Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 180; Flight Crew Type 20
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I'm a new Private pilot and had planned a VFR cross country flight. Holding short of 29R I requested a right downwind departure. Tower cleared me for take off (but for a straight-out departure). My mistake [was] to have not listened in carefully for the amended takeoff instruction. I read-back that I was cleared for take-off. I then took off with the assumption that I was to proceed with [my requested] right downwind departure and started the right crosswind turn. What I saw was pretty scary! Another Cessna at my altitude was approaching from my left to join the traffic pattern inbound to land on 29R. Both of us immediately diverted and avoided collision. The Tower Controller was furious at me and asked me to contact them at the earliest opportunity after landing!I did call back after landing and we discussed the situation. ATC insisted that it was solely my fault (which I accepted). I suggested that there was a human factor involved and such situations can be minimized by ATC personnel including a couple of words each time the clearance is different from what is requested (like 'AMENDED CLEARANCE') so that the pilot can be re-emphasized of this fact. On the pilot's part; he/she should read-back and acknowledge acceptance.
An inexperienced Private Pilot failed to note the Tower had cleared him for a straight out departure vice the downwind deparature he had requested. When the pilot turned the crosswind leg he had to perform evasive maneuvers to avoid another aircraft entering the pattern on the downwind leg.