Helicopters over Stevenson Ranch

Private and charter helicopters over Stevenson Ranch

214 of 453 recorded passes over Stevenson Ranch were private and charter helicopters — 47% of the traffic here, 6.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Rotorcraft Support (N407GH), 23 recorded passestypically 2,050–3,400 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Stevenson Ranch

91 of 453 recorded passes over Stevenson Ranch were fire helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 4.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N306FD), 13 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,850–2,350 ft

Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

News helicopters over Stevenson Ranch

61 of 453 recorded passes over Stevenson Ranch were news helicopters — 13% of the traffic here, 2.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 4 recorded passesusually 7am–10amtypically 2,200–2,600 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.

Sheriff's helicopters over Stevenson Ranch

58 of 453 recorded passes over Stevenson Ranch were sheriff's helicopters — 13% of the traffic here, 1.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N950LA), 11 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 1,950–2,200 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 Stevenson Ranch?

Fire helicopters account for 20% of the 453 helicopter passes recorded over Stevenson Ranch. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N306FD), 13 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,850–2,350 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that a news helicopter over Stevenson Ranch?

News helicopters account for 13% of the 453 helicopter passes recorded over Stevenson Ranch. The one you see most is SkyFOX 11 / SkyCAL (N50Q), 4 recorded passes. They are usually 7am–10am here. They typically fly at 2,200–2,600 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Stevenson Ranch?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 13% of the 453 helicopter passes recorded over Stevenson Ranch. The one you see most is LASD (N950LA), 11 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 1,950–2,200 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 Stevenson Ranch?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 2,050–3,400 ft; fire helicopters at 1,850–2,350 ft; news helicopters at 2,200–2,600 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,950–2,200 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 Stevenson Ranch?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 6.7 hours overhead across 214 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 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.