Robinson R44
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 500; Flight Crew Type 500
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
While maneuvering the active Runway 03 during quick-stop demonstrations; a local regional jet calls 17-mile final approach Runway 03. Additionally; an aircraft is entering the left downwind for Runway 03. While I was maneuvering the active runway; I was making sure to make my position known to the other aircraft in the pattern; and I was with full intent to sidestep the active for the taxiway after my quick-stop demonstration. At the very end of my quick-stop; while in a hover; I call 'helicopter is on the active 03; sidestepping momentarily.' At this time; I hear a call from the aircraft in the downwind stating 'entering left-base Runway 03.' I then begin to pull-power and initiate my departure for the taxiway to clear for the aircraft on base. At this very moment I hear a sharp yell; followed by 'helicopter look out!' I continue to quickly maneuver off the active; and I look back to see the regional jet coming to a stop some 300 feet behind me. At this time I say 'I never heard you call final!' and he says 'I'm sorry; I never called short final!' He then apologizes; I apologize; and begin to depart to the west for our home airport. We are operating in Class G airspace while below 700 feet at ZZZ; regardless of this; I always maintain my Mode-C with Altitude encoding. Additionally; I had made numerous calls that I was on the active; and at no-time had I stated 'clear of the active.' I will always practice common courtesy while maneuvering the active; especially in consideration of regional jets. However; when I hear 17-mile final; I know from experience that I should have time to demonstrate a maneuver before clearing the active runway. I never heard another call from him and I am always diligent on the coms while operating in this airspace especially. The corrective action taken in the moment was to clear the active runway as quickly as possible; which I did. In the future; I will clear the active immediately upon hearing a call for any-distance final when dealing with the regionals. I know they travel much faster than I do; and as a helicopter pilot; I will always avoid the flow of fixed wing traffic. In hindsight; I feel I took all the necessary precautions to avoid this situation given the circumstances. I made my position known; and I had my transponder turned on and set to ALT. I maintained the active runway; and I had the right-of-way. Out of common courtesy; and to avoid a more drastic potential situation; I will clear the active ASAP while in the vicinity of other aircraft.
Robinson R44-II Captain reported Critical Ground conflict with landing aircraft during training maneuver.