DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 109.7; Flight Crew Total 179.7; Flight Crew Type 136.26
Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Airport
This was my first solo flight to this airport since receiving my license [recently].I flew in to ZZZ and after a quick stopover at the FBO; I was cleared by Ground control to taxi directly for a midfield takeoff on runway 18L at [an intersection]. After being cleared to cross [two] taxiways [;] I held short and contacted Tower.Tower cleared me for takeoff on 18L at which point I taxied to the runway; turned left (not right) and applied power for takeoff. Almost immediately Tower told me to 'STOP STOP STOP' which at low speed I did in a very short distance. I was instructed to turn 180 degrees and again cleared for takeoff. No aircraft were in sight and takeoff was normal.The problem was caused by my failure to utilize a compass heading to verify my direction. I am not experienced in midfield takeoffs with no visual reference for the end of the runway or even which way was North or South (the sun had set). I got in a hurry and turned in the direction I thought was correct without verification.
A DA-40 Pilot was cleared to taxi to Runway 18L for a midfield takeoff. When cleared for takeoff the Pilot turned left on Runway 36 and as he began his takeoff; Tower said 'Stop' do a 180° and cleared for takeoff. The Pilot had not referenced his compass.