Helicopters over Sun Valley

Private and charter helicopters over Sun Valley

2,151 of 4,331 recorded passes over Sun Valley were private and charter helicopters — 50% of the traffic here, 196.4 hours overhead in total.

typically 700–800 ft

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

Police helicopters over Sun Valley

1,058 of 4,331 recorded passes over Sun Valley were police helicopters — 24% of the traffic here, 114 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N267LA), 17 recorded passestypically 1,000–1,300 ft

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

News helicopters over Sun Valley

712 of 4,331 recorded passes over Sun Valley were news helicopters — 16% of the traffic here, 22.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 20 recorded passesusually 7am–10amtypically 1,350–1,600 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.

Fire helicopters over Sun Valley

223 of 4,331 recorded passes over Sun Valley were fire helicopters — 5% of the traffic here, 7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 6 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,200–1,400 ft

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

Why is a police helicopter circling over Sun Valley?

Police helicopters account for 24% of the 4,331 helicopter passes recorded over Sun Valley. The one you see most is LAPD (N267LA), 17 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,000–1,300 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.

Is that a news helicopter over Sun Valley?

News helicopters account for 16% of the 4,331 helicopter passes recorded over Sun Valley. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 20 recorded passes. They are usually 7am–10am here. They typically fly at 1,350–1,600 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 fire helicopter over Sun Valley?

Fire helicopters account for 5% of the 4,331 helicopter passes recorded over Sun Valley. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 6 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,200–1,400 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Sun Valley?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 700–800 ft; police helicopters at 1,000–1,300 ft; news helicopters at 1,350–1,600 ft; fire helicopters at 1,200–1,400 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 Sun Valley?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 196.4 hours overhead across 2,151 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.