Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 42; Flight Crew Total 623; Flight Crew Type 100
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors
I was flying to Dallas Love Field (DAL) under an IFR flight plan. While approaching DAL; I was following vectors from the regional ATC for runway 31R at DAL. I was instructed to maintain 4;000 feet and intercept the localizer for Runway 31R. Upon intercepting the localizer (while in clouds) my plane; via the autopilot; began to descend along the glide slope. The controller then gave instructions for me to turn right. After following additional vectors; I again intercepted the localizer for 31R. The ATC or tower person asked me to call a phone number upon landing. I then landed without incident and called the number. The person I talked with reported that another plane; which I could not see because of clouds; was under and close to my plane on the first approach. It would have been helpful if the Controller pointed out the traffic. It is also common to follow the glide slope upon intercepting the localizer as my autopilot in programmed to do. Specific instructions not to descend would also be helpful.
GA pilot reported inadvertently starting descent on localizer without clearance resulting in an air conflict.