Helicopters over South Pasadena

Police helicopters over South Pasadena

297 of 570 recorded passes over South Pasadena were police helicopters — 52% of the traffic here, 18.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Pasadena PD (N239PS), 62 recorded passestypically 1,500–1,900 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

145 of 570 recorded passes over South Pasadena were sheriff's helicopters — 25% of the traffic here, 2.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD Air Rescue 5 (N951LB), 20 recorded passestypically 1,250–1,800 ft

Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

News helicopters over South Pasadena

49 of 570 recorded passes over South Pasadena were news helicopters — 9% of the traffic here, 2.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 6 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 1,500–2,050 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.

Private and charter helicopters over South Pasadena

41 of 570 recorded passes over South Pasadena were private and charter helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 0.9 hours overhead in total.

usually 10am–1pmtypically 1,400–1,550 ft

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

Why is a police helicopter circling over South Pasadena?

Police helicopters account for 52% of the 570 helicopter passes recorded over South Pasadena. The one you see most is Pasadena PD (N239PS), 62 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,500–1,900 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 25% of the 570 helicopter passes recorded over South Pasadena. The one you see most is LASD Air Rescue 5 (N951LB), 20 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,250–1,800 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 9% of the 570 helicopter passes recorded over South Pasadena. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 1,500–2,050 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 1,500–1,900 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,250–1,800 ft; news helicopters at 1,500–2,050 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,400–1,550 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: 18.6 hours overhead across 297 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.