Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 1600; Flight Crew Type 300
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Airport
I and my student were doing an IFR training XC to 71J. Upon descent through the overcast layer we were direct to the field for the visual approach to land. We announced our position and intentions for Runway 12 at ten miles out; on base; and on final. During the initial turn to final; we announced that we were going to execute a right 360 degree turn (for spacing and altitude adjustment; as well as sightseeing on a construction sight). An Apache helicopter passed within 200 feet below us while we were mid turn. We continued the turn to realign with the runway. The Apache continued on his heading; then turned momentarily to parallel our path before resuming course.
PA28 instructor with student on visual approach to 71J reports a NMAC with an Apache helicopter which passes 200 feet below the reporter. The reporter was executing a 360 degree turn at the time to loose altitude and gain spacing on other traffic.