Air traffic in my area?

Question

I was wondering if anyone knew of any sites or numbers that could report the kind of air traffic thats been going on in my city. Rancho Cucamonga/ Ontario. Lately I've been hearing a lot of activity at night, perhaps I am paranoid but I would prefer knowing why these planes/helicopters etc. are flying directly over my area, and what type they are; commercial/news chopper/police department etc. Thanks.

Answer 1

As long as they stay above 500 agl it is fine for them to fly above your house.  You could contact your local FPO or call 1800TELLFAA

Answer 2

It would most probably be commercial aircraft on their approach to your international airport. Since you live in the city, I would imagine that there would be quite a lot of air traffic going on above your house. Occasionally, you might have general aviation (civilian) aircraft going over your area as well; I also won't rule out any of the examples that you stated above. However, you really shouldn't be paranoid about the traffic gong on above your head, they're managed effectively and SAFELY by your air traffic controllers~

Answer 3

That type of thing is not generally available.  It not that there's some sort of secret operation going on that nobody wants you to be a part of, it just that nobody really bothers to keep track.

If you live in Rancho, you are hearing traffic to Ontario.  Ontario airport has a lot of cargo flights that come in early and late at night to feed the UPS heavy aircraft going to their distribution centers.  ONT is also a popular place for Police helicopters to stop and get fuel.  Also, ExpressJet is a commercial airline whose branded flying is primarily done out of Ontario.  They tend to fly off-peak hours and may be contributing to what you are hearing.

Sorry to dismiss what you are asking, but it really is nothing.  If there was anything going on you'd be hearing about it on the news.  KCAL never passes up a chance to make the aviation world look bad, so if there was a story to report they would be all over it.

Answer 4

Usually if you live near a airport you will get quite a lot of activity, especailly if the final approach path goes over your house. Usually cargo planes operate at night, and sometimes small training aircraft. Police choppers usually hover about giving directions to ground police.

Answer 5

If you go to flightaware.com it will give you flight activity, if they are on an IFR flight plan.  If they are VFR, it will not be listed.

As far as being concerned about it, I would not be.