Narrative:

While performing an autonomous mapping mission of a farm field with my uas; a dji phantom 4 pro V2 and using ground station pro. An unknown helicopter approached from the north of my operating area to my back. I maintained the line of sight with the uas at all times. As the helicopter entered my field of vision; I saw that he was lowering altitude as he proceeded south. I stopped the uas and began to factor if the helicopter was a possible conflict. I began to plan to give right of way and began to bring my uas to my position east of the possible conflict area. I initiated rth (return). The uas returned to my position without incident. The helicopter continued to a hillside about 1/2 mile away and made an off-field landing next to a cell tower. I assume it was doing an inspection of the tower. It then took off again in about 15 minutes and continued south along the mountains. I ceased my flight operations with the uas. I estimate that there was about a 1000 foot horizontal and a 100-foot vertical separation between the aircraft for a brief time. At no time; in my opinion; was their eminent danger to personnel or aircraft; and appropriate action was taken to avoid any conflict.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: UAV pilot reported while on a mapping mission an airborne conflict with an approaching helicopter.

Narrative: While performing an autonomous mapping mission of a farm field with my UAS; a DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2 and using Ground Station Pro. An unknown helicopter approached from the north of my operating area to my back. I maintained the line of sight with the UAS at all times. As the helicopter entered my field of vision; I saw that he was lowering altitude as he proceeded south. I stopped the UAS and began to factor if the helicopter was a possible conflict. I began to plan to give right of way and began to bring my UAS to my position east of the possible conflict area. I initiated RTH (return). The UAS returned to my position without incident. The helicopter continued to a hillside about 1/2 mile away and made an off-field landing next to a cell tower. I assume it was doing an inspection of the tower. It then took off again in about 15 minutes and continued south along the mountains. I ceased my flight operations with the UAS. I estimate that there was about a 1000 foot horizontal and a 100-foot vertical separation between the aircraft for a brief time. At no time; in my opinion; was their eminent danger to personnel or aircraft; and appropriate action was taken to avoid any conflict.

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.