Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 49; Flight Crew Total 112; Flight Crew Type 97
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
After takeoff [I] started after takeoff checklist. ATC instructed me to contact North Tower. I changed frequency before completing after takeoff checklist. During that time TCAS voice message [announced] 'traffic.' I got confused because TCAS is inoperative and placarded. I started right turn 2;150 feet MSL. ATC called me and gave me instruction for upwind. At that time; I was at 2;400 feet MSL; saw the aircraft left and below me. I told ATC 'aircraft in sight; climbing to avoid traffic.' ATC gave instructions to enter right downwind which I acknowledged. To avoid traffic I had climbed to 2;750 feet MSL then descended to TPA and landed safely.
Pilot reported an NMAC in the pattern at FFZ airport.