I play on PS4/5 and I've never had any issues avoiding SAM's. The missiles are so slow, all you have to do is keep moving forward while gaining altitutde and you'll never get hit.
I think the bigger issue with choppers and vehicles in general, is they offer no protection from enemy gunfire. Enemy bullets go right through the vehicle and hit with maximum damage, as if the vehicle doesn't exist. The only vehicle type that should have the risk of being hit directly, are the open cockpit jeeps and buggys.