EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
On base to final turn to runway 1 in MSY at approximately 1;000 feet AGL; we passed within 100 yards (estimated) of an unmanned aerial drone.  The drone was headed west at our altitude and made a quick turn to the south to avoid us.  The drone was a fixed wing; single propeller type commercial unit. It passed off our right wing.  I was the non pilot flying in the left seat.  My First Officer was focused on avoiding a helicopter that had been pointed out to us; so she didn't get as good of a look at the drone as I did.  She did; however; get a good enough look at it to determine that it was in fact an aircraft.  We did not take evasive action because the encounter happened so fast I initially wasn't sure what we had seen.  However; after taking a closer look out the right window; I was able to determine the drone was headed away from us and would be no factor.  I reported this drone encounter to MSY tower; and subsequently followed up with a phone call to the TRACON after landing to relay the specifics. Increase awareness of those who operate drone aircraft in the vicinity of commercial airports as to airspace regulations and possible collision hazards with commercial aircraft.  FAA needs to take action to regulate drone operations; especially within controlled airspace.
Captain reports sighting of a drone at 1;000 feet during approach to Runway 1 at MSY. No evasive action is taken by the reporter; but the drone appears to turn away.