Helicopters over West Hills

Police helicopters over West Hills

296 of 603 recorded passes over West Hills were police helicopters — 49% of the traffic here, 17.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 28 recorded passestypically 1,300–1,500 ft

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

Private and charter helicopters over West Hills

162 of 603 recorded passes over West Hills were private and charter helicopters — 27% of the traffic here, 5.4 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LADWP (N704WP), 13 recorded passesusually 8am–11amtypically 1,650–2,100 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 West Hills

104 of 603 recorded passes over West Hills were fire and air-medical helicopters — 17% of the traffic here, 8.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA City Fire (N303FD), 10 recorded passesusually 7pm–10pmtypically 1,300–1,900 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 West Hills

25 of 603 recorded passes over West Hills were news helicopters — 4% of the traffic here, 0.7 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 3 recorded passes

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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over West Hills?

Police helicopters account for 49% of the 603 helicopter passes recorded over West Hills. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 28 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,300–1,500 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over West Hills?

Fire and air-medical helicopters account for 17% of the 603 helicopter passes recorded over West Hills. The one you see most is LA City Fire (N303FD), 10 recorded passes. They are usually 7pm–10pm here. They typically fly at 1,300–1,900 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 West Hills?

News helicopters account for 4% of the 603 helicopter passes recorded over West Hills. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 3 recorded passes. 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 West Hills?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,300–1,500 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,650–2,100 ft; fire and air-medical helicopters at 1,300–1,900 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 West Hills?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 17.7 hours overhead across 296 recorded passes. Police aircraft typically fly tight, repeated orbits over one spot to support officers on the ground, and can hold for a long time.

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.