Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 181; Flight Crew Type 2086
Situational Awareness; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Procedure
SNA Tower advised us holding short Runway 20R that we would be given an expedited takeoff after landing traffic. After position and hold clearance; SNA Tower clears helicopter on north ramp for takeoff and then also clears us for takeoff.I initially couldn't see the helicopter because of the center windscreen divider; but after 60 knots I picked up the helicopter gaining altitude about half way down runway just north of our intended track. My guess was helicopter came within 500 feet laterally and at our altitude of 200 ft. As we approached V1 speed; I mentioned to flying FO (First Officer) to look out for the helicopter. We continued on course without evasive action; but this event at this airport is unsatisfactory for 121 aircraft and performance runway issues. At altitude we both agreed this was very uncomfortable spacing and we have no formal training for low altitude separation maneuvering.
We were cleared to line up and wait on 20R after a landing [traffic]. Tower cleared a helicopter to take off from the Northwest pad followed by clearing us for takeoff without delay due to a GA jet on final. During takeoff I noted the helicopter lifting off in uncomfortably close proximity to our right wing. While there was no collision or perceived immediate need to maneuver; we were uncomfortable with the helicopters proximity during our rotation. If the helicopter were to drift towards us we would be required to maneuver at low level toward a closely spaced GA Runway. At cruise; we evaluated the taxi diagram and scale and observed that both west side helicopter pads are within 500' of aircraft taking off of Runway 20R. Traffic avoidance of helicopters while taking off of a short runway is an unnecessary threat which can cause loss of control on takeoff; rejected takeoff followed by possible over run or collision with the helicopter or other GA aircraft on the smaller runway.
A319 flight crew reported a near mid-air collision with a helicopter during take-off.