Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 3; Flight Crew Total 78; Flight Crew Type 3
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
During a morning approach; BJC was busier than usual. It took three calls to establish two-way communication with Tower; during which a right 360 was completed for spacing. On approach; ATC cleared us straight in for a left base on Runway 12L; then with about 2 miles to go; handed us off to Tower Frequency 2 and changed us to Runway 12R. After changing; we continued the southbound approach 'behind Aircraft Y'. about a half mile from the airfield; over US 36; we saw not one but two [aircraft]; same altitude and 1/4 mile apart; heading for us west-to-east up US 36. I felt that this was loss of separation and far too close for comfort; and uncommanded (By ATC) evasive action was taken including a sharp right turn and an arrested descent; to allow the aircraft to pass under and behind us. No traffic advisory was given (possibly because the other two were on Tower 1 frequency); and it felt as though Tower had no idea where we were. After nearly missing; Tower cleared us No. 1 for Touch and Go on Runway 12R; and we completed our touch and go in front of Aircraft Y on right traffic behind us for the same runway. During the climb-out; the Controller gave us a traffic alert for a 'helicopter on your left' (he was on our right). It felt to me as though the Controller was over-saturated and had no idea where the aircraft he was in control of were located. I also believe there was a lack of communication between Controller staff in the tower during the hand offs from Tower 1 to Tower 2; as the receiving Controller seemed to have no idea where we were; what we were doing; or what we were previously cleared to do. To have the FAA breathing down ZZZ's throat for recent mid-airs (both of which were pilot error and had nothing to do with ATC); and then to be directed into a near-collision on base by BJC Tower; is unacceptable; and tells me that the FAA doesn't care until something makes the news.
Private Pilot reported an airborne conflict due to ATC saturation.