PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Total 815
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We had a near mid-air collision with a fairly large drone operating between 3;200 and 3;500 feet MSL (2;000-2;300 feet AGL). My student spotted the drone out of his window; and after rolling the wings to view the drone; I confirmed the drone was well-within 500 feet of the aircraft. We circled the drone and reported it to Approach [Control]; and continued our flight well south of the area the drone was spotted over. We recommend that operators are extremely vigilant to look out for drones while operating at all altitudes; even those where drone use is prohibited. Additionally; drone identification systems should be developed to reduce risk to operators.
PA-28 Flight Instructor reported an NMAC event during training flight.