2024-07 · NASA ASRS report 2138693
Flight Instructor reported a near miss during takeoff from a non-towered airport; with a helicopter flying directly over the takeoff runway. The instructor rejected the takeoff when another aircraft identified the possible near miss and called a reject on the radio.
A pilot passenger and myself were on an IFR training flight. There were numerous aircraft (fixed and rotor wing) operating in the area. The winds were favoring runway 1 at Hurricane. We waited on the ramp for Aircraft X to take-off from the taxiway. Then we taxied to runway 1 and held short at A5. Both of us confirming that our checklist was complete and visually checking the pattern; I made a departure call. We both noted Aircraft Y on a Right crosswind. A few seconds into the take-off roll; radio communications came in to abort my take-off. I did. A few seconds latter; Aircraft Z flew over us at approximately 200AGL. There was no apparent attempt or need on their part to off set to avoid a collision. Indeed; it felt more like a punitive 'buzz job' example.Neither the passenger nor I heard or saw the Aircraft Z. If there were communications they were likely stepped on by the other helicopter in the pattern or when we called departure. I suspect that we did not see the Aircraft Z because they were doing an auto gyro approach from very high tight pattern out of view from our cabin perspective - the roof blocks our view to directly or nearly so above. Helicopters emanate out of ZZZ and come to 1L8 to practice patterns and emergency procedures. Commonly this means erratic patterns and unusual operations like landing on taxiways and very steep descents. Because their size and shape as well as not working a standard pattern; they can be exceptionally difficult to spot. On top of this is an Macho attitude that has been coopted by these pilots.The next time that I attempted to take-off the same Aircraft Z had just completed a 360 on a long left downwind and was on left base when I called departure on runway 1. They had not turned nor called final. They complained that I got in their way 'again'. I did not respond back to the snarky comment.As a fixed wing pilot; I am never quite sure of what these helicopter are going to do - they do what they want. Complying with a normal pattern would alleviate much of these issues.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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