Helicopters over Temescal Valley

Private and charter helicopters over Temescal Valley

180 of 412 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were private and charter helicopters — 44% of the traffic here, 15.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Vertical (N411MB), 9 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,750–2,800 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Temescal Valley

112 of 412 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were sheriff's helicopters — 27% of the traffic here, 8.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Riverside Sheriff (N997SD), 38 recorded passestypically 1,500–2,150 ft

Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

Military helicopters over Temescal Valley

62 of 412 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were military helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 4.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Mil / CG (17-20928), 9 recorded passesusually 7pm–10pmtypically 2,950–4,300 ft

Military aircraft are almost always transiting between bases or on training flights; they rarely orbit a neighborhood.

Police helicopters over Temescal Valley

29 of 412 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were police helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 2.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Riverside PD (N911RP), 8 recorded passesusually 6pm–9pmtypically 1,450–2,000 ft

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 sheriff's helicopter over Temescal Valley?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 27% of the 412 helicopter passes recorded over Temescal Valley. The one you see most is Riverside Sheriff (N997SD), 38 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,500–2,150 ft above sea level. Sheriff's aircraft fly patrol, search and rescue across the county, and orbit a scene the same way police aircraft do.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Temescal Valley?

Police helicopters account for 7% of the 412 helicopter passes recorded over Temescal Valley. The one you see most is Riverside PD (N911RP), 8 recorded passes. They are usually 6pm–9pm here. They typically fly at 1,450–2,000 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Temescal Valley?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,750–2,800 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,500–2,150 ft; military helicopters at 2,950–4,300 ft; police helicopters at 1,450–2,000 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 Temescal Valley?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 15.7 hours overhead across 180 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.