Helicopters Over Newport Beach/Irvine

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Chameleon Colors

Yeah, it is police. I have lived in Newport and Costa Mesa for most of my life, and the helicopters frequently circle the area at night. If you are lucky, they'll shine their huge light in your backyard...LOL. I believe that they appreciate your having outside lights on to aid them in whatever they are searching for. I don't like the idea of crime going on around me at night, but I do find the helicopters to be somewhat comforting in that the police are doing their job.

It sucks when they spend an hour circling right over your head at 2am though.

[dober1]

Ok I'll clue you in. OC Sheriffs 2 helicopters and another departments helicopter are stationed at JWA. They both assist many neighboring departments that do not have their own air support.

[Captain-Jack]

Originally Posted by dober1

Ok I'll clue you in. OC Sheriffs 2 helicopters and another departments helicopter are stationed at JWA. They both assist many neighboring departments that do not have their own air support.

Thanks. I figured they had a helipad over there somewhere. I just find it strange that they are flying over that side of Newport where you'd think there is almost no crime.

[frozensurfer]

Police and lifeguard (medics) flights. Most in and out of SNA. Occasionally chp, coast guard, FBI, dod, or homeland security. They are not out to annoy you, they change their flight paths to avoid annoying you. I work with them on a daily basis.

[Dunbar42]

There's a helicopter company at SNA airport that trains a lot of the border patrol helicopter pilots. They have about 10-12 helicopters based there. Your federal tax dollars hard at work.