Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 28; Flight Crew Total 850; Flight Crew Type 850
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure; Company Policy
This occurrence was in the TAC (Tactical) ring around the airport during a training mission. The other aircraft was an Army Blackhawk helicopter. We were at the 2600 ft. that the (Army Training Controllers had assigned us 4 miles east/southeast of the airport and a Blackhawk helicopter appeared in our immediate forward vision. Immediate action was taken by our airplane to turn to the left and exit the TAC ring to avoid a collision. Separation was lost as we were well under a 1000 ft. at the same altitude. Without immediate action a collision would have occurred. When I reported the near-miss to Radio the response was that the helicopter was in contact with Tower. We reentered the TAC ring after flying out a few miles and returned to reenter the TAC ring upon positive visual contact with the Blackhawk and radio contact with Radio. The Blackhawk did not appear to take any action to avoid us before we turned away that we could see although we were to the right and would have technically had the right of way. We didn't know that the Blackhawk ever saw us; but during communication with the Army Command on the following day it was discussed that the Blackhawk crew recognized us and made a similar complaint to the controlling facility. A temporary Tower was setup and advertised by NOTAM.
C172 Pilot flying in airspace controlled by a Temporary Tower staffed with military personnel reported a near mid-air collision with a helicopter.