Helicopters over Topanga

Private and charter helicopters over Topanga

145 of 440 recorded passes over Topanga were private and charter helicopters — 33% of the traffic here, 3.8 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LADWP (N704WP), 15 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 1,700–2,100 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 Topanga

117 of 440 recorded passes over Topanga were fire and air-medical helicopters — 27% of the traffic here, 7.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (N822LA), 26 recorded passestypically 1,200–2,150 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 Topanga

108 of 440 recorded passes over Topanga were police helicopters — 25% of the traffic here, 5.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 15 recorded passesusually 2pm–5pmtypically 1,450–1,950 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Topanga

44 of 440 recorded passes over Topanga were sheriff's helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 2.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N957LA), 4 recorded passesusually 3pm–6pmtypically 1,750–2,300 ft

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 Topanga?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 27% of the 440 helicopter passes recorded over Topanga. The one you see most is LA Co FD (N822LA), 26 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,200–2,150 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 Topanga?

Police helicopters account for 25% of the 440 helicopter passes recorded over Topanga. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 15 recorded passes. They are usually 2pm–5pm here. They typically fly at 1,450–1,950 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 sheriff's helicopter over Topanga?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 10% of the 440 helicopter passes recorded over Topanga. The one you see most is LASD (N957LA), 4 recorded passes. They are usually 3pm–6pm here. They typically fly at 1,750–2,300 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Topanga?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,700–2,100 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,200–2,150 ft; police helicopters at 1,450–1,950 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,750–2,300 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 Topanga?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are fire and air-medical helicopters: 7.1 hours overhead across 117 recorded passes. Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

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.