Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Student
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 33; Flight Crew Total 150; Flight Crew Type 150
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Training / Qualification
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
I was on a hold short position ready to depart on Runway 31 when I mistook a 'cleared for the option' call by ATC to an approaching aircraft on final for a cleared for takeoff for myself. I responded to ATC reading back the 'cleared for the option' instruction meant for the other aircraft and proceeded to enter the runway; talking over the other aircraft responding in the process. Furthermore I missed the ATC controller's call to hold position and proceeded to take off. ATC advised the landing aircraft to go around to avoid collision which I heard on the radio. I never saw the other aircraft while on the ground until ATC advised of aircraft separation further upwind.A couple of factors contributed to this incident- I confused the 'cleared for option' and 'cleared for takeoff' instructions by ATC. The call signs were somewhat similar and I acted without fully internalizing the full instruction. Since I rarely fly the specific plane I was not as familiar with the call sign. I mechanically repeated the ATC's instruction 'cleared for the option' without understanding what it meant.- Once given clearance (as perceived by me) I proceeded to take off without paying attention to the ATC call to hold position. I was immersed in going through my mental checklist for the short field takeoff.- Checking final for incoming traffic before entering the runway is part of my checklist. I did check when entering the hold short position; but not again when moving onto the runway when I would have noticed the incoming aircraft. This is part of my checklist; but I missed to do the second check or I would have noticed the incoming airplane.There was no distraction in the airplane; outside or other noise. Radio quality was clear and weather was excellent. Traffic was unusually busy (for me) with lots of radio communication; but not unmanageable. I was a little rushed to make sure I can takeoff and return before sunset. I had not flown the specific plane in a long time and was not very familiar with the call sign.How to address the situation- More active listening especially in critical situations like clearances and during takeoff and landing.- Visual check for traffic on final when entering runway; added to my physical checklist.- I will take some time off from flying and listing to ATC traffic instead; checking myself that I fully comprehend everything that is being said.- Don't be rushed. Allow more time and don't fly close to sunset for the time being.- For the time being I'll stick to planes with call signs that I am more familiar with.- Debrief with my flight instructor.
A Cessna 172 student pilot reported misinterpreting a landing clearance for another aircraft as a clearance to takeoff. The runway incursion resulted in an ATC directed go-around for the other aircraft.