Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 170; Flight Crew Total 1150; Flight Crew Type 160
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I was performing a 1-hour Cessna 172 discovery flight for a potential Private Pilot student. The flight originated from ZZZ; and the incident occurred while landing back at ZZZ. While in the traffic pattern maneuvering to land; the hour-meter rolled over to the pre-paid allocated flight time; allowing only one attempt at landing without overcharging the customer. My aircraft was in landing configuration on short final. What is believed to be an EC130 helicopter had just completed his approach to the runway and was hovering on the runway centerline; near the 1000-foot aiming markers; as I best recall. I communicated with the pilot of the helicopter via the CTAF; asking his intentions. The helicopter pilot promptly responded; stating that he was beginning his takeoff; and immediately began accelerating from a hover. At this point; I believe I was arriving at the threshold and began my roundout/flare on the presumption that he would be clear of the runway; providing enough separation to complete my short-field landing. However; lateral separation was less than safely desirable. In the unlikely event that the helicopter would have to abort his takeoff or I would have to commence a late go-around; my aircraft was not in a favorable position for collision avoidance. Additionally; the distraction of attempting to maintain separation from the helicopter led to a firm landing; resulting in an uncomfortable bounce. Downwash from the helicopter may have played a factor as well. I maintained positive control of the aircraft; completed the landing; and terminated the flight without incident to either aircraft. It is very evident that rather than attempt to land behind the departing traffic; I should have aborted the approach and made a second attempt. This would have resulted in paying more money than expected; but money should never be an excuse to compromise safety. Had the helicopter pilot delayed his departure another second; I would have definitely aborted my landing. This is a prime example of external pressures leading to overconfidence and ultimately pushing the limits of my experience. Fortunately; only embarrassment resulted from this incident; and I am able to learn from my less-than-ideal decision.
The pilot of a Cessna 172 continued to land while a helicopter cleared the runway environment; resulting in a wake encounter and firm landing.