Helicopters over South Pasadena

Police helicopters over South Pasadena

539 of 1,012 recorded passes over South Pasadena were police helicopters — 53% of the traffic here, 32 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 51 recorded passestypically 1,550–2,000 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over South Pasadena

239 of 1,012 recorded passes over South Pasadena were sheriff's helicopters — 24% of the traffic here, 4.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N960LA), 15 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.

Private and charter helicopters over South Pasadena

88 of 1,012 recorded passes over South Pasadena were private and charter helicopters — 9% of the traffic here, 2.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Masok Air (N567PW), 3 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 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.

News helicopters over South Pasadena

78 of 1,012 recorded passes over South Pasadena were news helicopters — 8% of the traffic here, 3.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: ABC NewsCopter (N828AP), 6 recorded passesusually 6am–9amtypically 1,400–1,900 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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over South Pasadena?

Police helicopters account for 53% of the 1,012 helicopter passes recorded over South Pasadena. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 51 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,550–2,000 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 sheriff's helicopter over South Pasadena?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 24% of the 1,012 helicopter passes recorded over South Pasadena. The one you see most is LASD (N960LA), 15 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.

Is that a news helicopter over South Pasadena?

News helicopters account for 8% of the 1,012 helicopter passes recorded over South Pasadena. The one you see most is ABC NewsCopter (N828AP), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 6am–9am here. They typically fly at 1,400–1,900 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.

How high do helicopters fly over South Pasadena?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,550–2,000 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,300–1,550 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,300–1,800 ft; news helicopters at 1,400–1,900 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 South Pasadena?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 32 hours overhead across 539 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.