PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 75; Flight Crew Total 3000; Flight Crew Type 500
Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
This was a training flight. We had been instructed to 'make left hand pattern Runway 13'. This was our second pattern and were climbing straight ahead on a southeast; runaway heading. Another Cherokee behind us on Runway 13 changed his plans; aborted his approach; and was instructed to turn direct to IKV; which is a left turn. It appears he turned more to the East rather than northeast.We were told turn crosswind; which we did (to the left); to approximately 050. But; because we had been told to make left hand pattern; we turned downwind (approximately 310) putting us on a collision course with the other Cherokee. I saw the Cherokee just before the traffic collision avoidance system announced 'traffic ahead; less than a mile.' I took over and started sharp climbing turn to the right. At the same time; Tower advised; 'traffic; twelve o'clock; less than a mile.' I then announced I had the traffic in sight. Tower said maintain visual separation. Tower then directed the Cherokee to turn to IKV; now more north; northeast. After a moment; I asked if we could turn downwind and Tower approved. I believe the confusion started because we had been told to 'make left traffic.' Tower did not say they would call when to turn downwind; as the might for a base turn to avoid traffic on final. So; I assumed we could turn at our discretion. In retrospect; I should have inferred that because Tower said to turn crosswind; that we could only turn crosswind. I might have done a better job of envisioning where the other Cherokee; who seemed to be struggling; would be and possibly on a collision course.
PA-28 instructor pilot reported confusion with the tower controllers instructions resulting in an airborne conflict.