Helicopter
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 12000; Flight Crew Type 3000
Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
I was departing my helicopter with a request for a northeast departure. I began my departure after the Tower gave me clearance to depart at my own risk with no restrictions. I began my liftoff from the ramp with initial departure into the wind to the southwest with a turn to the northeast. On initial climbout at about 100 FT; I just happened to look down out my door window and noticed a shadow of a small aircraft. I immediately dove the helicopter with a left turn and looked up to see the aircraft above me seemingly on final approach to Runway 28. I completed my left turn to see the aircraft continue it's flight to the west and I contacted the Tower and stated that I did not know of the aircraft landing on said runway. The Controller replied with 'roger' and 'continue flight to the northeast' with no other mention of the incident. On initial contact; the Controller made no mention to me to remain clear of any runway which is about 200 yards from my departure ramp. I also had no idea that runway was in use since the main Runway 20 was in use by other aircraft which was an training aircraft I believe. The Controller also made no mention of another aircraft landing on Runway 28 to me and I heard no mention of me taking off from the ramp. I have no doubt in my mind without seeing the shadow and taking evasive action I would have continued my assent into the landing airplane.
A helicopter departed a DPA ramp and had near miss with an aircraft landing on Runway 28 after ATC cleared him for takeoff 'at his own risk' but did not report the approaching traffic.