Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 32; Flight Crew Total 300; Flight Crew Type 9
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
Pilot Deviation - Was given clearance for a visual approach from an IFR flight plan; and told we were number 3 behind another plane (a VFR aircraft). Had the aircraft in sight; and did not think there would be enough space between us and that plane; or between us and the airport for a stabilized approach. Began a left 360 for spacing - Radio comms were very busy; and began the 360 before being able to tell tower.Tower came back; told us that was not what they wanted or had planned; and we were re sequenced further out.Upon talking to tower on the telephone after landing; they stated they had allowed enough space for safety; and to clarify if I had concerns on future flights (which is what I intend to do).
A Cessna 172 reported that being #3 on approach he made a left 360 for spacing prior to calling the tower for clearance.