Helicopters over Valencia

Private and charter helicopters over Valencia

150 of 351 recorded passes over Valencia were private and charter helicopters — 43% of the traffic here, 7.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LADWP (N704WP), 12 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 1,500–2,850 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 Valencia

86 of 351 recorded passes over Valencia were sheriff's helicopters — 25% of the traffic here, 4.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LASD (N958LA), 14 recorded passesusually 8pm–11pmtypically 1,600–1,800 ft

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

Fire and air-medical helicopters over Valencia

63 of 351 recorded passes over Valencia were fire and air-medical helicopters — 18% of the traffic here, 2.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N303FD), 9 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,500–2,450 ft

Fire and air-medical aircraft respond to fires, rescues and hospital transports — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

News helicopters over Valencia

34 of 351 recorded passes over Valencia were news helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 1.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 9 recorded passesusually 4pm–7pmtypically 2,250–3,250 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.

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Valencia?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 25% of the 351 helicopter passes recorded over Valencia. The one you see most is LASD (N958LA), 14 recorded passes. They are usually 8pm–11pm here. They typically fly at 1,600–1,800 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 Valencia?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 18% of the 351 helicopter passes recorded over Valencia. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N303FD), 9 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,500–2,450 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.

Is that a news helicopter over Valencia?

News helicopters account for 10% of the 351 helicopter passes recorded over Valencia. The one you see most is NewsChopper 4 (N358TV), 9 recorded passes. They are usually 4pm–7pm here. They typically fly at 2,250–3,250 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.

How high do helicopters fly over Valencia?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 1,500–2,850 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 1,600–1,800 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,500–2,450 ft; news helicopters at 2,250–3,250 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 Valencia?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are private and charter helicopters: 7.1 hours overhead across 150 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.