How come clearance doesn't hand me off to ground?

In real-world operations, not all clearances automatically include a handoff to Ground Control. The timing of your handoff depends on various factors, such as airport procedures, traffic conditions, and the phase of your flight.

Typically, after landing, ATC will instruct you to exit the runway at a specified taxiway and then switch to Ground Control for taxi instructions. However, in some situations, you might not receive an immediate handoff to Ground, especially if ATC is managing a complex or busy environment.

Here are a few reasons why you might not get handed off to Ground Control immediately:

1. Runway Clearance First: ATC may prioritize clearing you off the runway, especially if there’s traffic behind you. You might be told to hold short of a taxiway or another runway before being handed over to Ground.

2. Traffic Management: If the airport is busy, ATC may need to sequence aircraft on the ground carefully before handing you off. This might cause a brief delay in the handoff.

3. Operational Considerations: In some cases, Ground Control might be handling a high volume of traffic, and ATC may delay your handoff until there’s space for you to taxi safely.

If you're unsure or if you believe you should be handed off to Ground Control, it’s always a good idea to ask the controller for clarification. This ensures smooth communication and helps avoid any potential confusion during taxiing.