Helicopters over South El Monte

Sheriff's helicopters over South El Monte

292 of 607 recorded passes over South El Monte were sheriff's helicopters — 48% of the traffic here, 10.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N960LA), 44 recorded passestypically 800–1,150 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 South El Monte

158 of 607 recorded passes over South El Monte were private and charter helicopters — 26% of the traffic here, 3.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sierra Hotel (N197SH), 9 recorded passesusually 11am–2pmtypically 850–1,200 ft

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

News helicopters over South El Monte

77 of 607 recorded passes over South El Monte were news helicopters — 13% of the traffic here, 3.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: SkyCAL / SkyFOX 11 (N39CL), 6 recorded passesusually 6am–9amtypically 1,100–1,600 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.

Police helicopters over South El Monte

37 of 607 recorded passes over South El Monte were police helicopters — 6% of the traffic here, 0.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N665PD), 10 recorded passestypically 1,150–1,400 ft

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 sheriff's helicopter over South El Monte?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 48% of the 607 helicopter passes recorded over South El Monte. The one you see most is LASD (N960LA), 44 recorded passes. They typically fly at 800–1,150 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.

Is that a news helicopter over South El Monte?

News helicopters account for 13% of the 607 helicopter passes recorded over South El Monte. The one you see most is SkyCAL / SkyFOX 11 (N39CL), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 6am–9am here. They typically fly at 1,100–1,600 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 police helicopter circling over South El Monte?

Police helicopters account for 6% of the 607 helicopter passes recorded over South El Monte. The one you see most is LAPD (N665PD), 10 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,150–1,400 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 South El Monte?

From the passes recorded here: sheriff's helicopters at 800–1,150 ft; private and charter helicopters at 850–1,200 ft; news helicopters at 1,100–1,600 ft; police helicopters at 1,150–1,400 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 South El Monte?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are sheriff's helicopters: 10.4 hours overhead across 292 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.