Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 130; Flight Crew Type 130
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I was performing a takeoff at night. From the other side of the field there was a helicopter which was also cleared for departure and was heading northeast bound from the west southwest end of the airport. As I was passing 300 feet MSL I was informed by the Tower that the helicopter was going to proceed north-eastbound and that he will be of 'no factor'; however as my plane passed 600 feet MSL I looked up from my instruments and was startled to see a very nice close up of a [military] helicopter. I had to use full forward pressure and idle power from a full power position to avoid a collision with the other aircraft. I always wanted to see a [military helicopter] flying up close but not like this. I am used to looking inside at night during takeoff and climb out because of the airspace and separation so it's quite lucky that I looked outside even though the controller is responsible for separation. Thankfully see and avoid also was used here.
The pilot of a C172 reported an NMAC with a helicopter during takeoff at night. The Tower had advised that the helicopter would be no factor; but the reporter disagreed.