Blog Post

Stay sharp, save money, and keep progressing with simulator-based training, even when weather delays your time in the airplane

Inconsistent weather is one of the biggest obstacles to efficient flight training, especially here in Maryland and the broader Washington DC region. Rain, low ceilings, icing, and gusty winds regularly cancel lessons, creating frustrating gaps that delay progress, erode proficiency, and increase the total hours needed to earn your certificate.

At Solid Ground Aviation, we offer FAA compliant simulator flight training that keeps your momentum going, no matter the forecast. Whether you're a private pilot student or working on your instrument rating, our Maryland-based simulator training center gives you a reliable, cost-effective way to stay in the game year-round.

Beat the National Average

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for a private pilot certificate, yet the national average is between 60 and 70 hours. Why the gap? Most students experience long delays between lessons due to weather, scheduling, or aircraft maintenance. These delays lead to forgotten procedures, skill erosion, and repeated lessons, costing you more in both time and money.

Students who supplement their training with regular simulator sessions often complete their training much closer to the 40-hour minimum. By maintaining consistency and keeping skills fresh, you avoid the common setbacks that push students over the average.

Real-World Use Cases

Our instructor-led sessions are scenario-based and tailored to your current training stage. Some of the most valuable uses include:

• Reinforcing checklist discipline, normal procedures, and emergency scenarios.
• Maintaining cross-country navigation skills and planning accuracy.
• Sharpening ATC communication and radio phraseology.
• Preparing for checkrides with targeted maneuver practice.
• Simulating complex tasks in a low-stress, repeatable environment.

Instrument Pilots: Stay Current, Stay Ready

If you’re instrument rated, you already know how quickly those six approaches and holding procedures can expire. Our simulator makes it simple to stay IFR current, we can simulate weather, failures, and busy airspace in a focused and efficient session. You’ll build not just currency, but confidence.

Log Time, Build Skill

Our simulator is an FAA compliant Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD), which means you can legally log:

• Up to 2.5 hours toward your Private Pilot certificate.
• Up to 10 hours toward your Instrument Rating.
• Instrument currency (approaches, holds, tracking) with or without a safety pilot.
• Each session counts toward your certification and your readiness as a pilot.

Training That Doesn’t Stop for Weather

If you're looking for simulator flight training in Maryland or the DC area, Solid Ground Aviation gives you the flexibility to train consistently, stay proficient, and save money in the process. Our training model is designed to help you make real progress, even when the skies outside say “no go”.

Don’t let the weather slow you down. Schedule your simulator session today and keep climbing.