Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 725; Flight Crew Type 300
Communication Breakdown; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Rough engine on takeoff; numerous targets in the pattern; attempted to call tower to advise of intention to remain in pattern and land; no response due to many calls from other traffic. Engine roughness continued; did not want to risk being extended downwind; advised tower I needed to land. Tower [gave me priority]. Flight ended without incident.
C172 pilot reported engine roughness on takeoff.