2025-06 · NASA ASRS report 2261120
A helicopter pilot arriving to a non-towered airport reported they took evasive action to avoid an aircraft entering the runway for departure.
I was returning to ZZZ on a direct route from ZZZ1. At approximately 15nm SE of ZZZ; I made my initial traffic call on the CTAF for ZZZ. No other traffic was heard and no aircraft were observed on ADS-B. When I was approximately; 10nm se of ZZZ; a local medical helicopter reported their position and intent to land at a nearby hospital. I again; reported my position and intent to proceed direct to the local FBO ramp.At about 7nm SE of ZZZ; I could see a commercial passenger jet leaving the commercial terminal ramp and starting their taxi on Taxiway 1 to runway XX. Again; at about 5 miles I reported my position and intent to proceed directly to the ramp; a course that would take me directly across the runway centerline at low level. At no time; did the commercial passenger jet make any taxi announcements; or statements as to their intent with respect to movement on the field.At approximately 1.5nm from the airport; the commercial passenger jet proceeded to cross the hold short line on Taxiway 1 and lined up for takeoff on runway XX. Had I proceeded to my intended point of landing; I most certainly would have been in the path of the commercial passenger jet as it was on it's takeoff roll. I elected to take evasive action; turn to the right and pass behind the commercial passenger jet as it initiated a takeoff roll without any communication on the CTAF.At no time; did the commercial passenger jet make any announcements on the CTAF; taxi or otherwise. I confirmed my frequency setting and confirmed that I was receiving traffic advisories as evidenced by the previous traffic advisory from the local medical helicopter.Given the frequent commercial; training and seasonal fire traffic at ZZZ; I believe the need for a control tower and traffic separation is necessary.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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