Why Military Helicopters May Fly Over Your House Frequently

You've just finished dinner and are sitting down to watch your favorite show when suddenly you hear the low rumble of a helicopter. It's not the first time you've heard it, and you may even hear it again before the evening is over. But before you panic and rush to your window to see where it is, be advised that you're not the only one to wonder why the military is flying over your house. So what's really going on out there?

Military helicopters often fly over residential areas as part of routine training missions. These missions prepare pilots for real-world scenarios and if you happen to live near one of the many U.S. military bases around the world, or in a common flight path, these flights can happen regularly. The military could also be using their helicopters to aid in search and rescue operations, or simply transporting troops and equipment from one location to another.

It's also important to remember that not all helicopters are military. Police departments use helicopters for surveillance, monitoring large events, and responding to crime scenes. Then there are civilian helicopters operated by news organizations tracking a story, hospitals transporting patients, or private individuals flying for any number of reasons.

The sound of even the most iconic military helicopters flying over your house is likely nothing to be alarmed about, as those flights are usually conducted for training. But even with that knowledge, seeing those helicopters flying low can get your anxiety up, and before you know it, you're wondering if they could be watching you. So why are they that close? And can they see you?

Military helicopters fly at lower altitudes during training because in a real-world situation, this keeps them from being hit by weapons while also avoiding enemy detection. The military also wants to stay under bad weather while letting pilots see the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that aircraft must maintain a minimum of 1,000 feet over congested locations and 500 feet over less crowded areas, but adds that "Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums ... if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface."

In regard to whether they can actually see you inside your home, the answer is no. While some military helicopters could be carrying thermal imaging cameras, they generally cannot see into your house, as pilots' viewing angles and altitudes greatly limit their visibility. But if you still need some peace of mind, check out Flightradar24, a website that gives you 24/7 information about helicopters and airplanes in your area. Its mobile app is availble on Google Play and in the Apple Store.