Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 37; Flight Crew Total 188; Flight Crew Type 188
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
After I landed on Runway XX I was cleared onto taxiway Charlie and to cross Runway XY. I was also told to contact Ground after crossing Runway XY. I misunderstood the 'contact' Ground for 'monitor' Ground. After I crossed Runway XY I switched my radio to the ground frequency and kept rolling on taxiway charlie onto taxiway alpha. It was at this point that I was given the number for the Tower to call. I called the Tower as soon as I was out of the airplane and explained what I did and what my mistake was. I knew there was someone landing on Runway XY after I had crossed it; from hearing the Tower frequency prior; and the reason I wanted to get off of taxiway charlie was to make sure I was out of the way of the landing aircraft. I also misunderstood 'contact' Ground for 'monitor' Ground. My mistake was not contacting Ground before I moved anywhere after crossing Runway XY. I should have crossed Runway XY; stopped before reaching taxiway alpha; and contacted Ground before moving anywhere. I understand that this mistake could have caused a Ground aircraft collision; because I was not told to continue onto taxiway alpha. I also understand the importance of complying with all the ATC directions in order to keep myself and the others around me safe. To prevent a recurrence; I understand now the importance of listening for 'monitor' vs 'contact' and also being very aware of how far I am cleared to move. When I am cleared to cross a runway; this means to cross the runway and then stop before receiving more instructions. Understanding this concept will prevent this happening again.
C172 pilot reported confusion with ATC taxi clearance led to a taxiway incursion.