Cardinal 177/177RG
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 27; Flight Crew Total 806; Flight Crew Type 700
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Airport; Human Factors
Performing practice approach at the ZZZ VOR/DME approach in VMC and after canceling IFR flight plan. 2 other aircraft were in the pattern at ZZZ; at pattern altitude. We planned on passing below the pattern altitude at the approach circling minimum of 600 feet; to the missed approach point. Additionally we had horizontal separation from this pattern traffic. We announced our intentions and visual contact was maintained at all times with this traffic; however additional traffic; a departing helicopter came up unexpectedly. Evasive action was taken. Onboard ADS-B was helpful in detecting and avoiding this traffic. It appears the helicopter did not hear our call. We heard the helicopter calling when we were already quite close; unknown if a prior call was made and possibly stepped on by another aircraft.
My student and I were completing the last of three IFR approaches in VMC on an IFR flight plan. While on the final portion ZZZ VOR/DME; approach we announced our position on the approach several times along the approach from the airfield and our intent to fly the missed approach. We were approximately a mile from the airfield and the MAP when a helicopter announces their departure from midfield and in our direction. Before we knew it the ADSB showed traffic at our 12:00 and same altitude. We did evasive action and then left the area to the west away from the pattern.This airfield gets busy during the day with VFR traffic. Helicopters commonly work on the taxiway. In the future during VFR conditions I will choose another airport less congested. This airport has to much traffic for an uncontrolled airport and does not mess with IFR traffic.
C177RG instructor and student reported an airborne conflict with a helicopter on approach to non-towered field.