Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - CFI explaining map to student during ground school

Frequent Asked Questions

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What is flight simulator training and how does it work?
It's hands-on flight practice in a high-fidelity simulator that replicates the controls, instruments, and visuals of an airplane. You can take off, navigate, and land without leaving the ground, practicing at your own pace and retrying maneuvers as needed. This allows for safe, realistic training, even in challenging conditions like crosswinds or low visibility. Learn more about our simulators.
Does simulator training count towards my pilot's license?
Yes! In two main ways.
  1. The FAA allows 2.5 hours to be counted towards the Private Pilot requirements, and 10 hours towards the Instrument rating requirements.
  2. The real benefit lies in reducing the amount of time required to train in the aircraft. Most students require more than the FAA minimum hours before they are ready for the checkride. Spending some of those extra hours in the simulator at a far lower cost will help save money and keep your training on track. See how the savings add up.
How much does simulator training cost?
Our simulator rents for $65/hr, and instruction is $60/hr.

When you compare that to the typical $170-$200+/hr cost of renting an aircraft, the value is clear. You get more learning, in less time, at a fraction of the cost. Compare the costs side-by-side.
How does simulator training save time compared to only flying an aircraft?
Simulators save you time by eliminating travel to practice areas, weather cancellations, and other ground-based delays. Every hour in the sim is dedicated to learning, which means you can master procedures faster and make your time in the aircraft more efficient. See a detailed time and cost breakdown.
Can I log instrument approaches in the simulator?
Yes! Our FAA approved BATDs allow you to log all your 61.57 instrument approach currency with or without an instructor. Same-day appointments are often available. You can see our simulator's FAA approval letter here.
Who can benefit from simulator training?
Pilots of all levels, from brand-new enthusiasts to experienced professionals. It's great for prospective pilots, student pilots, licensed pilots looking to stay sharp, and those practicing advanced or emergency procedures.
Are there prerequisites?
No prior flying experience is required. Beginners can start with an intro course, and experienced pilots can jump into advanced sessions. Solo use requires a pilot certificate and a short orientation. Check out our New Pilot Acelerator Course
I am training at a different flight school, can I train here too?
Absolutely. Many students use our simulator to reinforce skills learned elsewhere. You can train with you current instructor in our simulator or with one of our instructors to get a fresh perspective!
Do you offer flight lessons in aircraft?
We don't operate our own aircraft, by design. Instead, we partner with local flight schools to give you a smooth transition between simulator training and real-world flying.

Our instructors can also provide training in your personally owned aircraft, ensuring seamless continuity between your simulator sessions and in-aircraft experience.
How long is each session?
Most training sessions last between 1-3 hours. We can train longer, but we focus on quality training and find that this timeframe produces the best results.
When can I train?
Our training center is open from 7AM-10pm 7 days a week. We link you with an instructor that matches your availability to maximize convenience.
Got more any more questions? Contact Us
Flight Training Guide Ebook

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Confused by FAA requirements? Want to master the basics before investing? Our free roadmap simplifies the flight training process, answers the most common student pilot questions, and shows you exactly how starting in a simulator can save you over $3,000 on your license.