Helicopters over Sunland

Fire helicopters over Sunland

269 of 805 recorded passes over Sunland were fire helicopters — 33% of the traffic here, 10.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N18LA), 22 recorded passestypically 2,300–2,900 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Sunland

238 of 805 recorded passes over Sunland were private and charter helicopters — 30% of the traffic here, 12.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N703WP), 12 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 2,100–3,400 ft

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

Police helicopters over Sunland

157 of 805 recorded passes over Sunland were police helicopters — 20% of the traffic here, 12.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N103CG), 14 recorded passestypically 2,000–2,650 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 Sunland

75 of 805 recorded passes over Sunland were news helicopters — 9% of the traffic here, 3.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 7 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 2,500–3,350 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 fire helicopter over Sunland?

Fire helicopters account for 33% of the 805 helicopter passes recorded over Sunland. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N18LA), 22 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,300–2,900 ft above sea level. 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 Sunland?

Police helicopters account for 20% of the 805 helicopter passes recorded over Sunland. The one you see most is LAPD (N103CG), 14 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,000–2,650 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 Sunland?

News helicopters account for 9% of the 805 helicopter passes recorded over Sunland. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 7 recorded passes. They are usually 12pm–3pm here. They typically fly at 2,500–3,350 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 Sunland?

From the passes recorded here: fire helicopters at 2,300–2,900 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,100–3,400 ft; police helicopters at 2,000–2,650 ft; news helicopters at 2,500–3,350 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 Sunland?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 12.3 hours overhead across 238 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.