Helicopters over Sunland

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Sunland

157 of 490 recorded passes over Sunland were fire and air-medical helicopters — 32% of the traffic here, 5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N120LA), 19 recorded passestypically 2,350–2,850 ft

Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Private and charter helicopters over Sunland

154 of 490 recorded passes over Sunland were private and charter helicopters — 31% of the traffic here, 7.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LADWP (N704WP), 20 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 2,150–3,700 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

88 of 490 recorded passes over Sunland were police helicopters — 18% of the traffic here, 6.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Glendale PD (N818PD), 10 recorded passestypically 1,950–2,600 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

56 of 490 recorded passes over Sunland were news helicopters — 11% of the traffic here, 2.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 10 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 2,100–2,600 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Sunland?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 32% of the 490 helicopter passes recorded over Sunland. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N120LA), 19 recorded passes. They typically fly at 2,350–2,850 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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Sunland?

Police helicopters account for 18% of the 490 helicopter passes recorded over Sunland. The one you see most is Glendale PD (N818PD), 10 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,950–2,600 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 11% of the 490 helicopter passes recorded over Sunland. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 10 recorded passes. They are usually 2pm–5pm here. They typically fly at 2,100–2,600 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Sunland?

From the passes recorded here: fire and air-medical helicopters at 2,350–2,850 ft; private and charter helicopters at 2,150–3,700 ft; police helicopters at 1,950–2,600 ft; news helicopters at 2,100–2,600 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: 7.4 hours overhead across 154 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 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.