Helicopters over Sylmar

Private and charter helicopters over Sylmar

275 of 795 recorded passes over Sylmar were private and charter helicopters — 35% of the traffic here, 14.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LADWP (N704WP), 23 recorded passesusually 10am–1pmtypically 1,300–1,900 ft

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

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Sylmar

196 of 795 recorded passes over Sylmar were fire and air-medical helicopters — 25% of the traffic here, 9.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N15LA), 13 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,550–1,950 ft

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

Police helicopters over Sylmar

153 of 795 recorded passes over Sylmar were police helicopters — 19% of the traffic here, 19.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 16 recorded passesusually 9pm–12amtypically 1,550–1,750 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 Sylmar

126 of 795 recorded passes over Sylmar were news helicopters — 16% of the traffic here, 7.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 12 recorded passestypically 1,600–2,000 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 Sylmar?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 25% of the 795 helicopter passes recorded over Sylmar. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N15LA), 13 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,550–1,950 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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Sylmar?

Police helicopters account for 19% of the 795 helicopter passes recorded over Sylmar. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 16 recorded passes. They are usually 9pm–12am here. They typically fly at 1,550–1,750 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 Sylmar?

News helicopters account for 16% of the 795 helicopter passes recorded over Sylmar. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 12 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,600–2,000 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 Sylmar?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,300–1,900 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,550–1,950 ft; police helicopters at 1,550–1,750 ft; news helicopters at 1,600–2,000 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 Sylmar?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 19.8 hours overhead across 153 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.