UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12; Flight Crew Total 12; Flight Crew Type 1.5
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Distraction
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Airspace Structure
While performing an autonomous mapping mission of a farm field with my UAS; a DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2 and using Ground Station Pro. An unknown helicopter approached from the north of my operating area to my back. I maintained the line of sight with the UAS at all times. As the helicopter entered my field of vision; I saw that he was lowering altitude as he proceeded south. I stopped the UAS and began to factor if the helicopter was a possible conflict. I began to plan to give right of way and began to bring my UAS to my position east of the possible conflict area. I initiated RTH (return). The UAS returned to my position without incident. The helicopter continued to a hillside about 1/2 mile away and made an off-field landing next to a cell tower. I assume it was doing an inspection of the tower. It then took off again in about 15 minutes and continued south along the mountains. I ceased my flight operations with the UAS. I estimate that there was about a 1000 foot horizontal and a 100-foot vertical separation between the aircraft for a brief time. At no time; in my opinion; was their eminent danger to personnel or aircraft; and appropriate action was taken to avoid any conflict.
UAV pilot reported while on a mapping mission an airborne conflict with an approaching helicopter.