Helicopters over Val Verde

Private and charter helicopters over Val Verde

269 of 414 recorded passes over Val Verde were private and charter helicopters — 65% of the traffic here, 15.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Rotorcraft Support (N407GH), 27 recorded passestypically 1,800–2,900 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Val Verde

96 of 414 recorded passes over Val Verde were fire helicopters — 23% of the traffic here, 7.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N307FD), 12 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,550–2,500 ft

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

Military helicopters over Val Verde

22 of 414 recorded passes over Val Verde were military helicopters — 5% of the traffic here, 1 hour overhead in total.

typically 2,600–6,000 ft

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

Police helicopters over Val Verde

12 of 414 recorded passes over Val Verde were police helicopters — 3% of the traffic here, 0.6 hours overhead in total.

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

Why is a fire helicopter over Val Verde?

Fire helicopters account for 23% of the 414 helicopter passes recorded over Val Verde. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N307FD), 12 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,550–2,500 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Val Verde?

Police helicopters account for 3% of the 414 helicopter passes recorded over Val Verde. 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 Val Verde?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,800–2,900 ft; fire helicopters at 1,550–2,500 ft; military helicopters at 2,600–6,000 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 Val Verde?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 15.2 hours overhead across 269 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.