Close Call: Helicopter Approaches Aircraft Near Philadelphia Airport

Air Traffic Incident

• ⚠️ A pilot on approach to Philadelphia (Philly) Tower reported a helicopter coming "pretty close" and "right at us."
• 🎯 The pilot of aircraft 5969 expressed concern that the helicopter was not maintaining a safe distance.

Air Traffic Control Response

• 📡 Air Traffic Control (ATC) initially stated the helicopter would pass behind the aircraft.
• ✈️ When the pilot of 5969 insisted the helicopter was too close, ATC instructed them to go around.
• 📈 The pilot was directed to fly runway heading and climb to 3,000 feet.

Resolution and Follow-up

• 📞 Aircraft 5969 was instructed to contact approach on 124.35.
• ❓ ATC inquired about the reason for the go-around, to which the pilot reiterated the helicopter was "looking pretty close."
• ➡️ Subsequently, 5969 was given a vector to return to the final approach.

Other Traffic

• ✈️ The transcript also mentions other aircraft, including Frontier 4462 and American 2165, receiving landing and takeoff clearances.
• 🚦 Traffic on a two-mile final for runway 17 was noted, with aircraft 4462 instructed to pass that traffic.