorded passes over Simi Valley were news helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 3.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 11 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 1,550–2,250 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.

Sheriff's helicopters over Simi Valley

19 of 235 recorded passes over Simi Valley were sheriff's helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 1.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Ventura Co. Sheriff (N412VC), 9 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,550–1,950 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 fire helicopter over Simi Valley?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 16% of the 235 helicopter passes recorded over Simi Valley. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N305FD), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,550–2,350 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 news helicopter over Simi Valley?

News helicopters account for 10% of the 235 helicopter passes recorded over Simi Valley. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 11 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 1,550–2,250 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Simi Valley?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 8% of the 235 helicopter passes recorded over Simi Valley. The one you see most is Ventura Co. Sheriff (N412VC), 9 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,550–1,950 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Simi Valley?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,600–3,400 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,550–2,350 ft; news helicopters at 1,550–2,250 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,550–1,950 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 Simi Valley?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 9 hours overhead across 137 recorded passes. Private and charter aircraft are usually in transit, on a tour or a survey flight, and pass through without stopping.

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.