A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 185; Flight Crew Total 2907; Flight Crew Type 519
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
While operating last flight of the day we received an amended PDC clearance to climb via PITZZ4 except maintain 4;000 ft. We climbed via SID after takeoff with no issues. We leveled at 4;000 ft. When switching to Houston Departure we checked in and the instruction was climb via SID; that's it. The SID clearly states to climb to top altitude of 16;000 ft. so we did. Upon checking in with Houston Center we were inquired at what altitude we were; to which we replied that we were told to climb via SID and therefore we climbed to 16;000 ft. and not our final filed altitude of 14;000 ft. Upon the controller going off frequency and checking with previous controller; he came back and said climb and maintain 16;000 ft. Both Captain and I thought this was a big gotcha as the controllers are supposed to always give an except altitude if other than what's on the SID. We proceeded to [destination] with no further issues but definitely with a lesson to take home.
A320 First Officer reported altitude deviation and misinterpretation of a climb via clearance.