Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 61; Flight Crew Total 614; Flight Crew Type 614
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I landed on Runway XXR at ZZZ. The ZZZ Tower was extremely busy with the [military tanker] that landed just before me and at least two; perhaps more planes in the pattern. ZZZ is my home airport and by my estimates 75% of the time when I land there Tower tells me to 'taxi to parking; remain this frequency'. I had just landed; the Tower was super busy / occupied; I slowed to a near stop on runway XXR; I wanted to take taxiway D and A to nearby parking where I rent the plane. It was only a short distance. I opted (mistakenly in hindsight) to take taxiway D and a short hop on A taxiway to get off the non-movement area and nearby parking. I honestly thought I was doing the Tower a favor by getting off the runway quickly to make room for pattern traffic. I did not switch to ground because I mistakenly assumed Tower had to order me to switch to ground (I mistakenly thought I had to be instructed by the Tower to switch to Ground; I've now learned that is not true). Upon exiting 34R on D and turning left (north) on taxiway A I came face/face with the [military tanker] that had landed before me. The [military tanker] was about 100 yards (300 feet) in front of me. I instinctively turned right to parking and got out of the non-movement area and got out of the way of the [military tanker]. I never did switch to ground (my mistake). Afterwards the [military] Pilot came over and chatted with me about the incident (in a very courteous and professional manner; for which I am grateful) and that's how I learned I was in the wrong. I learned my lesson; ground has primacy and control over all aircraft once past the runway hold markings.
C182 pilot reported a communication breakdown with ATC led to a taxiway incursion and ground conflict.