Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 2000; Flight Crew Type 500
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Airspace Violation All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Unauthorized Flight Operations (UAS)
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We were flying westbound from SAC to ZZZ direct in VMC conditions. The purpose of the flight was instrument currency training and preparing for an IPC (Instrument Proficiency Check) in the near future. Our altitude was 4;500 feet; heading approximately 230; and airspeed approximately 155 kts. We were receiving VFR flight following services and in contact with Travis Approach. The instrument rated PIC pilot was under the hood; I was instructing/acting as safety pilot and sitting in the right seat. We were en-route and in level cruise. While in the process of giving the flying pilot hold instructions for a practice hold (approximately 10 minutes ahead); I saw an object ahead and slightly left. I immediately took controls saying 'my controls' and took evasive maneuvers.  I banked hard right and pitched slightly down. The object very quickly passed by  very close to the left side of the aircraft.  I would estimate that I saw it for less than 1 second. After steering clear; I immediately informed Travis of the incident.  They asked a few follow-up questions (size; speed; my location; and any other data I could provide)     The object looked like a UAV/drone. It was black; squarish; approximately 2-3 ft. across; and appeared to have a red light on the left side. I did not see rotors. It did not look to me like a balloon or mylar balloon; as I have encountered them numerous times over the years. It was either stationary or moving toward/away from us.  No lateral motion noted. After avoiding the object; we continued on our flight without incident; doing a hold; then a VFR practice approach and landing at ZZZ.
General aviation Flight Instructor reported a near miss with a UAS during cruise. Evasive maneuvers were taken and ATC was informed.