2009-04 · NASA ASRS report 833568
Grumman AA-5B practicing touch-and-goes at FWQ makes a full stop landing after noticing a helicopter hovering over the departure end of the runway without transmitting on CTAF/UNICOM.
Upon arriving at FWQ airport I listened to the AWOS which was reporting calm winds and 10 miles visibility. I then asked for any traffic in the traffic pattern. No one answered. I stated my intention to do a touch and go on Runway 26; still no answer. I announced my position in the pattern and again on final. On short final I noticed a helicopter about 300 FT high over the departure end of the runway that appeared to be traveling away from the airport. As I touched down I realized that the helicopter was in a high altitude hover over the numbers on the departure end of the runway; and appeared to be doing training there; as they weren't moving. I aborted the touch and go and made a full stop landing. As I taxied back to Runway 26 the helicopter came on UNICOM and stated that they would move off the runway so I could depart. If I had not seen them and continued my takeoff the outcome may have been different. It appears they thought they owned the airport and could train anywhere without listening to UNICOM or responding.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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