B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 218; Flight Crew Type 2292
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
Established on ILS Runway XXL at approximately 1600 ft. AGL a TCAS RA was received resulting in close proximity to several orange canyon tour helicopters. After clear of conflict a missed approach was executed. There were no traffic calls from ATC; we were on an instrument approach at the FAF and got three traffic contacts below our nose not in sight and slightly to the right; flying about 150 degrees opposite our flight path in approximately a one mile trail column formation. If not for TCAS we may have had a midair; on final approach; on an instrument approach! It took at least three calls to Tower to establish that we were missed approach [and] responding to RA. Our perception was that he was busy directing [another] aircraft to clear the runway. Then Tower stated that the RA was ok because the helicopters were on a published route. I TOLD HIM I WAS WAS ON A PUBLISHED INSTRUMENT APPROACH! And if it was ok why did I get an RA? He responded switch approach frequency. Unbelievably unsafe situation.
B737 Captain reported an NMAC with a flight of 3 helicopters on approach.