Who is flying helicopters right now
Helicopters make up a small slice of the national count, usually a few hundred at a time in daylight, but they are some of the most interesting aircraft to watch. The main groups:
- Air medical (HEMS). Hospital and air-ambulance operators fly the H135, H145, Bell 407 and H125/AStar around the clock.
- Law enforcement and news. Police, sheriff and TV helicopters often circle in tight orbits over one spot for long periods. That is the classic “why is a helicopter circling” pattern.
- Tours and training. The Robinson R44 and Bell 206 dominate flight schools, tours and utility work.
- Offshore energy. Over the Gulf of Mexico, the Sikorsky S-76 and larger types carry crews to platforms.
- Military and government. UH-60 Black Hawks, Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawks and MH-65 Dolphins, and Army UH-72 Lakotas.
How we identify helicopters
ADS-B messages carry an emitter category, and category A7 means rotorcraft. We also match known helicopter type designators, because not every helicopter sets its category correctly.
Why so few appear in some areas
Low-flying aircraft are hidden by terrain and the curve of the Earth, so a helicopter at 800 ft is only picked up by receivers within a few dozen miles. Coverage is excellent over big metro areas and thin over rural land. For the helicopters over your own neighborhood, try heywhatsabove.com.
Questions
Why is a helicopter circling over my area?
Circling usually means a police, news or survey helicopter is watching one spot. Air ambulances fly more direct routes. Open the aircraft on airplanes.live to see its operator and track history.