Narrative:

Performing practice approach at the ZZZ VOR/DME approach in VMC and after canceling IFR flight plan. 2 other aircraft were in the pattern at ZZZ; at pattern altitude. We planned on passing below the pattern altitude at the approach circling minimum of 600 feet; to the missed approach point. Additionally we had horizontal separation from this pattern traffic. We announced our intentions and visual contact was maintained at all times with this traffic; however additional traffic; a departing helicopter came up unexpectedly. Evasive action was taken. Onboard ads-B was helpful in detecting and avoiding this traffic. It appears the helicopter did not hear our call. We heard the helicopter calling when we were already quite close; unknown if a prior call was made and possibly stepped on by another aircraft.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: C177RG instructor and student reported an airborne conflict with a helicopter on approach to non-towered field.

Narrative: Performing practice approach at the ZZZ VOR/DME approach in VMC and after canceling IFR flight plan. 2 other aircraft were in the pattern at ZZZ; at pattern altitude. We planned on passing below the pattern altitude at the approach circling minimum of 600 feet; to the missed approach point. Additionally we had horizontal separation from this pattern traffic. We announced our intentions and visual contact was maintained at all times with this traffic; however additional traffic; a departing helicopter came up unexpectedly. Evasive action was taken. Onboard ADS-B was helpful in detecting and avoiding this traffic. It appears the helicopter did not hear our call. We heard the helicopter calling when we were already quite close; unknown if a prior call was made and possibly stepped on by another aircraft.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.