Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 2250
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
During climbout from CGZ airport on a dual CFII flight we noticed a helicopter quickly approaching us at the same altitude from our left. They initially appeared to be flying away from us deviating to the right. I knew the right away rules said they should give way to us and I believed they were initially. Shortly after though I noticed they were continuing to fly toward us so I chose to quickly execute a rapid climb. I did not think it was safe to descend or turn away as we had mountains below us the helicopter was approaching us rapidly. I believe the helicopter passed 500 feet below us.
GA instructor pilot reported a Near Mid Air Collision with a helicopter and took evasive action to avoid it.