Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 54; Flight Crew Total 1300; Flight Crew Type 813
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
I was flying at 2;500 feet inbound to KADS; and the tower advised 'proceed direct to the numbers'.  In my experience at KADS; this always means to descend directly towards the approach end of the runway (the numbers); and it even suggests a request to proceed without delay (direct to the numbers; not a more typical base-final approach).  KADS is often busy so the tower often provides such routes to expedite traffic handling.As I was descending; the tower contacted me and asked my altitude when I was at about 2;000 feet.  He was clearly not pleased that I was descending; but advised ok to proceed.  He said he had advised me to stay at 2;500 feet; but I am quite certain he just said 'proceed direct numbers'.  In retrospect; I can see now that he could have meant proceed laterally to the numbers but stay at altitude.  But since I had never been asked to do this; I did not even think of that as a possibility.  What I SHOULD have done is CONFIRM my altitude intentions.  For my lesson learned; it is to always confirm altitude intentions; even if it seems otherwise clear to me.
A general aviation pilot reported confusion with the ADS tower about the inbound VFR arrival and altitude.