Helicopters over Woodland Hills

Police helicopters over Woodland Hills

692 of 1,326 recorded passes over Woodland Hills were police helicopters — 52% of the traffic here, 34.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LAPD (N232LA), 23 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 Woodland Hills

352 of 1,326 recorded passes over Woodland Hills were private and charter helicopters — 27% of the traffic here, 7.5 hours overhead in total.

Most often: City Of Los Angeles Dept Of Water & Power (N705WP), 6 recorded passestypically 1,600–2,050 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Woodland Hills

157 of 1,326 recorded passes over Woodland Hills were fire helicopters — 12% of the traffic here, 4.6 hours overhead in total.

Most often: LA Co FD (Helitanker) (N43CU), 9 recorded passestypically 1,550–1,800 ft

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

News helicopters over Woodland Hills

99 of 1,326 recorded passes over Woodland Hills were news helicopters — 7% of the traffic here, 6.3 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Sky5 (N925TV), 5 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 1,400–2,000 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.

Why is a police helicopter circling over Woodland Hills?

Police helicopters account for 52% of the 1,326 helicopter passes recorded over Woodland Hills. The one you see most is LAPD (N232LA), 23 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 Woodland Hills?

Fire helicopters account for 12% of the 1,326 helicopter passes recorded over Woodland Hills. The one you see most is LA Co FD (Helitanker) (N43CU), 9 recorded passes. They typically fly at 1,550–1,800 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

Is that a news helicopter over Woodland Hills?

News helicopters account for 7% of the 1,326 helicopter passes recorded over Woodland Hills. The one you see most is Sky5 (N925TV), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 1,400–2,000 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 Woodland Hills?

From the passes recorded here: police helicopters at 1,300–1,500 ft; private and charter helicopters at 1,600–2,050 ft; fire helicopters at 1,550–1,800 ft; news helicopters at 1,400–2,000 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 Woodland Hills?

Most passes are brief — a minute or two straight through. The aircraft that stay longest here are police helicopters: 34.1 hours overhead across 692 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 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.