King Air C90 E90
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 26; Flight Crew Total 4097; Flight Crew Type 788
Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
I was flying direct to NORDK for the NORDK3 arrival into SLC. As I neared NORDK waypoint ATC advised me of a reroute which was direct LHO for the LHO3 arrival and to descend to 16000. I complied and started my descent from FL220. I was then advised to turn 15 degrees right due to metering into SLC; I complied. I stayed on this heading for some time before ATC advised me that metering into SLC was taken care of and that I was now cleared direct to LHO and to resume the LHO3 arrival. I complied with a left turn to LHO. Upon crossing LHO I descended to 14000 per the arrival. A short period after I descended I was asked to copy a phone number for a possible pilot [deviation]; I complied. I continued the remainder arrival which ended with a visual approach to RWY 34L without incident. I disembarked my passengers and phoned the telephone number. A gentlemen answered and I identified myself; from there he explained to me what I had done. I was cleared direct LHO and to resume the LHO3 arrival not descend via the LHO3. He asked if there was anything I would like to add to the situation to which I said that I misunderstood the controller's clearance. I added that nothing was unusual with the flight and everything was normal. Looking back at this situation I should have asked for clarification on altitude and I also think given the situation ATC could have said something to the effect of; 'metering into SLC is no longer a factor you are now cleared direct LHO and resume the LHO3 arrival maintain 16000.'
C-90B pilot reported deviating from assigned altitude on arrival into SLC when he misunderstood an ATC clearance.