Helicopters over Tarzana

Police helicopters over Tarzana

701 of 1,021 recorded passes over Tarzana were police helicopters — 69% of the traffic here, 33 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 47 recorded passestypically 1,200–1,400 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over Tarzana

193 of 1,021 recorded passes over Tarzana were private and charter helicopters — 19% of the traffic here, 4.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Charlie Papa (N444NC), 8 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,300–2,000 ft

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

News helicopters over Tarzana

95 of 1,021 recorded passes over Tarzana were news helicopters — 9% of the traffic here, 8.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 7 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 1,200–1,550 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 and air-medical helicopters over Tarzana

22 of 1,021 recorded passes over Tarzana were fire and air-medical helicopters — 2% of the traffic here, 0.6 hours overhead in total.

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 Tarzana?

Police helicopters account for 69% of the 1,021 helicopter passes recorded over Tarzana. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 47 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,200–1,400 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 Tarzana?

News helicopters account for 9% of the 1,021 helicopter passes recorded over Tarzana. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 7 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 1,200–1,550 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 Tarzana?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 2% of the 1,021 helicopter passes recorded over Tarzana. Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Tarzana?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,200–1,400 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,300–2,000 ft; news helicopters at 1,200–1,550 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 Tarzana?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 33 hours overhead across 701 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.