DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 211.5; Flight Crew Total 1040; Flight Crew Type 287
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
While the aircraft (DA40) was in the right downwind (RWY XX) performing pattern operations; a helo was cleared by Tower to enter the ramp from a cardinal direction. From the DA40's TIS; the instructor realized that both aircraft were on a converging course and altitude (TPA of 1;100). The instructor instructed the student to climb 300 ft while taking account of Class C airspace; which starts at 1;600 [feet]. The instructor and student did not see the helo from the aircraft; only on the TIS. The helo flew directly underneath the DA40. ATC did not announce potential conflict. Near miss was avoided due to TIS and mental situational awareness.
DA40 instructor pilot reported directing the student to climb to avoid a helicopter that was cleared by Tower into the traffic pattern at the same altitude.