Helicopters over Sparr Heights

Police helicopters over Sparr Heights

139 of 207 recorded passes over Sparr Heights were police helicopters — 67% of the traffic here, 5.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Glendale PD (N818PD), 61 recorded passesusually 6pm–9pmtypically 1,950–2,300 ft

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

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Sparr Heights

25 of 207 recorded passes over Sparr Heights were fire and air-medical helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 0.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N821LA), 6 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 1,600–1,950 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 Sparr Heights

21 of 207 recorded passes over Sparr Heights were news helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 1.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 9 recorded passesusually 11am–2pmtypically 1,900–2,500 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 Sparr Heights

13 of 207 recorded passes over Sparr Heights were private and charter helicopters — 6% of the traffic here, 0.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: REACH (N36RX), 3 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,850–3,050 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 Sparr Heights?

Police helicopters account for 67% of the 207 helicopter passes recorded over Sparr Heights. The one you see most is Glendale PD (N818PD), 61 recorded passes. They are usually 6pm–9pm here. They typically fly at 1,950–2,300 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 Sparr Heights?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 12% of the 207 helicopter passes recorded over Sparr Heights. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N821LA), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 1,600–1,950 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 Sparr Heights?

News helicopters account for 10% of the 207 helicopter passes recorded over Sparr Heights. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 9 recorded passes. They are usually 11am–2pm here. They typically fly at 1,900–2,500 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 Sparr Heights?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,950–2,300 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,600–1,950 ft; news helicopters at 1,900–2,500 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,850–3,050 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 Sparr Heights?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 5.3 hours overhead across 139 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.