Helicopters over Temescal Valley

Private and charter helicopters over Temescal Valley

331 of 711 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were private and charter helicopters — 47% of the traffic here, 34.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Vertical (N411MB), 10 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 1,700–2,850 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

164 of 711 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were sheriff's helicopters — 23% of the traffic here, 13 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Riverside Sheriff (N996RS), 22 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 1,500–1,900 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

104 of 711 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were military helicopters — 15% of the traffic here, 8.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: US ARMY (17-20931), 7 recorded passesusually 7pm–10pmtypically 2,600–3,700 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Temescal Valley

50 of 711 recorded passes over Temescal Valley were fire helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 7.9 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Orange Co Fire (N412FA), 12 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 2,950–4,000 ft

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

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Temescal Valley?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 23% of the 711 helicopter passes recorded over Temescal Valley. The one you see most is Riverside Sheriff (N996RS), 22 recorded passes. They are usually 8am–11am here. They typically fly at 1,500–1,900 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 fire helicopter over Temescal Valley?

Fire helicopters account for 7% of the 711 helicopter passes recorded over Temescal Valley. The one you see most is Orange Co Fire (N412FA), 12 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 2,950–4,000 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Temescal Valley?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,700–2,850 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,500–1,900 ft; military helicopters at 2,600–3,700 ft; fire helicopters at 2,950–4,000 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: 34.5 hours overhead across 331 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.