What Just Flew Over My House? A Guide to Helicopters in the Sky
As an aviation enthusiast and scanner listener, I often hear the question, "What just flew over my house?" The answer usually involves helicopters. Here's what I've learned about why and who might be flying overhead.
Why Are Helicopters Flying Overhead?
Helicopters take to the skies for a couple of main reasons:
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Immediate Response: There might be an incident that requires aerial surveillance. Whether it's a police operation, a medical emergency, or a search and rescue mission, helicopters provide critical eyes in the sky.
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Routine Patrol: Law enforcement and public safety agencies often conduct routine patrols to monitor traffic, check for violations, or simply maintain a presence in the area.
Who Operates Helicopters in Our Area?
Our neighborhood is within the jurisdictions of several agencies, each with its own helicopter fleet. These include:
- City of Austin
- Travis County
- Williamson County (Has no air support)
- State of Texas
Identifying Helicopters
Every non-military aircraft has a registration number, similar to a license plate on a car. They also have a home airport and a radio call sign. Here are some key details:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Austin Executive Airport (EDC)
- STARflight Base (TE94)
Agency Helicopters
Here's a breakdown of the helicopters operated by local agencies:
| Agency | Registration | Call Sign | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin PD | N6227 | Air 1 | EDC |
| Austin PD | N125AP | Air 2 | EDC |
| Texas DPS | N145TX | Air 100 | AUS |
| Austin Travis County EMS STARFlight | Varies | STARFlight | TE94 |
Sheriff's Offices
As of my knowledge, Travis and Williamson County sheriff's offices do not have their own air support, although they may occasionally use STARFlight services.
What Are They Doing?
The activities of these helicopters vary:
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Austin Police Department (APD): APD rarely patrols by air due to the high operational cost, which can range from several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per hour. If APD is flying, it's likely responding to an incident.
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Austin Travis County EMS STARFlight: These yellow helicopters are often seen transporting critical patients to trauma centers across Central Texas. They may also be pressed into service for non-medical reasons.
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Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): DPS frequently patrols highways in coordination with ground troopers. If you hear a helicopter, it might be DPS flying along major routes like US-183, SH-45, or even Parmer Ln. They may veer off course if a ground unit requests assistance or if they spot something suspicious.
Tracking Helicopters
There are several flight tracking websites that can help you identify helicopters overhead:
You can enter the tail number (registration number) to track a specific aircraft. Additionally, you can buy a $25 SDR (software defined radio) dongle, plug it into your computer, and use free software to track aircraft on your own. For a more advanced setup, consider a Raspberry Pi to put your tracker online.
Listening to Radio Communications
Aviation communications occur over VHF frequencies, which anyone can monitor. Listen for the radio call signs listed above. Apps like LiveATC can also help you tune in.
Police Radio Systems
Unfortunately, much of Central Texas has encrypted police radio systems. Here's a breakdown:
| Jurisdiction | Radio System | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Police | GATRRS | 100% encrypted |
| STARFlight | GATRRS | 100% encrypted |
| Travis County | GATRRS | Unencrypted |
| Williamson County | GATRRS | 100% encrypted |
| Texas DPS | GATRRS & VHF | Unencrypted |
GATRRS stands for the Greater Austin Travis Regional Radio System.