Originally Posted by
FL235
aiming for [...] slightly low circuit.
a helicopter climbing out of the ground background, straight ahead, climbing just below my level,
don't want to lose sight of him
stick forward and go under him.
Given the slightly low circuit planning and the strong helicopter rotor downwash on top of it, I think it it was not the optimal way out.
Head-on climbing traffic is better avoided by a climbing turn to the right, 45 degrees initially.
Granted,.the temptation is way to high to keep it in sight, but from energy point of view, the climbing traffic stops the climb easier, and a descending traffic stops the descent easier, than the way around.
Turning some excess speed into climb quickly ensures vertical separation while you lose sight momentarily. Then you can re-acquire visually after 45 degree turn.
That being said, I might have done like you, instinctively. But it's not the best solution. It is just a solution to survive with some luck, and in that sense, it worked for you.
The best solution is to avoid this situation by not trying to be noticed by club members!
