Why is a helicopter circling?

Open Wingwait and tap ✈ What's above me?. If it's a police helicopter, you'll see it named, with its altitude and the loops it has been flying.

Police aircraft on Wingwait

UK police helicopters are operated by the National Police Air Service and usually use NPAS callsigns. Wingwait labels them, and the solid trail shows the orbit they've actually flown. In the US and elsewhere, police aircraft often fly under the agency's registration. Tap one to see its operator where the database knows it.

What circling usually means

A tight orbit at 1,000 to 2,000 ft often means a search or an incident being watched with a camera. Higher, wider circles can be holding or training. Wingwait won't tell you why a helicopter is there. That information isn't broadcast, and speculating about live incidents helps nobody.

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