Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 51; Flight Crew Total 1601; Flight Crew Type 1529
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
As I was being given an IFR takeoff clearance for runway 18; a small aircraft performed a touch and go on runway 18 in front of me. ATC informed me that the plane that just took off was remaining in left closed traffic; cleared me for takeoff and instructed me to turn left to a heading of 100 degrees after takeoff and maintain 3000 feet. I copied the clearance; slowly took the runway; did a final check and began my takeoff roll. I did not see the pattern traffic on rollout and continued my climb on runway heading. At about 500 feet AGL I still hadn't seen the traffic but heard them on the radio request a short approach with full stop. Given that they took off well ahead of me; and that they were communicating their landing request; I assumed that they were around mid-field on left downwind and began my left turn; looking for them in that direction. Shortly after turning left; my TIS-B alerted me to traffic 500 feet above me at about 2 o'clock. Knowing the traffic pattern altitude; I stopped my climb; leveled; sighted the traffic to my right and held at about 1500 MSL as they passed in front of me about 200 feet above. I kept the traffic in sight as it passed; maintaining a safe distance below it. Shortly after passing; the other pilot radioed the tower noting the closeness of our planes.This incident highlighted to me the importance of maintaining visual separation from pattern traffic at all times. It also helped to drive home the unspoken intent of ATC informing pilots of the intended actions of other traffic. This isn't merely for information but is a warning to pilots to keep the traffic in sight at all times and maintain visual separation. Perhaps it would help clarify the intent if ATC reminded pilots to maintain visual separation each time that they say something like; 'the traffic ahead of you is remaining in left closed traffic.' That would help to keep the emphasis fresh during the takeoff sequence when so many other things are competing for the pilot's attention.
Small aircraft pilot reported an NMAC with another aircraft in the traffic pattern during an IFR departure.