Helicopters over Wrightwood

Private and charter helicopters over Wrightwood

77 of 144 recorded passes over Wrightwood were private and charter helicopters — 53% of the traffic here, 7.1 hours overhead in total.

usually 9am–12pmtypically 5,600–7,750 ft

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

Military helicopters over Wrightwood

19 of 144 recorded passes over Wrightwood were military helicopters — 13% of the traffic here, 2.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: Mil / CG (17-20928), 3 recorded passesusually 12pm–3pmtypically 6,700–7,450 ft

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

Sheriff's helicopters over Wrightwood

15 of 144 recorded passes over Wrightwood were sheriff's helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 1.2 hours overhead in total.

Most often: San Bernardino Sheriff (N833SB), 4 recorded passesusually 1pm–4pmtypically 5,050–6,300 ft

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

Fire helicopters over Wrightwood

14 of 144 recorded passes over Wrightwood were fire helicopters — 10% of the traffic here, 1.1 hours overhead in total.

Most often: D.H. Helicopter (N292NA), 5 recorded passesusually 9am–12pmtypically 5,750–7,350 ft

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

Is that a sheriff's helicopter over Wrightwood?

Sheriff's helicopters account for 10% of the 144 helicopter passes recorded over Wrightwood. The one you see most is San Bernardino Sheriff (N833SB), 4 recorded passes. They are usually 1pm–4pm here. They typically fly at 5,050–6,300 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.

Why is a fire helicopter over Wrightwood?

Fire helicopters account for 10% of the 144 helicopter passes recorded over Wrightwood. The one you see most is D.H. Helicopter (N292NA), 5 recorded passes. They are usually 9am–12pm here. They typically fly at 5,750–7,350 ft above sea level. Fire department aircraft respond to fires and rescues — often brief, often low, and often straight in and out.

How high do helicopters fly over Wrightwood?

From the passes recorded here: private and charter helicopters at 5,600–7,750 ft; military helicopters at 6,700–7,450 ft; sheriff's helicopters at 5,050–6,300 ft; fire helicopters at 5,750–7,350 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 Wrightwood?

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 77 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.