Roadmap
Supplement Your PPL Training in the Simulator
Select from any of our training options below, or visit us for customized training to focus on what you need most
First Steps Course
Gain clarity on the Private Pilot journey, explore prerequisites, and experience an introductory flight lesson in our FAA-approved simulator.
New Pilot Accelerator
Accelerate your skills with a 4-part simulator-based program covering essential flight procedures, navigation, and radio operations before stepping into a real aircraft.
Discovery Session
Experience a guided flight lesson in our FAA-approved simulator, including pre-flight briefing, hands-on flying, and post-flight debriefing.
New to Flight Training?
Download Our Free Guide
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.
Introductory Course for Aspiring Pilots
Discovery Session
The First Steps Course is a structured orientation program designed for new and prospective pilots who want to understand the path to becoming a Private Pilot. It combines expert consultation, a clear training roadmap, and an introductory simulator flight, giving future aviators the knowledge and confidence to begin their journey.
Clear Training Roadmap
Learn exactly what’s required to begin flight training, from medical certificates and ground school to realistic timelines and cost expectations.
Hands-On Simulator Experience
Experience a taste of flight training with an FAA-approved simulator lesson, no prior experience required.
Low Commitment, High Clarity
Before investing in flight hours, gain the essential knowledge to make informed decisions about your pilot journey.
What’s Included
Your Guided Introduction to Flight Training
This course is designed to orient future pilots by reviewing every step of the Private Pilot License journey, from prerequisites and medical exams to ground school, training materials, timelines, and your first simulator flight.
- PPL Prerequisites Overview
- Ground School & Required Materials Guidance
- Introductory Flight Simulator Lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Licensed Pilots Training program?
The Licensed Pilots Training program is designed to help current pilots maintain proficiency, sharpen their avionics knowledge, and advance their aviation careers. Whether you're a weekend flyer or preparing for professional opportunities, our FAA-approved simulator programs provide an efficient and cost-effective way to stay sharp.
This training pathway includes recurrent training, advanced avionics mastery, and scenario-based proficiency courses tailored to your specific goals.
Who is this training for?
This program is ideal for:
- Private, commercial, and ATP-rated pilots wanting to stay proficient
- Instrument-rated pilots maintaining currency
- Rusty pilots looking to refresh their skills before returning to active flying
- Flight instructors and airline candidates preparing for the next career step
What kind of courses are included?
Our curriculum offers focused modules to meet different pilot needs, including:
- Rusty Pilot Refresh: Get back in the cockpit with confidence.
- IPC Accelerator & Instrument Currency: Regain or maintain IFR proficiency efficiently.
- IMC Emergencies: Practice high-risk scenarios safely in the simulator.
- Avionics Mastery: GNS, GTN, Garmin G5, and G1000 focused training.
- Jet Transition & Interview Prep: Prepare for airline interviews and simulator profiles.
- Personalized Training: One-on-one instruction for specific goals.
What makes simulator-based recurrent training better?
Training in our FAA-approved SG-2 flight simulator offers significant advantages over traditional aircraft-only training:
- Lower costs compared to flying hours
- 24/7 availability for solo currency sessions
- Safe environment to train IMC emergencies and complex scenarios
- Ability to pause, repeat, and reposition at any phase of flight
- Faster mastery of avionics and procedures
How does this program help me meet FAA requirements?
Many of our courses directly support FAA regulatory and currency requirements, such as:
- Instrument Currency (14 CFR 61.57)
- IPC completion prep
- Flight Review elements
- FAA WINGS credit for Rusty Pilot Refresh
By completing these modules in the simulator, you reduce your required aircraft time and focus your flight hours on demonstrating proficiency, not practicing basic procedures.
What happens after I complete a course?
Upon completion, pilots typically:
- Schedule a shorter, more efficient flight review or IPC in the aircraft
- Log currency approaches and holds at a fraction of the cost
- Receive documentation and endorsements as appropriate
- Feel more confident and safer in real-world flying
Many pilots also continue with advanced courses, such as Jet Transition & Interview Prep or CFI Accelerator, to progress toward professional goals.
Ready to take the next step?
Let's Get Started Today!
Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, explore new opportunities, or simply have questions, we're here to help. Reach out to us and let's embark on this journey together.
4-Part Introductory Simulator Program
New Pilot Accelerator Course
The New Pilot Accelerator Course (NPAC) is designed for new and prospective pilots ready to go beyond orientation. This 4-part simulator-based program teaches you the essential flight skills you’d normally spend thousands learning in the aircraft, allowing you to start your Private Pilot training with confidence, efficiency, and real savings.
Master the Basics Early
Learn essential flight procedures, like takeoffs, landings, traffic patterns, stall recovery, and radio operations, before ever stepping into an aircraft.
Save Time and Money
Train in the simulator at a fraction of the cost. Students typically save over $1,000 by completing this phase before moving into the aircraft.
Loggable FAA-Approved Time
Earn up to 2.5 loggable hours toward your Private Pilot Certificate in an FAA-approved BATD simulator.
What’s Included
A 4-Part Introductory Flight Training Program
The NPAC is structured to cover the key skills and knowledge areas new pilots need to master. It’s the perfect bridge between the First Steps Course and formal flight training.
- Simulator Familiarization & Basic Flight
- Takeoffs, Landings & Traffic Pattern
- Stall Recovery, Airspace & GPS Navigation
- Radio Operations & EFB Orientation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Licensed Pilots Training program?
The Licensed Pilots Training program is designed to help current pilots maintain proficiency, sharpen their avionics knowledge, and advance their aviation careers. Whether you're a weekend flyer or preparing for professional opportunities, our FAA-approved simulator programs provide an efficient and cost-effective way to stay sharp.
This training pathway includes recurrent training, advanced avionics mastery, and scenario-based proficiency courses tailored to your specific goals.
Who is this training for?
This program is ideal for:
- Private, commercial, and ATP-rated pilots wanting to stay proficient
- Instrument-rated pilots maintaining currency
- Rusty pilots looking to refresh their skills before returning to active flying
- Flight instructors and airline candidates preparing for the next career step
What kind of courses are included?
Our curriculum offers focused modules to meet different pilot needs, including:
- Rusty Pilot Refresh: Get back in the cockpit with confidence.
- IPC Accelerator & Instrument Currency: Regain or maintain IFR proficiency efficiently.
- IMC Emergencies: Practice high-risk scenarios safely in the simulator.
- Avionics Mastery: GNS, GTN, Garmin G5, and G1000 focused training.
- Jet Transition & Interview Prep: Prepare for airline interviews and simulator profiles.
- Personalized Training: One-on-one instruction for specific goals.
What makes simulator-based recurrent training better?
Training in our FAA-approved SG-2 flight simulator offers significant advantages over traditional aircraft-only training:
- Lower costs compared to flying hours
- 24/7 availability for solo currency sessions
- Safe environment to train IMC emergencies and complex scenarios
- Ability to pause, repeat, and reposition at any phase of flight
- Faster mastery of avionics and procedures
How does this program help me meet FAA requirements?
Many of our courses directly support FAA regulatory and currency requirements, such as:
- Instrument Currency (14 CFR 61.57)
- IPC completion prep
- Flight Review elements
- FAA WINGS credit for Rusty Pilot Refresh
By completing these modules in the simulator, you reduce your required aircraft time and focus your flight hours on demonstrating proficiency, not practicing basic procedures.
What happens after I complete a course?
Upon completion, pilots typically:
- Schedule a shorter, more efficient flight review or IPC in the aircraft
- Log currency approaches and holds at a fraction of the cost
- Receive documentation and endorsements as appropriate
- Feel more confident and safer in real-world flying
Many pilots also continue with advanced courses, such as Jet Transition & Interview Prep or CFI Accelerator, to progress toward professional goals.
Accelerated Training Programs
Fly In.
Train Fast.
Fly Home Ready.
Our accelerator programs are built for pilots who want results without long-term local scheduling. Train over consecutive days in FAA-approved simulators and complete your goals efficiently, whether you're staying current or advancing your career. Consecutive-day scheduling, predictable timelines, and simulator reliability make our programs ideal for pilots traveling in for training.
2-3 Days Programs
Accelerated Programs
Complete training in days instead of weeks. Simulator-based instruction reduces total cost while maintaining professional, FAA-approved standards.
Learn More
→2-3 Days Programs
CFI & CFII Accelerators
Ideal for CFI and CFII candidates seeking focused, scenario-based instruction over consecutive days with dedicated instructor support.
Learn More
→2-3 Days Program
IR Accelerator
Achieve your instrument rating efficiently with our focused accelerator program. Train over consecutive days in our FAA-approved.
Learn More
→2 Day Program
IPC Accelerator
Stay instrument current with an IPC Accelerator designed for traveling pilots. Fly in, train over two days, and return home current and confident.
Learn More
→Gift Experiences
Give the Gift of Flight
Join Maryland’s Premier Simulator Flight School
Experience the Future of Pilot Training
Solid Ground Aviation combines FAA-certified simulators, expert instructors, and a cost-effective model to make flight training more accessible than ever. Start today and join a growing community of pilots in Maryland and D.C.
Enroll Now →