Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 44; Flight Crew Total 2380; Flight Crew Type 2270
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
Yesterday our small plane had just come out of annual. Because we were planning a trip that might involve instrument conditions; I wanted to test-fly it first. I requested VFR in the pattern; 2 rounds. I was given right upwind departure. There were about 5 other planes that the controller was working and he seemed occupied. (I had a long wait at the hold line because the controller stated that their primary radar was down). When I was [beyond] the approach end of runway; I queried the controller if I had permission to turn across the base; and he responded 'yes'. I then turned right (at pattern altitude) and was now abeam the end of the runway to my right. At this point the controller cleared me for the 'option'. Now here is the problem: I spend very little time doing pattern work and I'm not very fluent in maneuvering in the pattern if it doesn't involved a straight-forward landings. In this case; I didn't want to practice landings (that's what 'cleared for the option' meant to me!); so I continued across the base and entered a right downwind where I almost immediately saw another [aircraft] to my left and about at my altitude. He notified the controller before I had a chance and I was vectored around after I requested to land as I was quite shaken. I'm fairly sure that I've been allowed to go around in the pattern; and; although I was terrified going against the flow of traffic; I thought that I was doing what he wanted me to do. I will never do this again and when I hear the words 'cleared for the option'; I will always now know that it means 'turn toward the runway!'
The pilot of a C182 became confused with the instructions by ATC and turned into other traffic operating in the pattern.